logo

In-Flight Hygiene: How Airlines Handle Your Health and What You Need to Know

TEL: 1-608-238-6001 Email: greg@cruisingreview.com

United PlusPoints and Upgrading Hassles PlusPoints on United are Useless... plan a upgrade strategy without them... Sorry 1K Status Peeps... More Info

Bemer Review Model Evo and Experience with PEMF Pulsed ElectroMagnetic Fields Bemer Therapy System Evo: Updated 4 February 2025. Purchased April 2024. New results over six months of use including throat issues during use, and whiplash if you stop using it. More Info

Got Sick after Flying ? Why cleaning aircraft is a low priority for busy airlines. Read more about why aircraft cleanliness is gone... More Info

image

Behind the Scenes of In-Flight Service: Hygiene and Handling in Business and Cabin Class

Air travel is a marvel of logistics and customer service, especially in the context of hygiene and health. Let’s break down the interactions that flight attendants have with passengers, the hygiene concerns surrounding those interactions, and the unseen challenges of bathroom usage during short• and long-haul flights.

---

1. Passenger Interaction: How Many Times Are Items Handled?

Business/First Class:

Business and first-class passengers enjoy enhanced service, but this also means more frequent handling of items by flight attendants. Here’s an analysis:

• Glassware:

• Pre-flight drinks, meal beverages, and post-meal beverages.

• On average, a flight attendant handles glasses 5–7 times per passenger per flight.

• For a cabin of 40 passengers, this amounts to 200–280 glass-handling interactions.

• Meals:

• Multi-course meals are the norm in business class (e.g., starter, main course, dessert).

• Meals are served and cleared individually, with an average of 3–4 handling interactions per meal.

• For 40 passengers, this means 120–160 meal-handling instances per service.

• Other Items:

• Amenities such as blankets, pillows, headphones, and hot towels are distributed and sometimes collected.

• Add an estimated 2–3 interactions per passenger, totaling 80–120 additional interactions.

---

Economy Class:

Economy passengers receive more standardized service, but the volume of passengers amplifies hygiene considerations.

• Glassware:

• Single-use cups are used for beverages, typically handled 2–3 times per passenger.

• For 200 passengers, this equals 400–600 cup-handling instances per flight.

• Meals:

• Trays are handed out and collected once, with some additional snack service.

• 200 passengers equal 200–400 tray-handling interactions.

• Other Items:

• Fewer amenities, but blankets, pillows, and headsets might be distributed.

• Estimate 1–2 interactions per passenger, totaling 200–400 additional interactions.

---

2. Bathroom Usage and Hygiene Challenges

Toilet Usage Per Passenger:

• Short-Haul Flights (1–4 hours):

• Average passenger uses the toilet 0.5–1 time.

• With 200 passengers, this equals 100–200 toilet uses per flight.

• Long-Haul Flights (6–12 hours):

• Average passenger uses the toilet 1.5–2 times.

• With 200 passengers, this totals 300–400 toilet uses per flight.

---

What Happens When Bathrooms Aren’t Cleaned?

Unclean bathrooms pose serious hygiene risks:

• Pathogen Spread:

• Bathrooms can become breeding grounds for bacteria like E. coli, staphylococcus, and norovirus.

• High-touch areas (flush buttons, faucets, door handles) accumulate germs rapidly.

• Aerosolized Particles:

• Flushing toilets can release aerosolized particles, increasing the risk of contamination.

• Without regular cleaning, these particles can linger and spread.

• Odor and Passenger Comfort:

• Poorly maintained toilets affect the travel experience, contributing to discomfort and stress.

---

3. Hygiene Considerations for In-Flight Interactions

Cross-Contamination Risks:

• Reusable Items: Glassware, cutlery, and meal trays in business class are reused after washing. If not sanitized properly, they can harbor germs.

• Touch Points: Flight attendants handle hundreds of items per flight, making proper hand hygiene essential.

Improving Hygiene:

• Frequent cleaning of tray tables, seatbelt buckles, and high-touch areas.

• Encouraging passengers to use hand sanitizer after touching shared surfaces.

