Summary
- JFK Airport introduces innovative baggage sanitization system using UV-C technology for safer travel experiences.
- Passengers can trial Clean’s technology at Terminal 7, with the option to sanitize two bags for $10 in seconds.
- Aer Lingus to move operations to new Terminal 6 in 2026, offering elevated premium experience with new lounge.
The first baggage sanitization system in the United States has been installed at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
New and innovative
When a bag is dropped off at the check-in desk at an airport, it goes through several places, touches several hands, and comes in contact with several surfaces by the time it reaches a passengers’ destination. The amount of bacteria a bag can accumulate as it transits through so many places is extremely high. Believe it or not, there is a company that recognized this and decided to create a baggage ‘cleaning’ system for passengers.
Clean focuses on safe, sanitized travel solutions. The new system it developed uses UV-C technology to eliminate 99.9% of harmful pathogens from luggage surfaces. The first airport to make Clean’s system available was John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The announcement was made today with JFK Millenium Partners, which manages JFK Terminal 7 and is building the new Terminal 6.
Photo: Clean
According to the announcement, passengers arriving on flights at Terminal 7 will be able to trial the new technology. JFK Terminal 7 and Clean are running a trial program, offering passengers the chance to clean two bags for $10 in a matter of seconds. The two companies believe this is a perfect opportunity for passengers to sanitize their bags before going home.
“As passengers return en masse to traveling the globe freely, it’s crucial that we implement safe, effective solutions to maintain passenger confidence and ensure a healthier travel experience for all. Clean will allow passengers to sanitize their baggage after every flight. Simply gather your luggage from the baggage claim carousel, drop your bags at the Clean machine, and within seconds your bag will be sanitized – because what you bring home with you matters!” – Rodney Jones, CEO, Clean
Recent JFK news
A few weeks ago, Aer Lingus and JFK Millenium Partners announced that Aer LIngus will move its operations at JFK to the new Terminal 6 once it opens. The airline stated it will be in the new terminal from day one in early 2026. In addition to moving terminals, Aer Lingus will open a new lounge to offer its passengers and elevated premium experience.
Photo: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Aer Lingus’ American partner, JetBlue, will also operate at Terminal 7, making connections for Aer Lingus passengers even easier. Those flying from Shannon and Dublin in Ireland go through United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) Pre Clearance before boarding. Therefore, when deplaning in the US, passengers are treated like domestic passengers and can go straight through their connecting gate or exit the airport.
Related
Aer Lingus Announces Signature Lounge And Operations At JFK’s New Terminal 6 From 2026
Over at Terminal One, the airport is looking for lounge operators. According to a recent report from Simple Flying The New Terminal One has requested proposals for two lounges in the new facility. One would be landside and have a 4,000 square-foot space while the other would be airside with more than 9,000 square-feet. The new terminal is undergoing a $19 billion project and the first phase is scheduled to open in 2026 with full completion expected in 2030. This will make the new terminal the largest at JFK.
Related
$19 Billion Redevelopment: New York’s JFK Airport Seeks New Terminal One Lounge Designers