ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Southwest Airlines is reportedly trialling a policy that would see professional cleaners being brought in to clean up the areas around the premium seats.

Cabin crew are currently expected to clean the aircraft between each flight. But the new policy will introduce dedicated cleaning teams for those seats that have extra legroom.

Flight attendants are unhappy about the scheme, claiming it will lead to more complaints from people in economy seats.

One member of the flight attendants' union compared the plan to first class passengers on the Titanic "having cigars and sipping brandy and telling their stories of their untold fortunes" while the lower classes below deck travel in less salubrious conditions.

And the move is an insult to passengers, according to union board member and safety chair Chris Click.

"When passengers see what's going on, they're going to be very upset," he said. "And who are they going to turn to about these complaints? They're going to turn to the working flight attendants that are on the airplane."

A spokesperson for Southwest Airlines said all aircraft would continue to be cleaned every day under the new scheme.

"Our flight attendants tidy every aircraft between every flight today," he said. "That will continue and we are also looking at potentially bringing in additional cleaners when needed and only at certain airports.

"We will continue to make sure our aircraft are ready for every customer, regardless of where their seats are on the plane."