17 Aircraft Cabin Cleaner Interview Questions and Answers

Aircraft cabin cleaners are responsible for cleaning and disinfecting the interior of an airplane between flights. The job is physically demanding, as cleaners must be able to reach high spaces and tight places. They also work in a fast-paced environment, as they have a limited amount of time to clean the cabin before the next flight.

Aircraft cabin cleaners must be able to pass a background check and a drug test. They also need to have a high school diploma or GED. Some airlines may require cleaners to have experience in customer service or the cleaning industry.

If you’re applying for an aircraft cabin cleaner job, you may be asked to interview with a panel of airline representatives. During the interview, you will be asked a series of questions about your experience, your availability, and your ability to work in a fast-paced environment. You will also be asked to demonstrate your cleaning skills.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample questions and answers.

Are you comfortable working in tight spaces and around loud noises?

Aircraft cabins are often small and cramped, so employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable working in these conditions. They also want to know if you can handle the noise that comes with being near an aircraft engine. In your answer, explain how much you enjoy working in tight spaces and describe a time when you’ve done it before. Also, share a story about a time you worked around loud noises or machines.

Example: “I love working in tight spaces because I find them fun and challenging. When I was in college, I got a job as a janitor at my school’s gym. The locker rooms were always messy, but I enjoyed cleaning them because I liked figuring out creative ways to get into all of the nooks and crannies. Working around loud noises is something I’m used to. My parents have a restaurant, so I grew up hearing lots of clanging dishes and kitchen equipment.”

What are some of the cleaning methods you have used in the past?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with cleaning aircraft cabins. Your answer should include a list of the methods you have used in the past and how they helped you complete your work.

Example: “In my previous role as an aircraft cabin cleaner, I primarily used commercial-grade cleaners that were safe for use on aircraft interiors. These products were effective at removing stains from carpeting and upholstery while also being environmentally friendly. Another method I used was vacuuming because it removed loose dirt and debris from the aircraft’s interior.”

How would you handle a situation where you are unable to access a part of the aircraft?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you will handle challenges in your work environment. Use examples from previous experiences to show that you are a problem solver and willing to take on new challenges.

Example: “In my last role, I was tasked with cleaning an aircraft’s bathroom while it was still moving. The crew had already cleaned the rest of the plane, so they asked me to clean the bathroom as quickly as possible. I used all of my supplies to get the job done as fast as I could. When I finished, the pilot informed me that we were about to land, so I would have to wait until after the flight landed to finish cleaning.”

What is your process for handling hazardous waste and other materials that need to be disposed of properly?

Aircraft cabin cleaners often work with hazardous materials, such as cleaning chemicals and waste from the bathroom. Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to handle these materials safely. In your answer, explain what steps you take to ensure that you dispose of these items properly.

Example: “I always wear protective gear when handling hazardous materials. I also have a designated area in my truck where I store all of these materials until I can get them to an appropriate disposal facility. For example, if there is human waste in the bathrooms, I put it into a sealed bag before putting it in my truck. Then, at the end of each day, I transport all of these materials to a waste management facility.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to go above and beyond to help a customer or client.

When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide specific details about the situation and how you helped your customer or client. This can help interviewers understand more about your personality and skills as a team player.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, we had a customer who was having trouble with their aircraft cabin cleaning service. They were unhappy with our work and wanted to cancel their contract. I met with them in person to discuss their concerns and find out what they liked about our services. We talked for over an hour until I found out that they just needed someone to listen to their concerns. After talking with them, I learned that they really enjoyed our services but were frustrated by some of the recent changes we made to our cleaning process. I offered to reinstate one of the features they missed most and they agreed to stay with us.”

If you were given the opportunity to learn how to operate aircraft cabin cleaning equipment, would you do so?

Employers may ask this question to see if you are willing to learn new skills and gain experience. If you have no previous experience with aircraft cabin cleaning, it can be beneficial to take on the role of an apprentice or trainee so that you can learn how to properly clean a plane’s interior.

Example: “I would definitely be open to learning how to operate equipment for aircraft cabin cleaning. I am always looking for ways to expand my knowledge and improve my skills as a professional cleaner. I think having more experience in this field could help me become a better employee.”

