A viral video has uncovered a secret cupboard inside airplane toilets that contains sanitary towels and other essentials, offering relief to passengers caught unprepared mid-flight. Microinfluencer and mother of two Tatti Sorokina shared the discovery on social media, showing herself opening the mirror in the aircraft lavatory to reveal a stash of sanitary products.
How the Secret Compartment Works
Sorokina, who was on a 10-hour flight when her period started unexpectedly, explained that cabin crew directed her to the hidden storage. 'I'm that person who always forgets something important when travelling... No backup. No "just in case". Nothing... But the flight attendants were incredible – they literally saved me,' she said. The video garnered over 26,000 likes, though commenters noted the compartment is not available on every plane.
Former cabin crew member Saskia Sekhri confirmed that the cupboard is standard on most commercial flights. 'As cabin crew, we've only got the galley space to hold things and there's not much storage,' she told Metro. 'There's loads of different nooks and crannies, and in the bathrooms behind the mirror is one of them. If you push up underneath the mirror there's a little button and then you can find all sorts in there.'
What's Inside the Hidden Cupboard
The compartment typically contains extra toilet roll, air fresheners, hand wash, and in first class, hand lotion and towels. 'Then there's also things like sanitary towels and sometimes tampons in case anyone on board needs it and hasn't got any,' Sekhri added.
Some social media users criticized Sorokina for not tracking her period, with one commenter writing: 'I always have tampons on me. I'm not trying to sound condescending but when you're a woman who has been getting her period for years, I'm surprised it still doesn't occur to some to plan ahead and keep them on you.'
Why Periods Can Be Disrupted During Flights
Sekhri explained that frequent flyers often experience disrupted cycles. Pharmacist Thorrun Govind agreed, telling Metro: 'Long-haul flights, jet-lag and stresses often associated with travelling can all influence your hormone levels, which can in turn disrupt your period.' This can cause periods to arrive early or late, catching women off guard.
Sekhri advises passengers to ask cabin crew before accessing the cupboard, but says it's acceptable in emergencies. 'If there's queues for toilets (which there always are), you're going to have to leave the toilet, get your bag, get a product, queue back up and maybe by then you've leaked. It's good for people to know, especially us girls.'
Safety and Maintenance Considerations
She also warned that the mirror door should be opened gently, as some aircraft may have defects. 'Some aircraft are flying for years and sometimes a bit damaged if there's certain defects, maybe the button won't open properly or it's being a bit temperamental. You don't want to open it wrong and god forbid it breaks.'
Additionally, passengers should not leave anything in the cupboard. 'We have to check there before people start boarding, to see if someone has hidden something there from a safety point of view,' Sekhri explained. 'So, it's a little scary that everyone knows now that it pops open, but it's handy, too.'
