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Spraying the cabin on a BA flight LHR to BLQ

Posted by (Arlington TX) on

So I flew from DFW on the 31st via Heathrow to Bologna. When the flight was just about to taxi the announcement came on that they would be spaying the cabin for disease prevention. I can’t swear that was the exact term but it was close. The flight attendant then walked up and down the aisle twice spraying a medium aerosol can into the air. We were assured it was safe and to close your eyes if you wear contacts. Several of us looked at each other like WTF!!?? Other people were very blasé, like it wasn’t new. I asked a flight attendant how long this was happening on BA flights and she said it’s been at least a couple of months she thought, and ‘only on flights to Italy and maybe India’.

You could definitely see it hanging in the air but there was a very light smell. Has anyone any information on this?

Posted by
1310 posts

Italy requires disinsection for some aeroplanes arriving. I think one of the reasons is about dengue fever, but there might be others. Whilst a plane from London wouldn't require it, if the aircraft previously came from a another country or even was recently (28 days) operating in a country when it would be required then it is needed.

Posted by
4804 posts

Mosquitoes have killed more people than any other animal. This spraying is not a bad idea. I hope the insecticide they use is more effective than that used by Charleston County when they spray.

Posted by
3742 posts

They used to do it on arrival into Australia years ago.
Maybe they still do?
I remember being puzzled when the lady next to me told me to keep my cloth napkin after the meal.
It was to put over your face while the cabin was sprayed.

Posted by
677 posts

Thanks for the info. So it’s a pesticide? I would wonder about multiple exposures if I were on a flight crew but surely the unions that represent these folks have looked into it, I guess?

Posted by
15329 posts

My word! I knew that was done leaving/entering some countries but I'd never have expected it from London to Italy. I do understand about the plane having been in another part of the world but it seems if that is an issue they'd fumigate it during the time they turn it over between flights.

Posted by
16494 posts

I had the same experience flying back from South America during the YE holidays (with LATAM). It's insecticide to prevent mosquito borne diseases.

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