CDC guidance used to clean, disinfect aircraft
If it’s necessary you travel, you might share our readers’ concerns
USA TODAY has received more than 2,000 questions from readers about the coronavirus pandemic and how it affects them. Here are a few selected questions and answers about how the outbreak is impacting travel.
What are airports doing?
Individual airports are doing different things, so travelers should check airport websites for specifics.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, for instance, said last week that it has stepped up its disinfection and personal hygiene protocols. Some airport businesses and restaurants have closed, but others remain open.
“While it is not business as usual at SEA, the airport dining and retail tenants are working to ensure travelers are well-fed and well-stocked for the journey ahead,” the airport said in a statement.
Los Angeles International Airport issued a statement saying it is taking steps like installing 250 more hand-sanitizer stations in the terminals and cleaning and disinfecting restrooms and public areas “at least” once an hour.
Are TSA screening procedures changing?
The Transportation Security Administration has adjusted its security screening process, allowing airline passengers to bring a 12-ounce-or-less bottle of hand sanitizer through checkpoints. Other approved items include disinfectant wipes and face masks.
Another change: Travelers should put their wallets, keys and phones into carry-on luggage, not in the plastic bins. They can expect questions about where they’ve traveled recently. Passengers may be asked if they have symptoms of acute respiratory illness and have their temperature checked.
TSA also recommends following the CDC’s recommendation about washing your hands before and after going through checkpoints.
What are airlines doing?
Airlines are using guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionto clean and disinfect the interiors of their aircraft.
Delta Air Lines says it’s taken a cue from hospitals and begun fogging the planes it uses for transoceanic flights. According to its website, crew spray commonly touched surfaces with a high-grade EPA-registered disinfectant and virucide “that is highly effective against many communicable diseases,” including coronaviruses yet is safe for customers and crew immediately after use. They’re also using the same disinfectant to wipe down tray tables, seatback screens, consoles, and common areas like lavatories and galleys.
Like Delta, American Airlines is using an EPA-approved disinfectant on key touch points and conducting a 30-point cleaning process on its long-range aircraft and other planes that are on the ground overnight. In addition, most of its aircraft use HEPA filters, which completely replace the cabin air supply 15 to 30 times per hour. The airline is providing hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to crew members.
United Airlines has stopped refilling passenger beverages in the same cup, giving refills in new cups instead. Flight attendants are also handing all beverages directly to passengers instead of allowing them to pick them up from the serving tray.
Southwest said it is using a hospital-grade disinfectant on aircraft interiors. The cleaning routine involves the seat belt buckles and flight attendant call buttons and even the controls used by the pilots in the flight deck. Southwest has also eliminated its inflight beverage service.
Joanne Geraghty, president of JetBlue, told USA TODAY the airline is deep-cleaning “every piece” of its aircrafts. It is reducing the number of touch points and providing passengers with disinfectant wipes.
The airline has suspended hot-towel service and in-flight crews are wearing medical-grade gloves.