• Airlines adopting single-use items in economy to limit risks.

---

4. Tips for Passengers to Stay Healthy:

• Bring Personal Items:

• Use your own travel utensils, water bottle, and blanket to minimize contact with shared items.

• Stay Hydrated:

• Drink plenty of water to support immune function and prevent dehydration.

• Avoid Eating During Flights:

• Particularly on short flights, to reduce exposure to potentially contaminated surfaces.

• Minimize Bathroom Visits:

• Use airport facilities before boarding and try to limit mid-flight usage.

• Carry Hand Sanitizer and Wipes:

• Wipe down armrests, tray tables, and screens.

---

Conclusion: Managing Hygiene in the Sky

The behind-the-scenes logistics of in-flight service are staggering. In business class, flight attendants handle items up to 10 times per passenger, while economy class sees fewer interactions but more passengers. With hundreds of toilet uses per flight and the potential for hygiene lapses, it’s essential for both airlines and passengers to prioritize cleanliness. By adopting smart practices and staying aware, travelers can minimize risks and enjoy a healthier journey.

image

image

How Often Are Aircraft Cabins Cleaned? A Deep Dive into Short-Haul vs. Long-Haul Flights

Aircraft cleanliness is a critical aspect of passenger comfort and health. Airlines follow rigorous cleaning protocols to ensure a hygienic environment, but the frequency and depth of these cleanings vary significantly depending on the type of flight—short-haul or long-haul.

---

1. Routine Cleaning Protocols for Aircraft Cabins

Airlines typically divide cabin cleaning into three categories:

A. Turnaround Cleaning (Between Flights)

• Performed during short layovers.

• Focuses on essential tasks:

• Removing trash from seat pockets and aisles.

• Wiping visible stains on tray tables and armrests.

• Cleaning lavatories and replenishing supplies.

• Duration: 10–30 minutes.

B. Deep Cleaning

• Conducted overnight or during longer aircraft downtimes.

• Includes:

• Vacuuming carpets and cleaning seat cushions.

• Sanitizing tray tables, seatbacks, and entertainment screens.

• Deep cleaning lavatories and galley areas.

• Restocking supplies (blankets, pillows, headsets).

• Duration: 2–6 hours.

C. Scheduled Heavy Maintenance Cleaning

• Occurs every few weeks or months, depending on the airline.

• Involves:

• Shampooing carpets and seats.

• Steam cleaning surfaces.

• Disinfecting hard-to-reach areas (e.g., air vents).

• Duration: 8–12 hours.

---

2. Cleaning on Short-Haul Flights

Short-haul flights typically last 1–4 hours and have quicker turnarounds between landings and takeoffs. Airlines prioritize efficiency over extensive cleaning.

• Frequency of Turnaround Cleaning:

• After every flight, focusing on trash removal and visible dirt.

• Lavatories are wiped down and restocked but not deep cleaned.

• Limitations:

• Surfaces like armrests, tray tables, and seatbelt buckles may not be thoroughly sanitized.

• Carpets and overhead bins receive minimal attention.

• Passenger Load Impact:

• High passenger turnover can lead to a rapid accumulation of dirt, making short-haul flights more prone to hygiene issues between deeper cleans.

---

3. Cleaning on Long-Haul Flights

Long-haul flights, lasting 6–15 hours, involve different cleaning priorities due to extended passenger use.

• Turnaround Cleaning:

• Performed after every flight, similar to short-haul, but with more attention to detail.

• Lavatories are cleaned and disinfected more thoroughly due to higher usage.

• In-Flight Cleaning:

• Cabin crew regularly tidy the cabin, remove trash, and perform quick lavatory refreshes.

• Hot towels or disinfectant wipes may be provided to passengers in premium classes.

• Post-Flight Deep Cleaning:

• Conducted more frequently after long-haul flights due to heavier usage of cabin amenities.

• Entertainment screens, seats, and tray tables are sanitized, and galleys are thoroughly cleaned.

