You may want to think twice before you embark on your summer travels. Rosa Sanchez, an airplane cabin cleaner for Swissport at Logan Airport in Boston, has revealed the distressing truth about the conditions on planes during this busy season. Staffing issues, time constraints, and shortages of cleaning equipment have resulted in planes that are dirty and unsanitary, according to the New York Post.
Sanchez explains the challenges faced by cleaning crews, including a lack of sufficient cleaning supplies, forcing them to make do with whatever is available or resort to using water alone. In some cases, due to a shortage of mops, they have had to use blankets left behind by passengers to clean the floors. The bathrooms are often in appalling conditions, with blood on the floors, toilets, and walls, and even feces and urine present on the toilet seats. When gloves are scarce, Sanchez has resorted to wrapping a blanket around her hand for protection while cleaning the bathroom.
In a shocking incident in 2022, Sanchez was accidentally pricked by a hypodermic needle while cleaning an empty plane. Despite the injury, she continued to work and had to bear the medical expenses herself. This troubling incident underscores the urgent need for improvements in the working conditions of cleaning crews.
Sanchez and several others have filed complaints against Swissport with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to address these issues. In response, Swissport claims to comply with regulations and prioritize the health and safety of its employees. However, the reality on the ground paints a different picture.
The increasing discomfort of air travel has become evident, with the Transportation Security Administration predicting that summer 2023 will surpass pre-pandemic travel levels. The focus of the airline industry has shifted toward maximizing profits, leading to cramped seating arrangements and reduced distances between seats. This contributes to the growing problems faced by passengers during flights, as highlighted by Gary Peterson of the Transport Workers Union.
Unpleasant travel experiences have become more common, with reports of neighbors repeatedly vomiting every 20 minutes and barf bags exploding on long flights. The challenges faced by cleaning crews are exacerbated as they are left with limited time to quickly clean messy cabins between flights. Additionally, incidents of unruly passengers are on the rise, further adding to the difficulties faced by both passengers and crew members.
In essence, the once-comfortable experience of flying has deteriorated, leaving little comfort for those in coach-class seats. The focus has shifted toward providing luxury and comfort exclusively for those in first-class or business-class seats, leaving the majority of travelers with a brutal flying experience.