Juan Herrera

WMAL.com

WASHINGTON (WMAL) – Southwest Airlines announces enhanced cleaning practices and new physical social distancing measures for passengers.

Starting on May 11, Southwest will join other airlines in requiring passengers and employees to wear face masks.

In order to keep employees and customers safe, Southwest Airlines has announced that it will take added steps to clean and disinfect each of its aircrafts in between flights.

The airline also said it will begin to limit the number of passengers allowed onboard and will provide protective equipment for its employees.

Southwest Airlines also released a video that details several of its new announcements.

Further information regarding Southwest Airlines’ latest announcements are available below. You can also read Southwest’s full release here.

The airline has added multiple layers of stringent cleaning and disinfecting:

• An electrostatic disinfectant and anti-microbial spray is applied on every surface of the aircraft that kills viruses on contact and forms a protective shield for 30 days.
• Sani-Cide EX3, a broad-spectrum disinfectant, will be used to clean commonly used areas (onboard lavatories, tray tables, armrests, seat belts, flight attendant call buttons, and overhead bin handles) before every flight. (Begins mid-May)
• We also deep clean each plane from nose to tail for nearly 6-7 hours every night. (Began March 4)
• Our gate areas, ticket counters, and baggage claim areas are cleaned multiple times a day.
• Hand sanitizer will be available at the airport and wipes will be available onboard for Customers.
• We use HEPA air filters onboard our aircraft, which remove 99.97% of airborne particles—similar to technology found in hospitals.
• We have aligned these stringent cleaning policies and procedures with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The airline has also added new physical-distancing practices:

• We are limiting the number of people onboard each flight to provide Customers more personal space so there will be no need for the middle seat to be occupied (currently through June). But if you’re traveling together, you can still sit together.
• Our boarding process is changing. We’re boarding in groups of 10 and only on one side of our boarding poles to help our Customers spread out.
• It is highly encouraged to bring your own hand sanitizer and mask, and to wear your mask while traveling. Face coverings or masks will be required for Customers starting May 11. If you forget your mask at home, one will be available for you.

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