---

4. Key Differences Between Short-Haul and Long-Haul Flight Cleaning

| Aspect | Short-Haul Flights | Long-Haul Flights |

|--------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|

| Turnaround Cleaning | Minimal, focused on trash removal and quick fixes. | More detailed, with attention to high-use areas. |

| Lavatory Cleaning | Wipe down and restock supplies. | Thorough cleaning, often multiple times per flight. |

| Deep Cleaning Frequency | Less frequent due to quicker turnarounds. | More frequent to handle extended use. |

| Carpet/Seat Cleaning | Spot cleaning or vacuuming as needed. | Vacuuming or shampooing after heavy-use flights. |

---

5. Hygiene Challenges and Solutions

Challenges:

• Short-Haul Flights:

• Limited time for cleaning between flights.

• High passenger turnover increases touchpoint contamination.

• Long-Haul Flights:

• Extended cabin use leads to dirtier surfaces and lavatories.

• High-touch areas like tray tables, screens, and seatbelts accumulate germs.

Solutions:

• Airlines are adopting advanced cleaning technologies like:

• Electrostatic Sprayers: To apply disinfectant evenly on all surfaces.

• HEPA Filters: To remove airborne particles, ensuring clean cabin air.

• UV Light Sanitization: Used by some airlines to disinfect lavatories and high-touch areas.

---

6. Tips for Passengers to Stay Hygienic

Regardless of the flight duration, passengers can take proactive steps to maintain their personal hygiene:

• Wipe Down Surfaces: Use disinfectant wipes on tray tables, armrests, and entertainment screens.

• Bring Your Own Supplies: Consider personal blankets, neck pillows, and headsets.

• Use Hand Sanitizer: After touching shared surfaces like overhead bins and lavatory door handles.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your immune system strong.

---

Conclusion

Aircraft cleanliness is a shared responsibility between airlines and passengers. While short-haul flights prioritize quick cleaning due to time constraints, long-haul flights involve more detailed hygiene measures. With the adoption of new cleaning technologies and better passenger awareness, the in-flight experience can remain both comfortable and safe.

image

The frequency with which flight attendants wash their hands varies based on their workload, flight duration, and airline policies. However, general guidelines and observations can help outline how often handwashing typically occurs:

General Handwashing Practices for Flight Attendants

1. Airline Protocols and Recommendations

• Many airlines have established hygiene protocols requiring flight attendants to wash or sanitize their hands:

• Before and after serving food or drinks.

• After handling trash or used items (e.g., meal trays, used napkins, or pillows).

• After using the lavatory or cleaning it.

• After direct contact with passengers, such as assisting with boarding or helping with personal belongings.

• Before and after putting on gloves, especially for meal service or handling trash.

2. Flight Duration and Workload Impact

• Short-Haul Flights (1–4 hours):

• Handwashing may occur 5–10 times, depending on the number of service rounds and passenger interactions.

• Limited lavatory access for crew may lead to more reliance on hand sanitizer during busy periods.

• Long-Haul Flights (6–15 hours):

• Flight attendants likely wash or sanitize their hands 15–25 times, due to extended service, multiple meal rounds, and increased lavatory usage.

• Long flights often include crew rest breaks, during which handwashing opportunities may increase.

---

Hand Sanitizer Use

• In-flight conditions sometimes make frequent handwashing challenging due to limited lavatories and time constraints.

• As a result, flight attendants often rely on alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which are more convenient and effective for quick hygiene maintenance.

---

Challenges to Frequent Handwashing

1. Limited Lavatories:

• Lavatories are shared with passengers, limiting the time available for crew handwashing.

2. Busy Workload:

• Serving meals, handling passenger requests, and addressing in-flight issues leave little time for frequent trips to wash hands.

3. Dry Cabin Air:

• The low humidity in aircraft cabins can cause dry skin, making frequent handwashing uncomfortable or irritating.

---

How Airlines Address Hand Hygiene

• Glove Policies:

• Some airlines require or encourage flight attendants to wear disposable gloves during food service or when handling waste.

• Gloves must be changed frequently and paired with hand hygiene to prevent cross-contamination.

• Hand Sanitizer Access:

• Airlines provide crew with personal or cabin-accessible hand sanitizers to supplement handwashing.

