Walls and seat pockets may also get special consideration. The most comprehensive cleaning to an airliner typically occurs every 30-45 days. In addition to seat covers, the tray tables, overhead bins and even ceilings are washed. Carpets are usually shampooed.

Airplane seats generally undergo two levels of cleaning: a "turnaround" cleaning and an overnight deep clean. During a standard turnaround between flights, cabin crews or ground staff perform a "light" clean, which involves picking up visible trash, checking seatback pockets, and occasionally wiping down tray tables if time permits (often only 10–15 minutes). A more thorough cleaning occurs when the aircraft is parked overnight (Remain Over Night or "RON"), where crews vacuum the floors and wipe down high-touch surfaces like armrests and window shades with disinfectant. Truly "deep" cleaning—where seat covers are removed and laundered and the carpets are shampooed—typically only happens during heavy maintenance checks (A-checks or C-checks) every few months, or if a major "incident" (like a spill or illness) is reported. In 2026, many major airlines have also integrated "electrostatic spraying" or UV-C light robots into their weekly hygiene protocols, but the consensus remains that travelers should carry their own disinfecting wipes for tray tables and armrests.