The strange revelation of the airlines; What happens to flight blankets and pillows after use?

The long flight ends, you get off the plane and put the pillow, blanket and headphones that have been with you for hours on the seat; But have you ever asked yourself what will be the fate of these devices? Are they just arranged for the next passenger or are they really washed and disinfected? This is a question that many travelers have in mind. According to the travel media report “TravelBook”, which followed up on this issue from five major airlines, the answer is not the same and each airline’s policy has a completely different story, ranging from careful and chemical washing to complete disposal of some items. (Yahoo)

Photographer: Unknown / Yahoo

In Lufthansa, it doesn’t matter which flight class you sit in. The company provides pillows and blankets to all passengers on long-haul and medium-haul flights. A Lufthansa spokesperson emphasizes that after each flight, all blankets and pillows are collected and thoroughly washed.

The story of headphones is a little different. First class and business headphones can be collected and reused due to their replaceable covers; However, passengers can take economy class and premium economy headphones as souvenirs. This policy is in line with Lufthansa’s greater focus on sustainability and waste reduction.

Photographer: Unknown / Fodors Travel Guide

Condor has a classified policy. All passengers receive a pillow; But the blanket is only available for premium economy and business class passengers. Economy and premium economy pillow covers are made of a thin disposable paper-cotton combination and are changed after each flight; But business class pillows and blankets have a different story. They are collected after the flight and reused after being disinfected by special chemical processes.

Perhaps the strangest approach belongs to “Singapore Airlines”. This company washes and irons all pillowcases and blankets after each flight. Pillows also remain on the plane. The same procedure is repeated for first class, premium and business headphones; But the shocking thing is that the company throws away all the economy-class headphones and all the blindfolds after one use. This policy, while ensuring hygiene, raises serious questions about sustainability and waste generation.

Photographer: Unknown / BSensible

The difference in the approach of the airlines shows that your experience of health and comfort in the sky depends more than you think on the policies behind the curtain of each airline. Do you use these devices on long flights? Write your opinion for Kajaro.

Cover photo source: Fodors Travel Guide Photographer: Unknown