kabarsula Bed bugs on planes: What travellers need to know bandar SLOT INDONESIA

Forget Snakes on a plane, we have a new horror story: bed bugs on a plane.

The recent bed bug incident aboard a Qantas flight from Perth to Rome has put the spotlight on how the pests can spread through travel, with a cleaning industry expert warning that even the cleanest-looking environments can harbour infestations.

Prabin Shrestha, Group CEO of national cleaning and facilities management company SKG Services, said bed bugs on aircraft were relatively uncommon, but could be introduced through passengers’ luggage, clothing and other personal belongings.

“Finding a bed bug doesn’t automatically mean an aircraft is poorly maintained. They’re very good at travelling unnoticed, and even the cleanest environments can be exposed,” he said.

Aircraft present particular challenges because of the number of passengers and bags moving through them, with hundreds of people potentially using the same seats across multiple flights.

Once onboard, bed bugs can hide in seat seams, upholstery and small gaps, making them difficult to detect through routine cleaning alone.

Without knowing the findings of Qantas’ investigation, Shrestha said it was impossible to determine where the insects originated or how long they may have been onboard.

He said there was an important distinction between everyday cleaning and addressing a pest infestation, which requires specialist treatment, thorough inspections and follow-up checks.

“From what’s been reported, Qantas made the right decision to ground the aircraft,” he said.

“It’s obviously disruptive, but after 30 years in this industry, I’ve learned that sometimes the most responsible operational decision is to stop, address the problem properly and only resume services when you’re confident it’s been resolved.”

How can travellers protect themselves?

While passengers have limited control over their surroundings once onboard an aircraft, Shrestha said there were practical steps they could take to reduce the risk of encountering bed bugs during their travels.

When arriving at accommodation, travellers should check mattress seams, headboards and nearby furniture for small insects, dark spots or shed skins.

Keeping suitcases closed and off beds and floors can also help reduce the risk of pests transferring to luggage. A luggage rack positioned away from the bed is a better option, he said.

“If you notice anything suspicious, report it immediately and ask for alternative accommodation,” Shrestha said.

On aircraft, passengers can check around their seats and alert cabin crew if they notice anything unusual, although there is only so much they can do once onboard.

Travellers should also inspect their luggage before bringing it into their bedrooms when returning home, particularly if they suspect they have encountered bed bugs during their trip.

Why accommodation can be a risk

Hotels, hostels and other short-stay properties are among the key exposure risks for travellers because of the constant turnover of guests and their belongings.

Bed bugs can move between locations in suitcases, clothing and personal items, meaning travellers may unknowingly carry them from one hotel to another or bring them home.

Shrestha stressed that infestations were not limited to budget accommodation, with luxury properties also susceptible.

“ A spotless-looking room doesn’t necessarily mean it’s free from bed bugs,” he said.

He said properly trained cleaning staff played an important role in identifying potential problems early, particularly when they had clear procedures for reporting suspected infestations and escalating concerns for specialist treatment.

No single destination is immune

Bed bugs are found worldwide, including across Australia, Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa, according to Shrestha.

Rather than singling out particular countries as higher risk, he said travellers should pay attention to the management and maintenance of individual properties.

The frequency with which people and their belongings move through an environment creates more opportunities for bed bugs to be introduced, making early detection and effective treatment essential.

For travellers, the key message is that vigilance matters, whether checking a hotel room on arrival or alerting cabin crew to a suspected issue onboard.