Flush before you fly: Japanese airline asks passengers to 'empty bladders' before take-off

By Sarah Gordon

Last updated at 11:41 AM on 06th October 2009

A Japanese airline has embraced a controversial new method of reducing aircraft weight - by asking passengers to spend a penny before boarding.

All Nippon Airways has announced that 'loo monitors' will be positioned by the boarding gates in terminals to ask waiting passengers to use the toilets before entering the aircraft.

The airline believes that empty bladders will equal lighter passengers and therefore, a reduction in carbon emissions.

In fact, it believes the weight saved could lead to a five-tonne reduction in carbon emissions over the course of a month, according to Japan’s NHK television station.

All Nippon Airways brought in the controversial policy on October 1 as a month-long experiment.

However, it may expand the trial if it is successful and well-received by passengers.

TravelMail put the money-saving idea to Ryanair, an airline renowned for its cost-cutting measures.

'We have actually been looking at removing two of the toilets on board in favour of one coin-operated cubicle, and encouraging people to use the toilets in the terminal before boarding,' explains spokesman Stephen McNamara .

Controversial new aircraft design puts passengers face-to-face in rows
Crocodile attacks tourist answering 'call of nature' in Cancun, Mexico
One in ten people unhappy with the standards of hygiene in British hotels

'So perhaps the airline got the "go before you go" idea from us. Our idea to will allow us to ultimately put more seats on each plane and charge a lower fare.'

The unusual bid to reduce weight on board is the latest in a long list of cost-cutting measures used by different airlines.

As well as coin-operated toilets, Ryanair is removing check-in desks and has discussed the idea of offering standing room on flights.

Australia's budget carrier Jetstar is also asking passengers to print out their own luggage tags.