I flew a lot on Lufthansa's A340-600. Always enjoyed that toilet solution, they were more spacious than normal and the stairs could be used for some exercise on long haul flights. I never once saw a flight attendant downstairs "assisting" passengers, they would only tell you not to stand on the stairs. It was also nicer for passengers above because there were less people waiting in the aisle and no flushing noises. All in all, it was a pretty nice idea.
I've had the pleasure twice and was instantly fascinated by the elegance of this solution. I did see a flight attendant maning the downstairs galley, though not for the entire flight (FRA-BOG). Airlines should copy this idea, it makes for a much more comfortable flight experience.
The flight attendant in the lower deck area used to work in the galley (that galley was converted into a new crew rest area couple of years ago, therefore creating more cargo capacity). She or he was not on ‘lavatory duty’. Regular checks of the lavatory systems used to be performed throughout the flight. Also if a passenger needed (e.g. medical) assistance. In the video that was a little misleading. I will miss my 346... Thx a lot, Corona!!!
I used it regularly in between Munich and Riyadh. This plane was my favorite. Especially on private flights. At eco class, sometimes whole benches was empty. So I put the armrests up and could sleep perfect during this ~6hours flight. And as someone mentioned before,the restrooms was spacious. And many restrooms! No hustle to shave prior one hour prior landing.
yeah a pitty that the economics just aren't good enough... Who would also support Airbus if they were to build a "twin enginge 340-600"? Btw what the hell, excercising on a long haul flight? what about the sweating and stuff?... Isn't that really uncomfortable afterwards?
I was 11 years old when I flew Lufthansa from Vancouver to Frankfurt. It was one of my earliest memories of international travel, and it really set the standard in my mind for how planes were laid out. All my life, I continued to travel internationally expecting to see another plane with downstairs lavatories. I'm so surprised to learn today that it was only really Lufthansa that used this layout! Very grateful that I got to experience it :)
Whoa! When I was younger i did the exact same route! First plane I ever flew on! Beautiful aircraft, makes me cry (metaphorically) when I see photos of these beauties in scrapyards. Love them though! Downstairs lavatories were definitely unique and something I remember. Cheers from Vancouver!
Flew it from Frankfurt to Toronto. At 6'3" I was delighted with the downstairs washrooms. I could stand up in them!!!!! Unlike the 737 washrooms where a person of my height has to back in and sit to pee this was a refreshing difference. Also, they were kept very clean and fresh throughout the flight and one didn't get that "Bathroom Smell" close to the galleys on other aircraft. Super idea!
Same for me! Although I always sit down for peeing on planes in order to avoid making a mess in case of sudden turbulence and I think every man should :)
I flew aboard one in 2012, on a high school trip. Me and my friend were quite fascinated by these downstairs toilets, the first time either of us had ever seen stairs aboard a plane (I've never been on a 747 or A380, at this point it looks like most likely I never will). Overall very impressive aircraft, great service, food, and so on, Lufthansa puts to shame any US carrier. Only complaint was that the tray table latches didn't work, I ended up duct taping them closed. Very memorable flight, not only for the aircraft but because I fell madly in love with the aforementioned friend during the flight, despite knowing she was major trouble. Call that one a "learning experience." Not about the aircraft itself, but I'll always associate the A340-600 with that.
@@ScaryAppul-114 Yeah, I went to a somewhat weird school, they did one international trip per year - that one was to Eastern Europe, meaning Germany (Dresden), Hungary, Czech Republic, and Poland.
@@ScaryAppul-114 It's a fairly common thing in Europe at the high school level. And it's not even a rich kids thing. I went to secondary school in Ireland for two years and they went to Paris one year and then Madrid (or Barcelona?) the next.
I've pooped upstairs on a 747 and A380, I've even pooped in the center LAV in the very back of an L1011 where engine #2 is essentially behind you while you're doing a #2 -- but never in the basement of an A340 ** LIFE GOALS **
@@snackler6102 The L1011 was what really cemented my love for commercial jets. They felt so big inside. I've only been on one 3 times but very memorable. The L10 makes a very unique noise when the engines spool up, no other aircraft sounded like that. The last time I flew on an L1011 was 1994.
Yes I did fly the A340 600 of Lufthansa. And the downstairs toilets are pretty funny. Going down the stairs is avery different feeling compared to other aircrafts. Anyways I love the A340 600. A beautiful quad engine jet.
... and if you've just tuned in, we're talking about things that definitely NEVER happened.... Next up, he was the nation's favourite in '97 before things took a downward turn in 1998 - President Clinton talks about his period of abstinence around that time.
@@77l96 I get your point. What I forgot to say is that I meant it as in when talking about huge planes, it's always as if the 747 and A380 are the only huge planes, when for example the A340 colossal too.
Yes, I flew on that particular Lufthansa model several times. Interestingly, the doorway from the passenger deck to the lavatory stair pivots into a closed position when landing. Once airborne, it rotates and opens up. I like this configuration very much. It gets a significant number of passengers out of the aisles while they wait for the lavatory. Also, the smells are mostly confined to that area.
I flew both Lufthansa and Jet Airways’ -600s. It was quite a treat to be able to up and down the stairs like when I used to fly on the 747 as a UNM when I was a kid going to boarding school unaccompanied. Aaaah memories.
