Airlines Ramp Up Cabin Cleaning Procedures Amid Coronavirus

For many airlines, ensuring the cleanliness of an airplane has never been more important.

As stay-at-home orders across the country are beginning to lift, airlines and airports are preparing for a potential rise in passenger traffic. For airlines, this includes a new emphasis on cleaning airplane cabins to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Normally, airplanes are filled with dozens of passengers on multiple flights between cities each day. With lots of different touchpoints, cabins present a challenging environment for airlines to maintain.

Cleaning more frequently and thoroughly

Most U.S. carriers have designed their cleaning policies based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and have also created more aggressive disinfection measures that involve wiping down high-contact surfaces more frequently. Recently, American Airlines announced expanded cleaning procedures to be carried out between every flight. These include using an EPA-approved disinfectant on public surfaces like seatback screens and overhead bins. Flight attendant jumpseats and cockpit surfaces will also be regularly disinfected.

Starting this month, American is also distributing sanitizing wipes and gels to passengers prior to boarding. The Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier plans to expand this policy for all flights in coming weeks depending on the availability of supplies.

“We are looking out for our customers’ well-being to give them peace of mind while they travel with us,” Kurt Stache, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience at American said in a statement in late April. “We’re moving quickly on these enhancements and we’ll continue to improve the travel experience for our customers and team members as we navigate these times together.”

Meanwhile, Southwest is one of several carriers to begin “fogging” the interiors of all aircraft overnight. This process involves the use of electrostatic sprayers dispersing a liquid mist that adheres to surfaces, killing germs on contact. On its website, Southwest assures its customers that all of its planes are cleaned 6-7 hours each night with disinfectant solutions approved by the CDC and WHO.

Nearly all U.S. airlines have increased the amount of times their airplane cabins are sanitized each day – providing flight crews disinfectant wipes to use between every flight. International flights have more rigorous procedures in place, especially for those arriving from areas with widespread outbreaks.

Southwest is also encouraging its customers to bring hand sanitizer and will provide wipes to every passenger on board, upon request. The airline is limiting the number of available seats to give travelers more personal space.

Similarly, United announced this month that it will notify passengers 24 hours in advance if their flight is expected to be crowded. The carrier will offer its customers the option to rebook onto a less-full flight free of charge.

Another new common practice by airlines, including Delta: blocking off middle seats and suspending most meal services. At Delta, all classes on flights over 350 miles will have snack and beverage service, while only First Class will have service for flights less than 350 miles. Alaska is also prohibiting all onboard service for flights under 350 miles to reduce contact between passengers and flight attendants.

Some carriers, including Spirit Airlines, are also removing snack and drink menus from seat back pockets on board in an effort to reduce the number of touchpoints for pa