Qantas A380 - ridiculous design fault

[Smackbum]

I hope this isn't a repeat because I really thought this would have come up before. Nevertheless my search came up blank so here goes.

I recently flew the Qantas A380 for the first and second time across the Pacific (SYD-LAX, LAX-SYD - 51H both ways). Being long journeys and including night-time segments meant that I had occasion to use the toilets a number of times whilst the cabin lights were dimmed. Each time I found myself trying each door like a newbie because without a torch it is impossible to see if the toilet is occupied. Rather then having a translucent Vacant/Engaged sign which could easily been seen, Qantas have opted for a more subtle approach. Unfortunately this is only helpful when the cabin is fully lit, and even then you have to look carefully.

I would like to know if other AFFers have noticed the same thing and it's not just that my eyesight is going to the dogs. If this is a common complaint has anyone made one to Qantas? ALso are all A380's likely to be the same? I had a return to Singapore about a year ago and didn't notice this, though I was at the back of the downstairs cabin that time so used the rear toilets.

 

[harvyk]

Whilst I've only done one flight on the A380, I certainly don't remember there being any issue finding out if the toilet was occupied or not... It was a night flight (LAX - SYD) and I got up at least once to use the facilities during the flight... (I remember that as I got back to my seat just as we hit turbulence and the seat belt sign came on for the next 20 minutes, and the cabin was very dark at the time bar the seat belt lights)

 

[jsd]

IIRC I have never seen a light around the "occupied" placard of any aircraft, I can't comment about the A380 in general as I have not been on one (someday I will!) but on most QF 737's, 767's etc. there is usually an illuminated sign somewhere around the toilet (roof of bulkhead) showing occupied or vacant status


Josh

 

[FlyboyAl]

I seem to recall the same thing on my last flight, but have not really thought about it until now. I seem to remember pushing each door until it opened as I could not see a vacant/occupied sign in the dark.

 

[PineappleSkip]

Flew A380 LHR-SYD about 12 months ago in W and don't recall any problem. And I am a regular visitor to the toot.

What I can recall is marvelling at the cute light show when you turned on the taps at the sink or pressed the flush button.

Cheers skip

 

[JetLagged]

Have flown the A380 a couple of times now on the SYD-LHR route - hadn't noticed any night-time hassles en-route to the toot. Maybe I just stumbled along half-asleep - at least no screams when I opened a door! Phew!

 

[uzza]

Yep I agree with you! It's a pain to try and see the vacant/occupied sign in the dark with that one purpleish light!

The other thing I noticed is that with the one vacant/occupied light at each end of the cabin for all toilets, often the light was green but people were waiting to use the can - I wish people would have a harder look to find the emply loo!

 

[serfty]

...
The other thing I noticed is that with the one vacant/occupied light at each end of the cabin for all toilets, often the light was green but people were waiting to use the can - I wish people would have a harder look to find the emply loo!

... or actually *latch the door of the cubicle while using it :shock:


*The 'occupied' lights illuminate only when ALL cubicle doors are latched.

 

[simongr]

I didnt have any problems on my night flight to LHR from SYD.

 

[uzza]

... or actually *latch the door of the cubicle while using it :shock:


*The 'occupied' lights illuminate only when ALL cubicle doors are latched.

Exactly!

I reckon they should mention that at the beginning of the flight so that people have a look and check to see if theres one free instead of waiting

 

[Blackadder]

... or actually *latch the door of the cubicle while using it :shock:


*The 'occupied' lights illuminate only when ALL cubicle doors are latched.

If the Pax can't slide the latch across while using the WC they deserved to be walked in on. (of course better when it is a member of the opposite sex, or same sex if you go that way. )

 

[Maca44]

If you don't slide the latch across then the light inside the WC does not come on in any event.

 

[Voyages]

What I find 'interesting' with the design of the A380 is its toilet door (at least in the J toilet upstairs). Most (if not all) flights these days are smoke-free, and for sure Airbus knows about this... BUT the toilet door has a little box for cigarette butts. Fault?!?

 

[milehighclub]

All Qantas aircraft have ashtrays

While it is against the law to smoke, there is a requirement to have them so if someone does light up, there is a safe place to dispose of it.

 

[pandafyed]

While it is against the law to smoke, there is a requirement to have them so if someone does light up, there is a safe place to dispose of it.

That's a bit ridiculous. Do people really still try to smoke on planes?? It feels like that hasn't happened for centuries...

 

[samh004]

That's a bit ridiculous. Do people really still try to smoke on planes?? It feels like that hasn't happened for centuries...

The last major US incident on a plane was to do with a foreign diplomat lighting up in the toilet. They thought he was a terrorist and it all went bad, but it happens a lot.

 

[pandafyed]

The last major US incident on a plane was to do with a foreign diplomat lighting up in the toilet. They thought he was a terrorist and it all went bad, but it happens a lot.

Hmm, nothing exciting ever happens on my flights...

 

[oz_mark]

Hmm, nothing exciting ever happens on my flights...

The way it should be.

 

[cove]

I could not run my RESMED sleep machine on the A380 in Qantas First as there is no plug in point for it.
I was surprised about this design omission.
On the 747 they run a cord to Seat 4A.

 

[harvyk]

Hmm, nothing exciting ever happens on my flights...

The most exciting thing I've had is a missed approach... You don't really get to feel the real power of a 737's engines until the pilot hits the TOGA (Go Around) button and pulls back on the yoke - hard... It's the only time I have truely felt G forces in a plane... (Nothing uncomfortable, and if I wasn't running so late I'd have enjoyed the experience a lot more)