<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>337644</docID> <postdate>2025-02-05 14:52:23</postdate> <headline>Cabin crew ‘guard’ toilets from economy travellers</headline> <body><div dir="ltr"> <p><img class=" wp-image-300053" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Virgin-airlines-pic-rotated-e1703970984400.jpg" alt="" width="705" height="470" /></p> <caption>Virgin crews have been forced to physically intervene when economy passengers attempt to enter the business-class section of the plane to use the bathroom. Photo: Scott Mayman</caption> </div> <div dir="ltr"></div> <div dir="ltr"><span class="kicker-line">By aviation writer <strong>Scott Mayman</strong></span></div> <div dir="ltr"></div> <div dir="ltr"><strong>Virgin jet flights in and out of Canberra have seen flight attendants "guarding" the plane's business-class toilets from economy passengers, amid calls for an end to the practice.</strong></div> <div dir="ltr"></div> <div dir="ltr">Flight crews have recently been forced to intervene, after the removal of cabin dividers in what's been described as "a failed experiment".</div> <div dir="ltr"></div> <div dir="ltr">The airline admits, dividers were being removed as part of a $110-million refurbishment program, with 39 jets are due to be refurbished this year.</div> <div dir="ltr"></div> <div dir="ltr">Without the dividers, crews have been forced to physically intervene when economy passengers attempt to enter the business-class section of the plane to use the bathroom.</div> <div dir="ltr"></div> <div dir="ltr">The Transport Workers Union wants the dividers restored.</div> <div dir="ltr"></div> <div dir="ltr">National secretary Michael Caine has raised concerns about the safety of cabin staff, describing the move as "a failed experiment" and that crew already have a demanding role.</div> <div dir="ltr"></div> <div dir="ltr">Virgin denies suggestions it has turned a blind eye to risks.</div> <div class="yj6qo"></div> <div dir="ltr" class="adL"></div> <div dir="ltr" class="adL"></div> </body>