Poll Shows Readers Might Ignore Seatbelt Sign Under Bladder Stress

Going to the bathroom has never been so contentious. In recent weeks, passengers have clashed with airline employees over when to use the lavatory (you may remember the man who was kicked off a Delta flight for inappropriate use of the facility) and how to relieve oneself (there are conflicting reports about the woman who claimed a flight attendant on a United flight made her pee in a cup). We asked you, our readers, what you would do if you had to use the bathroom when the seatbelt sign was on.

Several thousand people voted. The results of that reader poll show one winning response: it depends.

Most TPG readers (2,797 votes) answered that if the seatbelt sign were on, it would depend if they got up to use the restroom. More than 70% of respondents said that they'd prefer not to go to the lav while the seatbelt sign is on, but if the plane were airborne and the pilots hadn't turned the light off for awhile, they'd consider going anyway. Such rebels!

The second most popular response (635 votes) indicated that 16% of readers would go when they gotta go, regardless of the seatbelt sign status. The least popular choice (528 votes) suggests that 13.3% of respondents flat-out wouldn't go to the bathroom if the fasten seatbelt sign were illuminated.

While the poll is officially closed, we're eager to hear why you personally chose what you did. Share your opinions in the comments below.