Are Planes Cleaned Between Flights?

The cleanliness of airplanes between flights is a concern for many travelers, especially with the increasing awareness of health and hygiene. However, the process can vary depending on the airline, the type of aircraft, and the length of the flight.

Basic Cleaning Between Flights

While the cleaning procedures are not always the same, all airlines have basic cleaning protocols in place for planes between flights. This includes the disposal of garbage and trash, servicing of bathrooms, and sanitizing touchable surfaces. For longer flights, the cleaning process is more thorough and can take a significant amount of time.

During these basic cleanings, the crew may dispose of garbage, sweep the carpets, and wipe down windows or tray tables. However, the disinfection of the plane is not a common practice unless there is a specific need, such as the presence of a contagious illness or a severe incident on board. If such a situation arises, the plane may be taken out of service for thorough cleaning and disinfection.

Typical Turnaround Times

Turnaround times, or the time required for a plane to be cleaned and prepared for its next flight, can vary greatly. For low-cost domestic flights, this can be as short as 30 minutes. In contrast, for long-haul flights, the turnaround time can stretch to about 2 hours. Considering the size of modern aircraft, such as the Airbus A380, which often have hundreds of seats, the cleaning process can be quite labor-intensive.

Occasionally, there have been reports of passengers experiencing issues during a flight, leading to specific areas being taped off. For instance, I know of a situation where a long-haul flight had to section off a seat near a passenger who had an incident involving bodily fluids. In such cases, other passengers were reassigned to different seats.

Additional Precautions for Travelers

To further reduce the risk of exposure to germs, many travelers opt to bring their own sanitizing wipes or liquid. These can be particularly useful for cleaning frequently touched areas, such as the tray tables, which can be breeding grounds for bacteria due to their frequent use.

While the cabin of an airplane may be one of the most scrutinized environments when it comes to hygiene, it is important to note that the risk of contracting an illness on a flight is comparable to that in any crowded public place. Touching commonly used objects such as doorknobs or handles can also pose a risk of exposure.

Governments and Health Authorities

Some governments and health authorities have implemented guidelines and protocols to enhance the cleaning and sanitization of airplanes. These measures include regular disinfection of high-touch areas and increased ventilation to reduce the spread of viruses.

For instance, international flights often have additional cleaning procedures upon arrival, especially if there have been reports of illness on board. In such cases, the plane may undergo a more extensive cleaning to prevent the spread of contagions.

While the thorough sanitization or spraying of planes is not a routine practice, it is a measure taken in exceptional circumstances to ensure public health and safety.