Canadian health officials recommend washing hands with warm water and soap as a primary defense against the coronavirus. However, travelers on certain domestic flights may not have access to running water on board. Passengers flying on shorter routes and smaller aircraft with Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines are only provided with hand sanitizer in the washrooms, according to a report by CBC News.
One passenger described the experience as akin to being in a “porta-potty in the sky” due to the absence of sinks with running water. The passenger, Ken Walker, expressed his concerns on social media, tagging Canada’s Transport Minister on Twitter.
While airlines emphasize increased cleaning measures and the provision of hand sanitizer on flights without running water, health officials recommend proper handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as the most effective way to combat the virus.
Despite Air Canada’s assurance that all mainline aircraft have running water, a CBC News investigation revealed instances where flights operated without functioning water systems, particularly on smaller planes for regional flights.
Passengers, like Heather Butt, have shared their apprehensions about the lack of running water on flights, emphasizing the importance of proper facilities for cleanliness and safety amidst the ongoing health crisis.
Both Health Canada and the CDC advise that if soap and water are unavailable, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be used as an alternative. However, some experts suggest an alcohol concentration of 70-90% may be necessary for optimal effectiveness in killing the virus.
Experts agree that handwashing is crucial in preventing the spread of the coronavirus, but the confined and often inadequate airplane washrooms present challenges. Microbiologist Keith Warriner recommends avoiding airplane washrooms altogether due to the potential risks associated with their cleanliness.
The absence of running water in washrooms poses a challenge for passengers and crew, leading to calls for improved hygiene measures. Airline workers’ unions advocate for the availability of running water on all planes to prioritize handwashing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines state they are complying with public health guidelines and current regulations, Transport Canada confirmed that there are no specific requirements mandating the provision of running water in aircraft washrooms. Instead, airlines are advised to ensure sufficient antiseptic agents are available for passengers and crew in the absence of hot water.