• Training and Awareness:

• Flight attendants receive training on proper hand hygiene and its role in preventing the spread of infections.

---

Best Practices for Passengers Concerned About Hygiene

1. Bring Personal Supplies:

• Carry hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to clean personal spaces like tray tables and armrests.

2. Minimize Contact:

• Use napkins or tissues when handling high-touch areas (e.g., lavatory door handles).

3. Stay Hydrated:

• Well-hydrated skin is less prone to cracking, reducing the risk of bacterial entry.

---

While flight attendants aim to maintain excellent hygiene, operational constraints can sometimes limit the ideal frequency of handwashing. Airlines' focus on providing hand sanitizers and protective equipment helps mitigate these challenges, ensuring both crew and passenger safety.

image

image

Example of Recent Long Haul Flight from Zurich to Chicago

On a recent long haul United flight from Zurich ZRH to Chicago ORD on United, the rear business class toilet was not cleaned, nor attended once.

How do I know this ? The bathroom ran out of toilet paper and hand towels, which means passengers using bathroom had to wash hands and dry on their clothes, or not use any hygiene at all.

What is touched by flight attendants during meal service before and after

What is touched by flight attendants during meal service before and after

Flight Attendants Don't Wear Gloves

Remember the pandemic when flight attendants used to wear gloves ? If they don't change gloves, then their spreading germs just as much as not wearing gloves.

Look at the meal image. How often is your glass refilled ?

Every red line indicates where a flight attendant touches your meal, and every passenger who eats. How many passengers wash their hands in the bathroom ?

image

Do Gloves Transfer Germs ?

Yes, if flight attendants wear gloves during meal service and do not change them frequently or practice proper glove hygiene, those gloves can transfer germs just as bare hands can. Gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene but an additional barrier. Improper use of gloves can even increase the risk of cross-contamination if proper protocols are not followed.

---

How Germs Transfer with Gloves

1. Cross-Contamination Risk

• Touching Contaminated Surfaces:

• If a flight attendant wearing gloves touches a contaminated surface (e.g., a used meal tray or a passenger's personal item) and then handles food or drink, germs can transfer to those items.

• Long Periods of Wear:

• Gloves worn for extended periods collect bacteria, viruses, and other particles on their surface. Without changing them between tasks, these germs can spread.

• False Sense of Security:

• Gloves may give the wearer a false sense of cleanliness, leading to less frequent changes or lapses in hygiene practices, such as avoiding contact with the face.

---

Proper Glove Use in Meal Service

To prevent the transfer of germs, airlines should ensure that flight attendants follow strict protocols for glove use:

1. Frequent Changes:

• Gloves should be changed:

• Before and after serving food or drinks.

• After handling trash, used trays, or utensils.

• When switching tasks (e.g., serving a meal versus cleaning).

2. Paired with Hand Hygiene:

• Gloves must always be put on and removed with clean hands.

• Hands should be washed or sanitized before donning and after removing gloves to prevent contamination.

3. Avoiding Unnecessary Contact:

• Gloved hands should not touch the face, hair, or other non-food-related items to reduce contamination risk.

---

Are Gloves Always Better than Bare Hands?

Gloves can be effective if used correctly, but they are not inherently more hygienic than well-washed bare hands. In fact, improper glove use can be worse if it leads to cross-contamination. Bare hands, when frequently washed or sanitized, can sometimes offer better hygiene control since handwashing is often more instinctive than glove changes.

---

Passenger Considerations

If you're concerned about hygiene during meal service:

• Bring Your Own Items: Use personal utensils and avoid direct contact with provided cutlery if possible.

• Sanitize Your Hands: Use hand sanitizer before and after eating.

• Minimize Contact: Avoid touching shared surfaces like tray tables or seatbacks during the meal.

---

Conclusion

Gloves during meal service can reduce the risk of contamination, but only if used properly. Airlines should train flight attendants in best practices for glove use, including frequent changes, proper removal, and pairing with hand hygiene. Passengers can take additional precautions to protect themselves, ensuring a safer and healthier in-flight experience.

image

Example of Flight Attendants with Illness

On a recent United flight from Zurich to Chicago, the lead flight attendant had a cold.

