The one time economy passengers can use the business class bathrooms, flight attendant reveals
A flight attendant has revealed the one reason economy passengers are allowed past the curtain and into premium economy or business class to use the bathrooms.
And no, it's not when the line in economy is too long.
"[It's allowed] only in emergency situations," Philippine Airlines Cabin Services Manager Vivien Therese Santiago tells 9Travel.
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There's one reason economy passengers will be allowed past the curtain and into business class to use the bathrooms. Getty
But some airlines are willing to bend the rules from time to time.
"At PAL, we allow exceptions for elderly, pregnant, disabled passengers, and children. Even then, business class passengers are prioritized before we permit access," she reveals.
Vivien graduated with a degree in mathematics and never planned on becoming a flight attendant but fell in love with the job when she landed it back in 1986.
"One Sunday evening, I saw an advertisement on TV and mailed my application the very next day, thinking it would be a stepping stone toward a corporate career aligned with my course," she says.
Now, she's been with Philippine Airlines for almost 40 years and knows just about everything about the in-flight experience.
From the myths travellers need to stop believing to the common mistakes passengers still make.
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Vivien Therese Santiago (left) has been a cabin crew member with Philippine Airlines since 1986. Supplied
Like standing up too early when a plane lands, no matter how many times they're told to wait.
"It's a safety risk," she tells us, and yes - that includes while the aircraft is taxiing to a gate.
Another safety mistake passengers make too often is trying to move out of their assigned seats before take-off.
This is highly discouraged as it can affect aircraft weight and balance considerations, which Vivien says are "critical for safety".
Speaking of seat allocations, there's one common myth many travellers believe which can now officially be dispelled.
Some long-haul travellers (especially couples) insist that booking the window and aisle seat but leaving the middle seat empty will help them get the row to themselves.
Many believe other travellers won't want to book a middle seat, so the spot between them will stay empty and they'll get to stretch out.
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Don't think that leaving the middle seat empty will guarantee you a row to yourself. Getty
But there's really no hack that can guarantee you a row to yourself on a long flight.
"PAL offers a 'neighbour-free seat' option, allowing passengers to purchase adjacent seats for extra space and comfort," Vivien says.
But if you don't pay for a free seat next to you, it's likely to be automatically filled by the airline's booking system, especially if it's a busy route.
There is, however, a way to guarantee you get the in-flight meal you want - within reason.
Most airlines offer dietary required meal types that can be pre-booked before flying, including gluten-free meals, dairy-free meals, and many vegetarian options.
If you're not willing to risk missing out on choosing your dinner, Vivien says this is your best bet.
"Another common misconception – especially among female passengers – is expecting cabin crew to carry and stow their hand-carried luggage," Vivien explains.
"While we're always ready to assist, passengers are responsible for managing their own belongings."
Don't assume that cabin crew will carry and stow your hand-carried luggage for you. Getty
That includes remembering to take their belongings with them when they disembark.
Vivien has found plenty of personal items left behind on aircraft in her time as a flight attendant, but one particular discovery definitely takes the cake.
"Once, I found a paper bag under a seat filled with cash," she reveals. "It was definitely one of the most surprising discoveries!"
Her last tip is to do with layovers, which most Aussies travelling to the US, Europe and even parts of Asia have experienced.
If you have the option, Vivien always recommends transiting through Singapore.
Not only is it a great, central layover point for all sorts of routes, she describes Singapore Changi Airport as "a mini city with shops, great food, lush greenery, and even waterfalls".
"It's a destination in itself," Vivien shares.
