ANA Brings Women Only Bathrooms

Posted by: Justin Bachman on February 23, 2010

All Nippon Airways is unveiling lavatories for women only March 1 on international flights aboard larger aircraft. The Japanese carrier said Tuesday the change comes “following numerous requests from passengers for this service.” One can easily surmise that men, turbulence and tiny restrooms create an unpleasant combination for travelers — especially on long flights.

Before its demise in May 2008, British premium airline Silverjet had lavatories that were designated for women only. It even advertised the offering with a highly suggestive, immensely memorable television commercial.

The one-sex bathrooms won’t be offered on smaller planes flying internationally, A320s and 737s. ANA says the women-only rule will be rescinded when a male passenger is sick “and a personal emergency requires such use” and when a flight has very few women and the designation is lifted on that flight.

Reader Comments

Meaghan

February 23, 2010 04:06 PM

Very interesting that ANA is adding this feature to flights. My client, Brazil's GOL, has offered a women's-only in-flight restroom since 2004. Anyone know other airlines that offer this service?

the2planker

February 23, 2010 06:25 PM

I don't know any other airlines currently offering this service but I wouldn't be surprised if the middle east airlines started. A fact that many don't know is that my client, Emirates Airline, has two showers on its A380s for First Class passengers. The showers are not designated as men or women only.

Mike R

February 23, 2010 11:53 PM

Being a guy, I will not fly ANA, JAL, Korean, GOL, or anyone else who has these kind of sexist policies as long as there continues to be an alternative, and I hope there will be. I can't believe the men involved in making these decisions, even if it is just one, don't speak up or think about how they are disadvantaging their own sex by allowing this to happen. Some girls are disgusting as well just like some guys are neat and especially allowing girls to use both their own and all the rest and restricting guys is highly unfair. Stop seeking special treatment all the time and lets start working towards some real equality. Thanks. This reverse-sexism from so many women these days is disgusting.

John

March 4, 2010 12:55 PM

Make the toilets larger, or have a urinal option for men

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BusinessWeek editor Justin Bachman provides road warriors with the latest news, trends in business travel, which as most readers are aware, has all the romance of taking a school bus cross country. Come here to pick up travel news and tips or just commiserate about your latest business trip gone awry.

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