Imagine you’re chilling on a flight from Madrid to Dallas, and suddenly you realize the bathroom situation is literally a no-go. That was the reality for passengers on American Airlines flight 37 on October 6. The vibe was off from the jump when a mechanical issue knocked out six out of the eight lavatories on the plane.
Real talk: being stuck on an international flight with only two working restrooms is a major L. Air traffic control even had to double-check the situation with the pilots, asking, “You said only two potties, is that right?” The pilots confirmed it, and the decision was made to divert the plane to New York’s JFK Airport.
An American Airlines spokesperson confirmed the flight landed safely and had to undergo a maintenance check before finally heading to its original destination.
Why it matters
It might sound like a joke, but aviation experts say this was a necessary call. Between the hygiene issues and the potential for massive lines clogging the aisles—which can mess with safety protocols—the pilots had to prioritize passenger comfort. Plus, since they were heading to the U.S., they needed to land at a gateway airport with customs to get the plane back in service, so JFK was the move. It’s a vivid reminder that when it comes to long-haul travel, working plumbing is the real MVP.