I flew with an A340 since I was 7 months old From Guarulhos to Munich every 6 months . Up until I got 6 Years old , and because my Father traveled for work and I saw my Austrian Family , I always flew business , but I remember always wanting to skip the Bn bathroom just to go down , A340 was Iconic for me , one of the most comfortable planes ever ...
I flew on one of these a while back, it was so weird, honestly for a while I thought it was just some weird dream I had. Guess this video confirms it was real 😂😂
In 2015, I also flew on the Lufthansa A340-600. I was so surprised that the toilets were downstairs, it felt so weird. It was almost like flying on an A380.
I flew the Lufthansa A340-600 between Los Angeles and Munich several years ago, with my mother. She fell asleep during the safety demonstration, so I had to brief her on how to use the lavatory; the safety rules include NOT waiting on the stairs, using the grab handles next to lavatory doors after putting on the oxygen mask (for the emergency descent), and in general not being downstairs any longer than necessary. The other thing I remember is the super-long takeoff run. Nice ride in any case, even though I prefer the Boeing 777.
Wonderful flight from Munich to San Francisco. These toilets are a major contribution for the comfort on board. The area is spacious with this fruit and drink bar. You never wait and avoid the “normal “ chaos and odors and noise around the toilets in other planes. A great idea, making this LH flight one of my favorites ever. Beautiful plane too.
I’ve been on this variant a few times (YVR - FRA) before they went to the 747-4 (with reduced COVID travel are now using 330). It’s a loooong plane. I thought the washrooms in the hold was a great idea. They even had a small self serve area for beverages & cookies. Very seldom had a line up with the amount of washrooms down there. Great idea.
In September 2018 i flew from San Francisco to Munich with a Lufthansa A340. I wasn’t aware if these downstairs lavatories before the flight but was absolutely delighted as I saw them. Their space is a bit larger than on the same-level-lavatories meaning you don’t have to feel like in a pigsty.
My wife and I flew on a LH A340-600 from MUC to LAX back in 2013. Downstairs lavatories were weird at first but practical. Great opportunity to stretch our legs during the long flight.
I rode one of these A340-600 and did not know about a below-deck area. I was also sitting near the stairs and once I asked the Flight Attendant what is was, I went down and explored. Wow! I had never seen anything like that, and I fly a lot for work. Not only did this allow for aisles to be less crowded, but I could stand down there on the long flight and stretch my legs. As for a Flight Attendant down there? Not once did I see that, but they had cups and cold water and, best of all, some SPACE! Overall, a great concept and experience.
Lufthansa's A340-600 was the plane I boarded on the way back from the United States (my first-ever trip abroad). I was really surprised to see the toilet downstairs but they were better than the ones found on many other aircraft--more spacious...
A friend of mine used to be a flight attendant, and she once said that, on the 340, the most inexperienced member of the cabin crew would be "banished to the basement", because being down there for hours apparently kinda sucked.
Loved the downstairs bathrooms, spacious, no hanging around in the aisle blocking attendants etc. A340 is my favorite if I fly economy. Sad to see it go. Great airplane.
I flew on a Lufthansa A330 (?) back in 2004, from SFO to Paris, and this aircraft had downstairs toilets. It was wonderful having the toilets downstairs, specifically because there was no line that formed up in the cabin, where idiots would talk and make noise while others tried to sleep...! Anyone who has flown a redeye from the US to Europe knows what I am talking about; passengers lose time going from west-to-east, so it is important to get to sleep as soon as possible, Idiots who lined-up for the toilet in aircraft that had the lavs in the cabin have little regard for their fellow passengers, who are trying to sleep...that's why downstairs lavs are so excellent.
I flew Lufthansa's A340 600 from Munich to JFK a few years ago and was pleasantly surprised by the downstairs toilets. They allow for more space in that area and offered a further sense of privacy. Loved it!
Many years ago I flew with my family to Canada from the UK with Air Transat on an A34. It had the toilets in the hold just like the configuration in the video. It seemed like a good idea to open up space in the cabin. I could see it as a challenge for elderly passengers and parents with young children or babies.
I didn’t fly on one, but my wife did. She told me the lavatories were downstairs, and I said no way, that’s not possible - the last aircraft I remember with lavatories down below was the L-1011, and actually I wasn’t even sure if it had lavatories or just a galley. I’m the aircraft geek in the family, and here she was telling me something I didn’t know. I had to look it up online, and I’ll be damned she was right! Love the TWA L-1011 footage you included - got to fly on that plane quite a lot. Miss it.
Yep. I flown on that plane a couple times. I've used the downstairs restrooms, because that's the only restrooms I was aware of from my seat. Good idea. There are plenty of restrooms down there, so no line. Other airlines should do the same.
The Singapore A340-500 that did SIN-EWR also had downstairs bathrooms. because of weight limitations, they couldn't use space for cargo, so they put bathtrooms downstairsto make more space for business class seats upstairs. It also provided some exercise to passengers during the 18 hour flight. It also had a cooled morgue to store a dead passenger in case.
Flew the LH A340-600 on the SFO-MUC-SFO route a few years ago. I am not a big fan of visiting the WC while onboard an aircraft but on such a long flight there is little choice. I will always remember that the downstairs toilets were big and spacious for airline WCs.
The airlines in Europe are pretty cavalier about putting passengers on stairs, whether it's boarding stairs or stairs to the toilet. It's pretty rare for any accommodation to require stairs in the US.
