Savings on Cleaning 0 12

From March 16 to 29, Lufthansa will implement a "reduced cleaning" concept on approximately 20 European routes, Deutsche Welle reports.

Toilets will be cleaned only upon request, and trash from seat pockets will be disposed of only "as needed." The number of cleaners who will selectively check the cleanliness of seats will be reduced from 4 to 2, according to an internal memo for Lufthansa crew published on the Aerotelegraph portal.

Lufthansa explained that the test is part of the company's new cost-saving program, which plans to cut 4,000 employees. Cleaning "as needed" is not the only innovation aimed at reducing expenses. Previously, Lufthansa canceled free seat reservations based on fare, and also reduced in-flight meals—now economy class passengers receive only a miniature bottle of water and a piece of chocolate. Additionally, the airline has become stricter in controlling carry-on luggage at the boarding gate. Overweight baggage can be paid for on-site using an online terminal.

Notably, Lufthansa tickets for short flights often cost much more than those of low-cost competitors like Ryanair or Easyjet, the magazine Spiegel points out.