Regional Jet 900 (CRJ900)
Flight Attendant Current
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
Landed after 4.25 hour flight; deplaned; went up to gate agent to advise we would need grooming and due to the stench in lavatory was going to use restroom in airport while she advised first class passengers that 6 of them would not have meals. Also advised she needed to make sure lavatory had been changed prior to boarding as it would make someone sick due to the stench on aircraft.Came back to gate asked FO who was standing at gate area if plane had been cleaned at which time I heard gate agent advise boarding for priority customers. I asked him if she was boarding he said it appeared so. I went to gate; asked agent why she was boarding without me on board she said she thought I was.Customer at that point told her I had said not to board until I return. When I got to the aircraft 5 passengers were on board and also Captain and other Flight Attendant. They advised gate agent never came down to check if ready to board and passengers just started walking on plane. No one was quick enough to prevent passengers from boarding as they entered without warning. Gate agent did not follow procedure to verify minimum crew on board prior to boarding. Make sure gate agent verifies prior to boarding that minimum crew is on board.
CRJ900 Flight Attendant advised the Gate Agent that she was going to the restroom in the terminal and not to start boarding until she returned. Upon return; boarding had commenced and the Flight Attendant on board stated the Gate Agent never came down to see if the cabin was ready for boarding.