New cleaning procedures due to swine flu??
May 2, 2009, 11:07 pm
#16
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: LAX
Posts: 559
Wow, really? Some of the cleaning crews must be really quick then. I had an aircraft turn around (with cleaning done) in 15 minutes at IAD today. I wonder if they really wiped down all of the tray tables like they were supposed to.
May 3, 2009, 11:33 pm
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: DEN / OGG
Programs: Former UA GS, demoted to lowly 1K MM
Posts: 734
The LAX-DEN return this evening turned much quicker, and there were pillows and blankets aplenty.
May 3, 2009, 11:50 pm
#18
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: 35,000 feet and hopefully seated up front.
Programs: UA 1k / SPG Gold / Hilton Gold / Regular peon for all other programs.
Posts: 183
A friend of mine is one of the CS supervisors at a line station for UA and she told me yesterday that their station's cleaning vendor will clean all tray tables and overhead bin latches/handles, amongst other surfaces that are touched most frequently by passengers. At her station, the cleaners realized it was faster for one person to walk thru the cabin unlatching all tray tables, then having another person behind to wipe the tables down. Then either the first person or someone else walks thru to latch the tables again.
Let's hope these procedures stay for a long time after this health issue disappears.
Let's hope these procedures stay for a long time after this health issue disappears.
May 4, 2009, 1:24 am
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SF CA USA. I love large faceless corporations. And they cherish me in return (sometimes). ;)
Programs: UA Premier Gold/disappointed 1MM, HH Gold, IHG Plat, MB Gold, BW Diam Sel
Posts: 17,575
Even before the swine flu scare (and if it's somewhat overblown I'm actually GLAD -- better a tad too MUCH caution than a tad too LITTLE), United undertook an inititiative to clean up several years' worth of grime. There's a thread here somewhere about it (too lazy to search for it right now). Basically, they've been running their fleet through a series of deep-cleans.
And the difference is VERY noticeable. The planes I've flown on recently have been WAY cleaner than they've been in years. They don't necessarily look "brand new," as there are a few dings and other signs of wear, but the newfound cleanness is like a breath of fresh air. ^
And I agree with others that if they could continue the wipe-down/disinfection of tray tables, overhead bin handles, etc. even AFTER the swine flu scare has abated, that would be an excellent idea. I've often felt that flying subjects you to too many health risks -- jet lag, fatigue, and recycled, germ-laden air (and/or coughers/sneezers directly spraying you), unhygienic bathrooms, etc., and the more measures the airlines can take, the better. @:-)
And the difference is VERY noticeable. The planes I've flown on recently have been WAY cleaner than they've been in years. They don't necessarily look "brand new," as there are a few dings and other signs of wear, but the newfound cleanness is like a breath of fresh air. ^
And I agree with others that if they could continue the wipe-down/disinfection of tray tables, overhead bin handles, etc. even AFTER the swine flu scare has abated, that would be an excellent idea. I've often felt that flying subjects you to too many health risks -- jet lag, fatigue, and recycled, germ-laden air (and/or coughers/sneezers directly spraying you), unhygienic bathrooms, etc., and the more measures the airlines can take, the better. @:-)
Last edited by KathyWdrf; May 4, 2009 at 1:30 am
May 4, 2009, 3:46 am
#20
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: IAD
Programs: UA GS, Avis CHM, Marriott & SPG & PC Plat., Hyatt & Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,547
No blankets/pillows on last night IAD-SFO in F&Y! I guess it will be BYOP&BYOB from now on...
May 4, 2009, 3:51 am
#21
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: VA Gold, UA, SPG Gold, HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Ambassador
Posts: 3,644
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Last edited by Downunder girl; May 5, 2009 at 7:57 am
May 4, 2009, 4:44 am
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SF CA USA. I love large faceless corporations. And they cherish me in return (sometimes). ;)
Programs: UA Premier Gold/disappointed 1MM, HH Gold, IHG Plat, MB Gold, BW Diam Sel
Posts: 17,575
It's the deep-cleaning that is making the aircraft MUCH cleaner than they have been in the last several years.
Last edited by iluv2fly; May 4, 2009 at 9:33 am Reason: unnecessary
May 4, 2009, 5:14 am
#23
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: CT, USA
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 74
May 4, 2009, 6:50 am
#24
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Bonvoy LT Titanium (x SPG LT), IHG Spire, UA Silver
Posts: 5,848
Are the actually cleaning the restrooms too or is the hanging coffee bag method still in place?
May 4, 2009, 9:54 am
#25
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Frankfurt, Germany/Washington DC
Programs: HH Silver, Eurostar CarteBlanche
Posts: 244
Due to the flu they have relocated the blankets and any clean pillows to one overhead bin, they will be still in plastic. If you do not see any, ask or take a look around, they might still be onboard.
May 4, 2009, 11:13 am
#26
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Between SFO and SJC
Programs: UA 1K-MM
Posts: 1,406
I was on UA225 IAD-SFO last night, and they specifically announced a the gate that due to the flu they would not have pillows and blankets. Also, the F lav had hand sanitizer and the sink taped off so it couldn't be used. Don't know if it was inop, or due to the flu too.
May 4, 2009, 2:24 pm
#27
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: IAD
Programs: UA GS, Avis CHM, Marriott & SPG & PC Plat., Hyatt & Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,547
I was on UA225 IAD-SFO last night, and they specifically announced a the gate that due to the flu they would not have pillows and blankets. Also, the F lav had hand sanitizer and the sink taped off so it couldn't be used. Don't know if it was inop, or due to the flu too.
) When boarding I heard the female GA asking the male GA what the name of the flu was. She didn't get the characters&numbers correct...Nice to be on the same flight as a great FlyerTalker!