This is the best plane I've ever flown on! So quiet and peaceful when everyone goes down to use the toilet and doesn't stand around in the isles. Also, such a great feeling to walk down there and stretch your legs by going up and down stairs. EVERY PLANE SHOULD BE LIKE THIS
I flew in the Lufthansa A340-600. The downstairs toilets are a really useful and make the journey alot quieter for the persons sitting around the toilet area. When I flew the Lufthansa A380 I sat near the Lavatories and it was very annoying with people stepping on my foot, and loud talking. I think more airplanes should come in this configuration...
Im a mechanic at Lufthansa and can tell you that they removed the lower galley by the lavatory and moved it onto the main deck back in 2016. They had placed the Cabin Crew Rest there next to the Lavatories.
How did they manage to give people headroom in those toilet and galley units? I dismantle aircraft and in the A330/340 cargo bay i (1.78m) can not stand up straight without hitting my head on the ceiling liner, whichs hangs from the cabin floow beams... Did they modify the structure somehow?
I was on a flight from Munich to Hong Kong a few years back. It was a lot of passengers onboard, and the air was terrible, however, the air was a lot better at the toilet floor than the cabin. From that they on, my favorite seat on the a340 is the toilet.
I flew in the a340 from Frankfurt to Boston in 2015 and man that was a great experience. It's the biggest plane I've been on to this day. The lavatories where spacious and you have more room to move in the hallway between the lavatories. It was the best lufthansa flight I've ever been on.
I have flown on this aircraft many of times on route from Munich to LAX. The steps are steep,but its is- Lufthansa and cabin crew are at hand. The width of the steps allows a flow of passengers to an almost passing. The space is aka meeting point for most of the economy class passengers and staircase provides an exercise platform during the long flight. Loved the concept and far more an integral part of flying. Happy to have been a part of this iconic aircaft history .
Flew once with it, and this big toilet space impressed me, at that moment I didn't remember exact aircraft type, I new only that it was some wide body Airbus. Many years later (now) I remembered that moment because all other aircraft's that I flew didn't had that configuration, so I ended on search "Airbus with downstairs lavatory" and I ended here.
Die Kabinenbesatzung in bezeichneten das Flugzeug intern als die Galeere. Als ein geheiratete kann ich das natürlich nicht bestätigen, ich fande das Flugzeug einfach immer nur geil. Ist auch im Cockpit sehr schön, es rumpelt ganz ordentlich, wenn die Maschine mit der Beladung auf eine ultralangen Strecke geht. Und wie sagen die Fluglotsen in Frankfurt immer so schön? Die Maschine hat nur wegen der Erdkrümmung ab. Die Steigrateist wirklich etwas Blut arm, am Anfang…
Would be nice to have a section where pets that are too large to be in-cabin can be checked on. If there is room for lavs and a galley there would certainly be space to hold a couple pet crates. This would become pet owner's favorite plane.
I have flown only once with Lufthansa, and it was on an A340-600 last year from BOS to MUC. My seat was next to the cargo hold lavatories as well! Those stairs had a huge presence in the cabin, and the lavatories area was pretty spacious!
My first international flight was on a Lufthansa A340-600, from São Paulo to Munich. I found it really interesting that the toilets were located downstairs. It was a very comfortable plane, best economy seats I've flown to this day.
The downstairs toilets are the BEST thing ever for economy pax. Never really wait for a toilet because they're all in one place. Also, no flushing noises for the rows near the toilet as in other planes. It's very very very convenient.
I've used the downstairs lav onboard Lufthansa's A340-600 from EDDL - KJFK. I actually really like the idea. One doesn't have the smell of another passenger's dump, right next to you.
Yes. I have flown with the A340-600 with Lufthansa from Frankfurt to Chicago in 2007. And yes, I had to use the lavatory located downstairs. I think it’s nice with the lavatory downstairs.
I flew on one from London Heathrow to LAX back in 2002, returning home from a French business trip. We were in 1st class however and did not know about the downstairs restrooms in coach. It was a wonderful plane however, although at the time I was disappointed that we weren't in a 747.
I flew from Manchester to Las Vegas with Airtours and used the downstairs toilets. There was even a space for a couch / padded bench and it was nice to just to hang out. Well as nice as possible hanging outside toilets can be I guess.
Take a look at the schematic at 1:05. There are toilets on the main deck in business/first class. I’m sure people with mobility issues would’ve been allowed to use those rather than going downstairs.
I took a flight back in 2002 with my family from London UK to Jamaica and the plane had about six down stairs toilets, it was cool they did have two or three up stairs for older or disabled people to use.
Yes and yes!! It’s so cool! It was this year only.. when I asked the flight attendant for toilets and he pointed me to go downstairs I was like whoa!! 😀
That's such a great idea, as I'm sure another row or two of seats would make more revenue than an extra pallet or two of cargo. Mainly though its so much nicer for people flying long haul, don't have the smells, people waiting in the aisles, the bathroom can be a bit bigger/nicer.
Well - Balair, the Subsidiary Charter Airlines of Swissair hada a simular arrangement. It was a DC10 from McDonnell Douglas - placing in service back in 1979 (+- 1 year). The galley for the Y-Clas was downstairs. The access was ensured with 2 elevators - one of them for trollies only, one of them was big enough to take a person. As it was a charter flight, thes hade very few cargo shipment. With ths arrangement, they could add additional seats on the main deck for the Y-Class.