Instead of quarantine, this flight attendant decided to work, spreading their germs to everyone.

Of course, the same can be said for anybody sick who is flying (passengers).

image

Breaking up Bags of Ice

Have you ever watched a flight attendant break up a bag of ice ? Guess how they do it - they drop the bag on the cabin floor (typically prior to flight as not to alarm passengers of the sound of impact). How often do you think they clean the galley floor.

Keep in mind up front, the galley is where people board the aircaft. Think of 50 to more than 150 people boarding an aircraft with dirty shoes (they all go to the airport restrooms) and who are walking in the same galley area.

10 Essential Tips for Passengers to Avoid Germ Contact on Flights

Air travel brings you closer to new destinations—but it also places you in close quarters with hundreds of people, increasing your exposure to germs. With careful planning and hygiene practices, you can significantly reduce your chances of getting sick while flying. Here are the top tips to help you avoid germ contact during your flight.

1. Choose Your Seat Wisely

• Window Seats Are Safer: Studies show that passengers seated by the window have less contact with other travelers and flight attendants compared to aisle seats, reducing exposure to germs.

• Avoid the Back Row: Bathrooms are usually located near the rear of the plane, increasing foot traffic and germ exposure.

2. Bring Disinfectant Wipes

• Wipe down high-touch surfaces before settling into your seat:

• Tray tables

• Armrests

• Seatbelt buckles

• Entertainment screens and controls

• Air vents and overhead light buttons

• Focus on areas you’ll be touching the most throughout the flight.

3. Use Hand Sanitizer Frequently

• Choose an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

• Use it:

• After touching shared surfaces.

• Before eating or drinking.

• After using the lavatory.

4. Avoid Eating Airline Food

• Why It Matters: Airline food can be a source of germs due to potential lapses in preparation or storage hygiene.

• Better Alternative: Bring your own pre-packaged, non-perishable snacks, such as nuts, granola bars, or dried fruit, to minimize contact with shared utensils or trays.

• Eat the the airline lounge prior to departure.

5. Stay Hydrated

• Cabin air is dry, which can dry out your mucous membranes, making you more susceptible to germs.

• Drink plenty of water before and during the flight.

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate you further.

6. Adjust Your Air Vent

• Aim the vent slightly in front of your face to create a downward flow of air. This helps blow away airborne particles and reduces the risk of breathing in germs.

7. Minimize Bathroom Visits

• Airplane bathrooms are germ hotspots due to frequent use and limited cleaning during flights.

• Use airport restrooms before boarding to reduce your need to visit the lavatory mid-flight.

8. Avoid Touching Your Face

• Germs on your hands can transfer to your eyes, nose, or mouth, where they enter your body.

• Practice mindfulness to avoid unconscious face-touching during the flight.

9. Wear a Mask

• Masks provide an effective barrier against airborne particles, especially in crowded spaces like flights.

• Opt for a high-quality mask, such as an N95 or KN95, for maximum protection.

10. Pack Your Own Travel Essentials

• Must-Haves:

• Travel-sized hand sanitizer

• Disinfectant wipes

• Personal neck pillow and blanket

• Reusable water bottle

• Sealed snacks

• Avoid using airline-provided items like blankets or pillows, as they may not be sanitized between flights.

11. Business Class

• Wear the socks in the amenity kit. Then remove them prior to landing.

• Prior flight, put down the sleeping pad to separate you from the well worn seat. Seat fabrics are never cleaned, so they have the germs from every passenger and flight before you.

Bonus Tips: Post-Flight Hygiene

1. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly: Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds after disembarking.

2. Change Your Clothes: Germs from the plane can linger on your clothing. Change and shower as soon as possible after your journey.

Conclusion

Flying doesn’t have to be a germ-filled nightmare. By following these practical tips, you can reduce your exposure to germs and stay healthy during your journey. A little preparation goes a long way in making your travel experience safer and more enjoyable.

CONTACT TEL: 608-238-6001 Email: greg@cruisingreview.com | AMP | PDF | IG