During high-altitude turbulence, how should a passenger's request to use a lavatory be handled?

• A. Lock lavatories until turbulence ends
• B. Deny any lavatory use during turbulence
• C. Allow only if safe; usually advise to remain seated until turbulence subsides; inform cockpit if needed
• D. Allow immediate use without caution

Answer: (C)

In high-altitude turbulence, the priority is keeping passengers safe by minimizing unrestrained movement. Lavatories become hazardous if you’re moving around during a jolt, so use is allowed only when it’s safe and the crew has determined that turbulence has subsided enough for a controlled movement. The usual action is to have the passenger stay seated with the seat belt fastened, and if lavatory use is necessary, the flight attendant assesses safety and may inform the cockpit to confirm it’s okay to proceed. This approach avoids unnecessary restriction while preventing injuries from unexpected motions. Locking lavatories or denying use entirely would create needless inconvenience or unsafe situations, and allowing immediate use without caution ignores the risks posed by turbulence.