The first layout with toilets on Airbus aircraft was a design for Airtours ( UK Airline) . They were keen to add ore seats on A330 so placed the loo downstairs . Airbus must have thought this a good idea
Never knew that A340-600 can have a downstairs toilet. I have flown on the 300 variant back in 1997 an Air Mauritius A340-300 and 2011-2014 was on Emirates A340-500 variant. Nice aircraft, memorable flight. Wish I could have gotten the chance to fly the 600 variant but with airlines dismissing quad engine jets, I doubt that I will ever get the chance. Though I have been privileged to see a 600 variant for Qatar Airways Amiri at the airport. Its really is a great looking aircraft.
Well I've flown on one of these. I did not get any assistance from any flight attendant while downstairs. However, my girlfriend did go down to assist me. All in all it was a very pleasant flight.
I flew on the -300 variant from SAN to FRA on the inaugural flight and the -300 also had the bathrooms downstairs. It's a really cool and unique feature.
I never knew about this. I'm sure I'm not the only one here that would love to fly on an A340-600 just for this. There's just something about double-decker aircraft cabins that I find appealing, even if it's just to use the toilet.
Yes, the first time I flew with LH A340-600 was from FRA to DTW in summer 2014 and I remember that I was pretty surprised when I had to go downstairs for the toilet.
I've done the loadaheet for these aircraft. Problem was the forward hold was so big (8 big pallets) and the rear hold so small (1 big pallet and 2 small containers) it was diffcult to get a good trim and the airplane usually flew nose heavy unless cargo dept had some really low density cargo. The rear hold space was used for the toilets, a galley and the crew rest.. which took up space but didn't weigh much.
I flew on LH's D-AIHE back in 2013. It was a nice surprise for me to have those downstair toilets for several reasons: We didn't block the aisle nor bother seated passengers with noises, shiny lights and/or ordors. Also, we could use the next available toilet that in other circumstances could have been located in the opposite side of the aircraft, thereby the waiting time was lower. From the passenger perspective, it was a very atractive plus. Perhaps from the accounting perspective that less cargo space wasn't very attractive.
I flew a lot on Lufthansa's A340-600. Always enjoyed that toilet solution, they were more spacious than normal and the stairs could be used for some exercise on long haul flights. I never once saw a flight attendant downstairs "assisting" passengers, they would only tell you not to stand on the stairs. It was also nicer for passengers above because there were less people waiting in the aisle and no flushing noises. All in all, it was a pretty nice idea.
I've had the pleasure twice and was instantly fascinated by the elegance of this solution. I did see a flight attendant maning the downstairs galley, though not for the entire flight (FRA-BOG). Airlines should copy this idea, it makes for a much more comfortable flight experience.
The flight attendant in the lower deck area used to work in the galley (that galley was converted into a new crew rest area couple of years ago, therefore creating more cargo capacity). She or he was not on ‘lavatory duty’. Regular checks of the lavatory systems used to be performed throughout the flight. Also if a passenger needed (e.g. medical) assistance. In the video that was a little misleading. I will miss my 346... Thx a lot, Corona!!!
My best flight experiences where on board an A340-600 HGW. Such a great machine, shame that airlines preferred the 777 (it is too loud)
I used it regularly in between Munich and Riyadh. This plane was my favorite. Especially on private flights. At eco class, sometimes whole benches was empty. So I put the armrests up and could sleep perfect during this ~6hours flight. And as someone mentioned before,the restrooms was spacious. And many restrooms! No hustle to shave prior one hour prior landing.
yeah a pitty that the economics just aren't good enough... Who would also support Airbus if they were to build a "twin enginge 340-600"? Btw what the hell, excercising on a long haul flight? what about the sweating and stuff?... Isn't that really uncomfortable afterwards?
I was 11 years old when I flew Lufthansa from Vancouver to Frankfurt. It was one of my earliest memories of international travel, and it really set the standard in my mind for how planes were laid out. All my life, I continued to travel internationally expecting to see another plane with downstairs lavatories. I'm so surprised to learn today that it was only really Lufthansa that used this layout! Very grateful that I got to experience it :)
Whoa! When I was younger i did the exact same route! First plane I ever flew on! Beautiful aircraft, makes me cry (metaphorically) when I see photos of these beauties in scrapyards. Love them though! Downstairs lavatories were definitely unique and something I remember. Cheers from Vancouver!
Thanks Simple Flying for not having a billion ads, Patreon begging or sponsorship interruptions. You've fast become my only aviation channel.
Thanks for the feedback! - TB
So true.
However, creator makes less money this way though. Should at least set up Patreon account.
yes creators shouldn’t use any means to get money from the work they produce. we as viewers deserve this.
@@SimpleFlyingNews thanks for this explanation, do you know if the other Lufthansa A340 series also have wcs in lower deck???
The A340 is simply one of the most majestic aircraft ever built.
Congratulations 🎉👏 of being the top comment 👍😁 (as of now 😈)
@@itstomatogear6806 YO CAN YOU STOP. Its getting really annoying
Ever seen an A340-200/300 take off? Nothing majestic about that lol.
Andrew Baumgartner ok and who asked
Concorde *shows up*
Flew it from Frankfurt to Toronto. At 6'3" I was delighted with the downstairs washrooms. I could stand up in them!!!!! Unlike the 737 washrooms where a person of my height has to back in and sit to pee this was a refreshing difference. Also, they were kept very clean and fresh throughout the flight and one didn't get that "Bathroom Smell" close to the galleys on other aircraft. Super idea!
