As of October 1st, 2009 All Nippon Airways (ANA) hopes it’s planes will start flying with a little less weight.  During the month of  October the Japanese Airline is testing a program where staff members will ask and remind customers boarding to please relieve themselves before getting on board to fly.  Since empty bladders mean lighter passengers, the company hopes this effort will translate into lighter air crafts and less fuel usage.
The program, while simple in theory, could have a tremendous effect on airline policies AND the environment if the testing this month shows the initiative has a measurable effect on how much fuel emission is being reduced.

It will be interesting to see how this program goes for All Nippon. They aren’t doing anything crazy, such as taking  away the toilets, or charging passengers to use them, simply giving customers a simple reminder.  Plus, think about all the money they will start saving on toilet paper if no one is using their toilets…