Lufthansa is testing a new cabin cleaning approach that skips routine cleaning of economy class between flights on selected short-haul routes in Europe.
The trial runs from March 16 to March 29 across 20 routes, with first class continuing to receive full cleaning while economy cabins, including bathrooms, are not cleaned between flights.
Lufthansa is introducing an on-demand cleaning model during the test, allowing passengers to request cleaning if they notice dirt or full seat pockets. Cabin crew will handle these requests, while existing ground cleaning teams are reduced from four to two staff, focusing on premium cabins.
Business class, however, will continue to be cleaned.
The move marks a shift from traditional airline practices, where full cleaning is typically carried out at every stopover. Legacy carriers have long maintained higher cleaning standards compared to low-cost airlines, where quick turnaround cleaning is often limited to basic tasks or overnight servicing.
Under the Lufthansa trial, economy class cabins are left as they are between flights unless passengers actively request cleaning. This includes areas such as tray tables, seat pockets, and lavatories, which are usually refreshed during turnaround.
The test currently excludes flights to and from Frankfurt and Munich, Lufthansa’s main hubs. However, if the trial proves successful, the airline could expand the approach across its wider network.
The airline is also assessing operational efficiencies through the change. By reducing cleaning staff at stopovers and limiting routine tasks, Lufthansa aims to streamline turnaround processes while maintaining service standards in premium cabins.
The introduction of on-demand cleaning shifts some responsibility to passengers and cabin crew, potentially altering expectations around onboard hygiene. It also reflects broader industry trends where airlines seek to balance cost control with passenger experience on short-haul services.
The results of the trial will determine whether Lufthansa adopts the model more widely, as the airline evaluates both operational savings and passenger response to reduced cleaning in economy class.
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