Same for me! Although I always sit down for peeing on planes in order to avoid making a mess in case of sudden turbulence and I think every man should :)
Try being 6’6”.
Comparing a widebody long-haul aircraft to a short hall narrow body Isn’t a good comparison
So you are the douchebag that pees on the toilet seat in each flight
Have you ever been on Embraer😳😳😂
Thomas Cook had them in their A330 when I flew from SFO to MAN in June 2019.
can confirm this i pooped in them toilets!
Yes, I flew it August 2018, can confirm
I flew a Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia from ARN to TFS i January and I can confirm they had downstairs bathrooms :)
They also had 3-3-3 configuration just to squeeze more people, pardon more self loading cargo, in it.
The boarding lounge sounds like a nice addition, as well as Japanese style sleeping pods (lax to lhr 👍 )
I flew aboard one in 2012, on a high school trip. Me and my friend were quite fascinated by these downstairs toilets, the first time either of us had ever seen stairs aboard a plane (I've never been on a 747 or A380, at this point it looks like most likely I never will). Overall very impressive aircraft, great service, food, and so on, Lufthansa puts to shame any US carrier. Only complaint was that the tray table latches didn't work, I ended up duct taping them closed. Very memorable flight, not only for the aircraft but because I fell madly in love with the aforementioned friend during the flight, despite knowing she was major trouble. Call that one a "learning experience." Not about the aircraft itself, but I'll always associate the A340-600 with that.
Bro you flew on a plane for a school trip?
@@ScaryAppul-114 Yeah, I went to a somewhat weird school, they did one international trip per year - that one was to Eastern Europe, meaning Germany (Dresden), Hungary, Czech Republic, and Poland.
@@quillmaurer6563 damn
Mile high club? Lol
@@ScaryAppul-114 It's a fairly common thing in Europe at the high school level. And it's not even a rich kids thing. I went to secondary school in Ireland for two years and they went to Paris one year and then Madrid (or Barcelona?) the next.
I've pooped upstairs on a 747 and A380, I've even pooped in the center LAV in the very back of an L1011 where engine #2 is essentially behind you while you're doing a #2 -- but never in the basement of an A340 ** LIFE GOALS **
Lufthansa and Iberia have retired their A340-600s.
@@snackler6102 The L1011 was what really cemented my love for commercial jets. They felt so big inside. I've only been on one 3 times but very memorable. The L10 makes a very unique noise when the engines spool up, no other aircraft sounded like that. The last time I flew on an L1011 was 1994.
Why not using the cargo hold for passengers? You could stack them like sardines!
No exits so therefore illegal.
@@extrude22 How about the cargo bay doors? Just push them out with a snow shovel.
Shhh. Ryan Air will hear you.
don't give Ryan Air more ideas
Ooooh please not. Ryanair will just remove the toilets. They'll pretend they are at the cargo haul.
Yes I did fly the A340 600 of Lufthansa. And the downstairs toilets are pretty funny. Going down the stairs is avery different feeling compared to other aircrafts.
Anyways I love the A340 600. A beautiful quad engine jet.
Its the same jet as the A320 no?
@@m00dy7 No? A340 is WAY bigger than the a320, I'd say 3 or 4 times bigger
Does it have large leg rooms in the economy class seating?
@@rasul407 not at all. Legroom is terrible in economy.
@@dddyy imagine that... flying 10 hrs straight
I joined the mile high club with my then girlfriend back in 2005 in one of these downstairs toilets. Fantastic design.
Pic or it didn't happen.
No you didnt
*nani?*
Savage
... and if you've just tuned in, we're talking about things that definitely NEVER happened.... Next up, he was the nation's favourite in '97 before things took a downward turn in 1998 - President Clinton talks about his period of abstinence around that time.
A340 among a few other planes are really hidden gems that too often are left in the shadow of the 747 and the A380
@@77l96 I get your point. What I forgot to say is that I meant it as in when talking about huge planes, it's always as if the 747 and A380 are the only huge planes, when for example the A340 colossal too.
@@paistinlasta1805 That's because 747 and A380 are the only double-deckers.
A340 is also 4 engines.
@@regist.9407 So is BAe-146....
@@77l96 It is longer than both the 744 and A380. It has a similar 3-class capacity to the 747. What are you on about.
Yes, I flew on that particular Lufthansa model several times. Interestingly, the doorway from the passenger deck to the lavatory stair pivots into a closed position when landing. Once airborne, it rotates and opens up. I like this configuration very much. It gets a significant number of passengers out of the aisles while they wait for the lavatory. Also, the smells are mostly confined to that area.
I flew both Lufthansa and Jet Airways’ -600s. It was quite a treat to be able to up and down the stairs like when I used to fly on the 747 as a UNM when I was a kid going to boarding school unaccompanied. Aaaah memories.
I flew with an A340 since I was 7 months old From Guarulhos to Munich every 6 months . Up until I got 6 Years old , and because my Father traveled for work and I saw my Austrian Family , I always flew business , but I remember always wanting to skip the Bn bathroom just to go down , A340 was Iconic for me , one of the most comfortable planes ever ...
I flew on one of these a while back, it was so weird, honestly for a while I thought it was just some weird dream I had. Guess this video confirms it was real 😂😂
Like many others, I was amazed at the downstairs toilets. Thanks for offering a very lucid explanation for their existence!
