Southwest Airlines is reportedly cutting down on its coronavirus cleaning regime between flights in a bid to speed up turnaround times.
The carrier told flight attendants that the procedure would “focus on a few items – tray tables and lavatories”, while getting rid of extra steps such as sanitising seatbelts.
In a staff memo seen by CNN, the airline wrote: “As our flight schedule evolves, we are returning to standard turnaround time.”
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However, Southwest is continuing to deep clean every aircraft overnight.
A spokesperson for the airline told The Independent that these cleans would be enhanced further now that processes in between flights are going to be less intensive.
“We are optimising available staffing and coordinating our Southwest Promise elements by now cleaning some areas only during our overnight cleaning process, when Southwest teams spend six to seven hours per aircraft cleaning all interior surfaces,” they said.
“This approach is one more process evolution designed to support our multi-layered cleaning programme that occurs throughout the day.”
They added: “As part of the Southwest Promise. Southwest is committed to a multi-layered cleaning approach that supports the wellness and comfort of our customers and employees, and customer feedback indicates that our new policy of cleaning prior to every flight is a valued element of the Southwest Promise.
“With this in mind, we continue cleaning tray tables at every seat and all aircraft lavatories by utilising a broad-spectrum disinfectant before every flight.
“Additionally, an electrostatic spraying process applies a disinfectant and anti-microbial spray to every surface of the aircraft, killing viruses on contact and forming an anti-microbial coating, or shield, for 30 days. We also continue providing wipes to customers, upon request, to clean any on-board surface.”
The “turnaround time” refers to the amount of time an aircraft is on the ground between flights while passengers deplane, cabin crew clean the aircraft and prepare for the next service, and the next load of travellers boards.
Generally speaking, the faster the turnaround time, the more money airlines can make as the more flights they can fit in.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, Ryanair, Europe’s biggest budget airline, famously aimed for a turnaround time of just 25 minutes.
The Transport Workers Union, which represents Southwest flight attendants, said the airline should do whatever it can to help passengers feel safe flying again.
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AP/Adam Schreck
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1/10 1. Air Zealand
The Kiwi flag carrier claimed the top spot in the AirlineRatings.com Airline Excellence Awards due to inflight innovations, environmental leadership and staff motivation
Air New Zealand
2/10 2. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines came second overall and also took the Best First Class award for its Suites product
Getty
3/10 3. All Nippon Airways
All Nippon Airways claimed third place, hailed for being at the forefront of cabin innovation
Getty Images
4/10 4. Qantas
Qantas won two awards – Best Domestic Airline Service and Best Lounges – alongside fourth place
Qantas
5/10 5. Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific was named the best long-haul airline in Asia
Getty Images
6/10 6. Emirates
Best Inflight Entertainment was awarded to Emirates
AP/Adam Schreck
7/10 7. Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic came in seventh
Virgin Atlantic
8/10 8. EVA Air
Taiwan’s EVA Air was eighth
Getty
9/10 9. Qatar Airways
The Best Catering and Best Business Class awards went to Qatar Airways thanks to its Qsuites
Getty
10/10 10. Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia won Best Economy for an “extremely spacious cabin that sets it apart from many airlines”, plus Best Cabin Crew
Getty Images
“We will monitor this change and continue to advocate for best practices at every carrier for the safest possible air travel.”
Southwest will continue to leave aircraft middle seats empty in order to enable social distancing until the end of October. It has also committed to cleaning ticket counters, gates and baggage claim areas at airports multiple times a day.