While some choose to reuse their inventory after each flight, others have chosen onetime-use options. And, as you've probably noticed, still others don't offer the amenity at all. However, a majority of those that do offer reused blankets and pillows assure travelers that they are properly laundered.

Whether an airline "washes" its pillows depends heavily on the type of pillow and the class of service. In Economy Class on most short-haul and some long-haul flights, airlines typically use "disposable" or "semi-disposable" pillows. These are generally not washed; instead, the thin paper or non-woven cover is replaced between flights, while the inner pillow might be reused until it becomes visibly soiled or worn, at which point it is discarded. However, in First and Business Class, and on premium long-haul carriers (like Emirates, Qatar, or Delta in 2026), the pillows are high-quality, fabric-covered items. These cases are removed and laundered professionally after every single flight, and the pillow inserts themselves undergo periodic industrial cleaning. Many eco-conscious airlines are moving away from plastics and toward "launderable" materials across all cabins to reduce waste. For hygiene-conscious travelers, the best advice is to look for pillows that are "sealed in plastic" when you arrive at your seat; this indicates they have been through a centralized cleaning facility. If a pillow is loose on the seat without a wrapper, it may have simply been "refreshed" rather than fully sanitized.