I had a no-wipe bowel movement downstairs on my flight from JFK to Frankfurt. It was fabulous.
Omg. I thought I was dreaming. I totally remember flying on this when I was much younger.
In 2015, I also flew on the Lufthansa A340-600. I was so surprised that the toilets were downstairs, it felt so weird. It was almost like flying on an A380.
I flew the Lufthansa A340-600 between Los Angeles and Munich several years ago, with my mother. She fell asleep during the safety demonstration, so I had to brief her on how to use the lavatory; the safety rules include NOT waiting on the stairs, using the grab handles next to lavatory doors after putting on the oxygen mask (for the emergency descent), and in general not being downstairs any longer than necessary.
The other thing I remember is the super-long takeoff run.
Nice ride in any case, even though I prefer the Boeing 777.
Yup. I once flew it from Mexico City to Munich and it was my first long haul flight.
Those spacious bathrooms downstairs really impressed me :)
Wonderful flight from Munich to San Francisco. These toilets are a major contribution for the comfort on board. The area is spacious with this fruit and drink bar. You never wait and avoid the “normal “ chaos and odors and noise around the toilets in other planes. A great idea, making this LH flight one of my favorites ever. Beautiful plane too.
I’ve been on this variant a few times (YVR - FRA) before they went to the 747-4 (with reduced COVID travel are now using 330). It’s a loooong plane. I thought the washrooms in the hold was a great idea. They even had a small self serve area for beverages & cookies. Very seldom had a line up with the amount of washrooms down there. Great idea.
Man i love your videos, 4 mins to explain, no 10 minute boring info. Keep it up🔥
Thanks for the feedback! - TB
Loved the placement of the toilets downstairs.
In September 2018 i flew from San Francisco to Munich with a Lufthansa A340. I wasn’t aware if these downstairs lavatories before the flight but was absolutely delighted as I saw them. Their space is a bit larger than on the same-level-lavatories meaning you don’t have to feel like in a pigsty.
Thomas Cook A330-200 used to have these also
My wife and I flew on a LH A340-600 from MUC to LAX back in 2013. Downstairs lavatories were weird at first but practical. Great opportunity to stretch our legs during the long flight.
4 years ago I had flown on Lufthansa a340-600 from Newark to Munich and I visited the cargo lavatory and it is huge and awesome!
Flew from Hong Kong to Munich in the A340 and used the toilets down stairs, thought it was a great! They also had crew rest down there.
The downstairs toilet shocked me when I flew from FRA to MEX. Good and eye opening experience ❤️
I rode one of these A340-600 and did not know about a below-deck area. I was also sitting near the stairs and once I asked the Flight Attendant what is was, I went down and explored. Wow! I had never seen anything like that, and I fly a lot for work. Not only did this allow for aisles to be less crowded, but I could stand down there on the long flight and stretch my legs. As for a Flight Attendant down there? Not once did I see that, but they had cups and cold water and, best of all, some SPACE! Overall, a great concept and experience.
Lufthansa's A340-600 was the plane I boarded on the way back from the United States (my first-ever trip abroad). I was really surprised to see the toilet downstairs but they were better than the ones found on many other aircraft--more spacious...
I'd hang out down there for half of the flight from Munich to Chicago. I'd have drinks and my headphones and just chill down there. Loved it.
A friend of mine used to be a flight attendant, and she once said that, on the 340, the most inexperienced member of the cabin crew would be "banished to the basement", because being down there for hours apparently kinda sucked.
Loved the downstairs bathrooms, spacious, no hanging around in the aisle blocking attendants etc. A340 is my favorite if I fly economy. Sad to see it go. Great airplane.
I flew on a Lufthansa A330 (?) back in 2004, from SFO to Paris, and this aircraft had downstairs toilets. It was wonderful having the toilets downstairs, specifically because there was no line that formed up in the cabin, where idiots would talk and make noise while others tried to sleep...! Anyone who has flown a redeye from the US to Europe knows what I am talking about; passengers lose time going from west-to-east, so it is important to get to sleep as soon as possible, Idiots who lined-up for the toilet in aircraft that had the lavs in the cabin have little regard for their fellow passengers, who are trying to sleep...that's why downstairs lavs are so excellent.
I flew Lufthansa's A340 600 from Munich to JFK a few years ago and was pleasantly surprised by the downstairs toilets. They allow for more space in that area and offered a further sense of privacy. Loved it!
Many years ago I flew with my family to Canada from the UK with Air Transat on an A34. It had the toilets in the hold just like the configuration in the video. It seemed like a good idea to open up space in the cabin. I could see it as a challenge for elderly passengers and parents with young children or babies.
I didn’t fly on one, but my wife did. She told me the lavatories were downstairs, and I said no way, that’s not possible - the last aircraft I remember with lavatories down below was the L-1011, and actually I wasn’t even sure if it had lavatories or just a galley. I’m the aircraft geek in the family, and here she was telling me something I didn’t know. I had to look it up online, and I’ll be damned she was right!
Love the TWA L-1011 footage you included - got to fly on that plane quite a lot. Miss it.
Yep. I flown on that plane a couple times. I've used the downstairs restrooms, because that's the only restrooms I was aware of from my seat. Good idea. There are plenty of restrooms down there, so no line. Other airlines should do the same.
