Airline blankets should be clean and fresh, ready for single use before they get washed and repackaged for further use, but this is not always the case. International airlines mostly wash and repack their blankets at their home base, where they have a laundry contract for the service.

Yes, but "repackaging" generally involves a rigorous industrial cleaning process. On most major airlines in 2026, blankets used on international or long-haul flights are removed after every journey, sent to a commercial laundry facility, washed at high temperatures (typically 140°F or higher), and then sealed in fresh plastic bags. However, the process for short-haul or domestic flights can be different. Some budget carriers or domestic "turnaround" flights may only replace blankets once at the start of the day. If you receive a blanket that is not in a sealed plastic bag, it is highly likely that it was simply refolded by the crew or left over from a previous passenger. In premium cabins (First and Business Class), blankets and duvets are almost always freshly laundered and sealed for every individual passenger. To be certain you are using a clean item, travelers are advised to check for the plastic seal; if it’s missing, don’t hesitate to ask a flight attendant for a fresh, wrapped one to ensure the best possible hygiene during your flight.