This was the panic-inducing reality for one SpiceJet passenger at the beginning of last year, who was crossing Indian cities from Mumbai to Bengaluru at the time of his pongy ordeal.
According to The Indian Express, an unnamed gentleman became trapped during this 105-minute flight after relieving himself post-takeoff.
This was apparently down to a faulty locking mechanism.
Indian airline SpiceJet released a statement in the aftermath, which confirmed: “A passenger unfortunately got stuck inside the lavatory for about an hour.”
Efforts from his fellow passengers and staff members to break in were of no use in the end, but the cabin crew did take it upon themselves to scribble down a note of support and slide it under the stubborn door.
“Sir we tried our best to open the door, however, we could not open,” it read.
“Do not panic. We are landing in a few minutes, so please close the commode lid and sit on it and secure yourself. As soon as the main door is open, an engineer will come.”
How very thoughtful of them.
A note written by the cabin crew (X/@Bildagentur-online)
In a clip from the event posted on Press Trust of India’s X channel, the loo-dweller appears fully calm while filming himself in the mirror and attempting to get out.
SpiceJet’s statement concluded: “SpiceJet regrets and apologises for the inconvenience caused to the passenger. The passenger is being provided a full refund.”
The flyer in question was reportedly saved from the toilet immediately after the plane landed in Bengaluru, with a pair of engineers working their magic on the door.
This might make you think twice before you enter a plane toilet (Getty Stock Image)
He later recounted his experience during an interview with The Times of India.
“During landing, I was thrown around and suffered injuries. It took 20 minutes for someone to start breaking open the door. When I came out, I had bruises and my vision was blurred for a while,” the man shared.
“But I received no medical help even after coming out of the loo. I got a bottle of water and barrage of apologies from SpiceJet.”
Conversely, the company informed the publication that the crew ‘provided assistance and guidance to the passenger. Upon arrival, an engineer opened the lavatory door and the passenger received immediate medical support’.
That’s certainly one to tell the grandkids!
