Yes, all of our aircraft are equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, which remove 99.97%* of airborne particles—similar to technology found in hospitals. Our aircraft are designed with an air circulation system that mixes in fresh air from outside the plane with air inside the plane.

Southwest Airlines maintains a cleaning standard that is generally on par with other major U.S. "low-cost" and "mainline" carriers, though their "quick turnaround" business model presents unique challenges. Because Southwest focuses on "point-to-point" flying with very short times at the gate (often 30–40 minutes), the cleaning performed between flights is usually a "quick turn"—meaning flight attendants or ground crews quickly remove trash from seatback pockets and straighten seatbelts. However, Southwest performs more intensive "enhanced cleanings" every night when the aircraft is parked, which includes sanitizing high-touch surfaces like tray tables, armrests, and overhead bin handles. In response to passenger feedback in 2024 and 2025, the airline has also increased the frequency of its "Deep Clean" cycles, where the carpets are shampooed and the walls are scrubbed. While Southwest planes might occasionally feel "lived-in" during a late-afternoon flight after multiple segments of passengers, they consistently meet or exceed FAA and CDC hygiene guidelines for commercial aviation safety.