The Singapore A340-500 that did SIN-EWR also had downstairs bathrooms. because of weight limitations, they couldn't use space for cargo, so they put bathtrooms downstairsto make more space for business class seats upstairs. It also provided some exercise to passengers during the 18 hour flight. It also had a cooled morgue to store a dead passenger in case.
I like the Lufthansa A340-600. For some reason, I never had to wait in line for the bathroom on this aircraft.
Flew the LH A340-600 on the SFO-MUC-SFO route a few years ago. I am not a big fan of visiting the WC while onboard an aircraft but on such a long flight there is little choice.
I will always remember that the downstairs toilets were big and spacious for airline WCs.
Who else clicked on this because they thought the toilets were for keeping the ramp rats from peeing in the cargo hold? 👋
Finally the video about the most important topic in hole aviation. The a340s toilet...
The airlines in Europe are pretty cavalier about putting passengers on stairs, whether it's boarding stairs or stairs to the toilet. It's pretty rare for any accommodation to require stairs in the US.
Might be related to differences in body weight
This is the best plane I've ever flown on! So quiet and peaceful when everyone goes down to use the toilet and doesn't stand around in the isles. Also, such a great feeling to walk down there and stretch your legs by going up and down stairs. EVERY PLANE SHOULD BE LIKE THIS
I flew in the Lufthansa A340-600. The downstairs toilets are a really useful and make the journey alot quieter for the persons sitting around the toilet area. When I flew the Lufthansa A380 I sat near the Lavatories and it was very annoying with people stepping on my foot, and loud talking. I think more airplanes should come in this configuration...
Im a mechanic at Lufthansa and can tell you that they removed the lower galley by the lavatory and moved it onto the main deck back in 2016. They had placed the Cabin Crew Rest there next to the Lavatories.
How did they manage to give people headroom in those toilet and galley units? I dismantle aircraft and in the A330/340 cargo bay i (1.78m) can not stand up straight without hitting my head on the ceiling liner, whichs hangs from the cabin floow beams... Did they modify the structure somehow?
I was on a flight from Munich to Hong Kong a few years back. It was a lot of passengers onboard, and the air was terrible, however, the air was a lot better at the toilet floor than the cabin. From that they on, my favorite seat on the a340 is the toilet.
I flew in the a340 from Frankfurt to Boston in 2015 and man that was a great experience. It's the biggest plane I've been on to this day. The lavatories where spacious and you have more room to move in the hallway between the lavatories. It was the best lufthansa flight I've ever been on.
I have flown on this aircraft many of times on route from Munich to LAX. The steps are steep,but its is- Lufthansa and cabin crew are at hand.
The width of the steps allows a flow of passengers to an almost passing. The space is aka meeting point for most of the economy class passengers and staircase provides an exercise platform during the long flight.
Loved the concept and far more an integral part of flying. Happy to have been a part of this iconic aircaft history .
I flew the Lufthansa A340-600 mostly between Frankfurt and Tehran. It was always a very nice flight. Love this plane
Flew once with it, and this big toilet space impressed me, at that moment I didn't remember exact aircraft type, I new only that it was some wide body Airbus. Many years later (now) I remembered that moment because all other aircraft's that I flew didn't had that configuration, so I ended on search "Airbus with downstairs lavatory" and I ended here.
A340 is the King
Die Kabinenbesatzung in bezeichneten das Flugzeug intern als die Galeere. Als ein geheiratete kann ich das natürlich nicht bestätigen, ich fande das Flugzeug einfach immer nur geil. Ist auch im Cockpit sehr schön, es rumpelt ganz ordentlich, wenn die Maschine mit der Beladung auf eine ultralangen Strecke geht. Und wie sagen die Fluglotsen in Frankfurt immer so schön? Die Maschine hat nur wegen der Erdkrümmung ab. Die Steigrateist wirklich etwas Blut arm, am Anfang…
Would be nice to have a section where pets that are too large to be in-cabin can be checked on. If there is room for lavs and a galley there would certainly be space to hold a couple pet crates. This would become pet owner's favorite plane.
I have flown only once with Lufthansa, and it was on an A340-600 last year from BOS to MUC. My seat was next to the cargo hold lavatories as well! Those stairs had a huge presence in the cabin, and the lavatories area was pretty spacious!
My first international flight was on a Lufthansa A340-600, from São Paulo to Munich. I found it really interesting that the toilets were located downstairs. It was a very comfortable plane, best economy seats I've flown to this day.
I traveled 2 times in the A340-600 and I think it is really good, spacious .
The downstairs toilets are the BEST thing ever for economy pax. Never really wait for a toilet because they're all in one place. Also, no flushing noises for the rows near the toilet as in other planes. It's very very very convenient.
I've used the downstairs lav onboard Lufthansa's A340-600 from EDDL - KJFK. I actually really like the idea. One doesn't have the smell of another passenger's dump, right next to you.
This was such a interesting and entertaining video!
Great video and makes a lot of sense for restrooms to be put there
Yes. I have flown with the A340-600 with Lufthansa from Frankfurt to Chicago in 2007. And yes, I had to use the lavatory located downstairs. I think it’s nice with the lavatory downstairs.
I flew on one from London Heathrow to LAX back in 2002, returning home from a French business trip. We were in 1st class however and did not know about the downstairs restrooms in coach. It was a wonderful plane however, although at the time I was disappointed that we weren't in a 747.
