The recent controversy surrounding Southwest Airlines has sparked a wave of concern among frequent flyers, with allegations that the airline is planning to clean only premium seats between flights. This move has raised eyebrows and concerns about the overall cleanliness of economy class sections, leading to a backlash from passengers and industry insiders alike.
According to Chris Click, a safety chair for the Transport Workers Union Local 556, which represents Southwest Airlines flight attendants, there was a memo regarding an experiment involving cleaners coming on board and cleaning the airplane. This information was shared through Views From The Wing, an online traveling hub. In a video that has since been deleted, Click humorously compared Southwest’s alleged prioritization of first-class passengers to the upper-class citizens on the ill-fated Titanic. He joked that the airline’s approach is similar to the wealthy cruisers who “had cigars and sipped brandy and told their stories of their untold fortunes” while others “below deck” suffered.
Despite these claims, a representative for Southwest Airlines denied the allegations in a statement to The Post. They emphasized that their flight attendants “tidy every aircraft between every flight today.” Additionally, they pointed out that their extended leg room seats are toward the front of the plane, so they see more foot traffic than the seats in the back. The airline also reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all customers, regardless of where they sit, have a clean and comfortable experience.
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Southwest has faced criticism over various changes to its seating policies, including the elimination of open-seating. The new policy, which went into effect in January, bars customers from choosing a seat upon boarding a plane, forcing some to pay higher fees for more legroom. This change has been met with frustration from travelers, who have likened it to extortion.
The controversy around the airline’s sanitation practices has intensified following a recent scientific swab test that revealed high levels of bacteria on plane seats. The alleged move to limit cleaning between trips is reportedly driven by Southwest’s goal of getting aircraft ready for takeoff as quickly as possible. A travel insider noted that “flight attendants aren’t expected to reach into seat back pockets, for instance.”
While cabin crew members will continue tidying up entire cabins, collecting visible trash and straightening seatbelts, neither the flight attendants nor an official cleanup crew will be responsible for sanitizing second-class seats and tray tables if the alleged changes to Southwest’s policies are true.
For those looking to navigate the challenges of flying on potentially unsanitary planes, here are some tips from a veteran flight attendant:
- Sanitize the entire seating area — tray tables, seat cushions, armrests, screens, and seat buckle
- Avoid touching the seat pocket
- Use a blanket as a chair cover
- Keep your shoes on
- Pay attention to your surroundings before putting your carry-on items on the floor
These steps can help reduce exposure to germs and make the flying experience more comfortable, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
