Flight attendant explains weird new noise in airplane toilets

A flight attendant says birdsong is now being played in plane toilets to hide embarrassing “toilet sounds”. Esther Sturrus posted a video to TikTok to demonstrate the new feature.

She posed in the mirror and showed the speaker inside the toilet. The 24-year-old, who has worked for Dutch airline KLM since 2020, laughed as the sound of birds chirping filled the air. The sound has been installed on the brand new Airbus A321neo.

Since the summer of 2024, KLM has gradually been replacing their Boeing 737 with the model, according to their website. “[The birdsong] definitely catches people by surprise the first time,” said Esther, who is from Rotterdam.

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“You’re expecting the usual hum of the engines or total silence, and instead you’re suddenly surrounded by chirping birds. The idea behind it is to make the onboard experience a little more soothing and enjoyable, even in the smallest and most unexpected places.

“The birdsong gives a sort of spa-like vibe. Let’s be honest, it also nicely covers the classic toilet sounds, so it might just be functional too. I found it unusual and amusing and just had to capture the moment.

“It’s little touches like these that show how much thought can go into even the tiniest details of a flight experience.”

Esther often reveals secrets of the skies with her 222,500 followers on TikTok. And the 24-year-old attracted 21,300 views with her latest video.

Her followers loved the new feature, and some viewers said they’d even had the sounds installed in their own homes. Ronald said, “So nice, we have this at home too.”

KLM Airlines said: “Very mindful.”

“I'm the type of person who just falls asleep on the toilet with such a calm sound,” added Giovanni.

A fourth viewer joked: “Next flight bring bird food.” “This is what we have at home,” another person added.