United Airlines has launched United CleanPlus, stressing its commitment to health and hygiene, and revised its economy meal offering.
The new programme has brought together together a trusted brand in surface disinfection – Clorox – and top medical experts from the Cleveland Clinic to inform and guide the airline’s new cleaning, safety and social distancing protocols.
The programme includes touchless kiosks in select locations for baggage check-in, sneeze guards and mandatory face coverings. The Cleveland Clinic is advising on new technologies, training development and quality assurance programming.
“Safety has always been our top priority, and right now in the midst of an unprecedented crisis, it’s our singular customer focus,” said United CEO, Scott Kirby. “We recognise that COVID-19 has brought cleanliness and hygiene standards to the front of customers’ minds when making travel decisions, and we’re not leaving a single stone unturned in our pursuit to better protect our customers and employees.”
Beyond disinfection, the Cleveland Clinic’s guidance covers all elements of the airline’s policies and procedures with the goal of exceeding industry standards. Medical experts are translating scientific progress around COVID-19 into practical steps for implementation when flying.
Check-in and boarding procedures have been adapted and employees have been equipped with disinfecting products and PPE. Pre-packaged food and beverage only is available at the lounge, and onboard a new “all in one” economy snack bag replaces the economy beverage and complimentary snack choice service on domestic flights scheduled two hours and 20 minutes or more. This bag includes a wrapped sanitiser wipe, an 8.5oz bottled water, a Stroopwafel and pack of pretzels.
Enhanced cabin sanitisation including electrostatic spraying will happen before every flight from June. Both crew and passengers are required to wear a mask or face covering, and guests are given individually-wrapped hand sanitiser wipes as they board.
Employee temperature checks before each workday have also been introduced.
