Patent attributes
The present invention is an apparatus, system, and method for providing reservations for lavatory use in airplanes. In one embodiment, a passenger on an airplane may submit a lavatory reservation request to the system. The reservation system assigns an access code to the passenger making the lavatory reservation request. The reservation system reserves a lavatory for a passenger when his or her request can be accommodated according to set of rules; and notifies the passenger when a lavatory has been reserved for him or her. Passengers are required to enter their assigned access code into the reservation system when it is their turn to use a lavatory. An input means is provided at lavatory doors for this purpose. Each lavatory door has a lock with means to restrict access to the lavatory only to authorized passengers with a valid access code; and only when it is a passenger's turn to use the lavatory. The system improves airline safety; passenger convenience and passenger comfort by minimizing the time passengers spend standing outside a lavatory while an airplane is in flight. The present invention can also be used in other forms of public transport such as trains, buses, boats etc.; and at places of public gathering with limited lavatory availability such as theaters, restaurants, stadiums etc.