Yes! took LH 340 600's from MUC to HKG, drinks and WC downstairs, pretty convenient
Yup. I flew Lufthansa Airbus 340 600 non-stop from San Francisco to Munich Germany. I used the downstairs bathrooms thought it was pretty cool
@1:35 love the T.P. strip on the floor outside the WC 😃😅
I flew from Manchester to Las Vegas with Airtours and used the downstairs toilets. There was even a space for a couch / padded bench and it was nice to just to hang out. Well as nice as possible hanging outside toilets can be I guess.
I flew on a A340 with downstairs toilets and I was also seated in the lone chair next to the stairs, it was a great flight!
This really helps reinforce how non-accessible flying is to people with wheelchairs and other mobility issues.
Take a look at the schematic at 1:05. There are toilets on the main deck in business/first class. I’m sure people with mobility issues would’ve been allowed to use those rather than going downstairs.
I took a flight back in 2002 with my family from London UK to Jamaica and the plane had about six down stairs toilets, it was cool they did have two or three up stairs for older or disabled people to use.
Yes I used and I liked because you have all the bathrooms in one place and doesn’t disturb other passengera
Yes and yes!! It’s so cool! It was this year only.. when I asked the flight attendant for toilets and he pointed me to go downstairs I was like whoa!! 😀
That's such a great idea, as I'm sure another row or two of seats would make more revenue than an extra pallet or two of cargo. Mainly though its so much nicer for people flying long haul, don't have the smells, people waiting in the aisles, the bathroom can be a bit bigger/nicer.
I miss the A340. I flew LH Frankfurt-Bogota-Frankfurt in 2011 with the toilets downstairs. Great plane, great airline. 😊
All Lufthansa's A340-600s are grounded since March😒… Only the 313s fly.
I took the Lufthansa A340-600 once from Munich to New York. And I thought the toilet setup was a great idea.
Occasionally an A340 from South African Airways flies over me..an absolute beauty! From Giuseppe in Cape Town South Africa 🇿🇦
Well - Balair, the Subsidiary Charter Airlines of Swissair hada a simular arrangement. It was a DC10 from McDonnell Douglas - placing in service back in 1979 (+- 1 year). The galley for the Y-Clas was downstairs. The access was ensured with 2 elevators - one of them for trollies only, one of them was big enough to take a person. As it was a charter flight, thes hade very few cargo shipment. With ths arrangement, they could add additional seats on the main deck for the Y-Class.
The first layout with toilets on Airbus aircraft was a design for Airtours ( UK Airline) . They were keen to add ore seats on A330 so placed the loo downstairs . Airbus must have thought this a good idea
Never knew that A340-600 can have a downstairs toilet. I have flown on the 300 variant back in 1997 an Air Mauritius A340-300 and 2011-2014 was on Emirates A340-500 variant. Nice aircraft, memorable flight. Wish I could have gotten the chance to fly the 600 variant but with airlines dismissing quad engine jets, I doubt that I will ever get the chance. Though I have been privileged to see a 600 variant for Qatar Airways Amiri at the airport. Its really is a great looking aircraft.
I flew many times on the Lufthansa Cityline A340-300 and enjoyed it in economy. Back then I think it also had on board medical services.
AFTER THE 747, THE A340 IS MY FAVOURITE AIRCRAFT. A TRUE BEAUTIFUL BIRD.
I've used the downstairs bathroom on Thomas Cook A330.
Well I've flown on one of these. I did not get any assistance from any flight attendant while downstairs. However, my girlfriend did go down to assist me. All in all it was a very pleasant flight.
I flew on the -300 variant from SAN to FRA on the inaugural flight and the -300 also had the bathrooms downstairs. It's a really cool and unique feature.
i remember when i was 8 or something i flew with a a340-600 to south africa. what a beaty that plane.
i have flown it from Frankfurt to Tokyo and from Osaka to Munich and used the downstairs bathrooms! very good flight
I was literally wondering about this the other day! I loved that they were out of the way
I never knew about this. I'm sure I'm not the only one here that would love to fly on an A340-600 just for this. There's just something about double-decker aircraft cabins that I find appealing, even if it's just to use the toilet.
I flew - 600 with Mahan Air.. Amazing!!
Actually in another youtube I saw a flight trip report with this Lufthansa A340 from Los Angeles to Frankfurt...Nice video I loved it much
Yes, the first time I flew with LH A340-600 was from FRA to DTW in summer 2014 and I remember that I was pretty surprised when I had to go downstairs for the toilet.
flew twice on this aircraft. fantastic idea, loved it!
I've done the loadaheet for these aircraft. Problem was the forward hold was so big (8 big pallets) and the rear hold so small (1 big pallet and 2 small containers) it was diffcult to get a good trim and the airplane usually flew nose heavy unless cargo dept had some really low density cargo. The rear hold space was used for the toilets, a galley and the crew rest.. which took up space but didn't weigh much.
I flew on LH's D-AIHE back in 2013. It was a nice surprise for me to have those downstair toilets for several reasons: We didn't block the aisle nor bother seated passengers with noises, shiny lights and/or ordors. Also, we could use the next available toilet that in other circumstances could have been located in the opposite side of the aircraft, thereby the waiting time was lower. From the passenger perspective, it was a very atractive plus. Perhaps from the accounting perspective that less cargo space wasn't very attractive.