What would you do if you noticed a coworker not following safety procedures?

Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of safety and how it relates to your coworkers. They want to know that you will be able to help others follow procedures, especially if they are new or unsure about them. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure your coworker understands the importance of following procedures.

Example: “If I noticed a coworker not following procedures, I would first approach them privately to see if there was an explanation for their actions. If there wasn’t, I would talk with my supervisor so we could address the issue together. I believe in making sure everyone is aware of the importance of following procedures and would do everything I can to help someone learn.”

How well do you follow directions?

Aircraft cabin cleaners must follow all safety procedures and instructions from their supervisors. Employers ask this question to make sure you can do so effectively. In your answer, explain that you are a highly organized person who is able to keep track of many tasks at once. Explain that you will always read any important documents thoroughly before starting work.

Example: “I am an extremely organized person, which makes it easy for me to stay on top of multiple tasks. I also have excellent time management skills, so I know how to prioritize my day. When I first started working as an aircraft cabin cleaner, I would read all the necessary documents carefully before beginning work. This helped me learn the job more quickly.”

Do you have any experience cleaning up blood or other bodily fluids?

Aircraft cabin cleaners often have to clean up bodily fluids, such as blood and urine. Employers ask this question to make sure you are comfortable with these types of cleaning duties. If you do not have experience in this area, it is important to let the employer know that you would be willing to learn how to perform this task if necessary.

Example: “I have never cleaned up blood or other bodily fluids before, but I am open to learning how to do so. I understand that working as an aircraft cabin cleaner can sometimes require me to perform tasks that I may not be familiar with. I am a quick learner and will work hard to ensure that I am able to complete all aspects of my job.”

When performing your duties on an aircraft, do you typically work alone or with a partner?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your interpersonal skills and how you interact with others. When answering, consider the specific duties of the job and whether they require you to work alone or with a partner. If you typically work alone, explain what steps you take to ensure safety when working on an aircraft.

Example: “I usually work alone while cleaning aircraft cabins. However, I always make sure that my coworkers are aware of where I am so we can avoid any potential accidents. In addition, I always wear my safety gear and follow all other safety protocols when performing my duties.”

We want to provide exceptional customer service to our clients. How would you go about improving your customer service skills?

Aircraft cabin cleaners often work with clients, so employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to provide exceptional customer service. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific time when you improved your customer service skills.

Example: “I once worked for an aircraft cleaning company that had many clients. One day, I was working on a client’s plane and spilled some water on their carpet. The client noticed right away and asked me what happened. I apologized and told them I would clean up the mess as soon as possible. I finished my other tasks first, then returned to the carpet and cleaned it thoroughly. They were very happy with how quickly I fixed the problem.”

Describe your experience with operating vacuums and other cleaning tools.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with the tools you’ll use in this role. Use your answer to describe your past experience and how it prepared you for this job.

Example: “I have worked as an aircraft cabin cleaner for five years, so I am familiar with all of the tools we use on a daily basis. In my previous position, I was responsible for cleaning the entire aircraft using vacuums, dusters, wipes and other cleaning supplies. I also used specialized equipment like carpet cleaners and upholstery steamers.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. When answering, it’s important to highlight a skill or experience that makes you unique from other candidates. You may also want to mention something that relates to the job description.

Example: “I have five years of experience as an aircraft cabin cleaner, but I am always looking for ways to improve my skills. Last year, I took a course on how to clean windows without leaving streaks. This new knowledge helped me save the airline thousands of dollars in replacement costs. In addition, I learned how to use environmentally friendly cleaning products.”

Which cleaning methods do you prefer and why?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your cleaning preferences and how you approach a task. Your answer should include which methods you prefer to use, why they’re effective for you and any experience you have with other methods.

Example: “I find that using an anti-bacterial spray is my favorite method of cleaning because it’s fast and efficient. I like knowing that I’m killing germs while I clean so that passengers are less likely to get sick on their flight. I also enjoy using disinfecting wipes because they allow me to quickly wipe down surfaces without having to rinse them off first.”

What do you think is the most important thing to remember when cleaning an aircraft?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the industry and how you can be a valuable asset to the company. Your answer should include information about safety, customer service and teamwork.

Example: “The most important thing when cleaning an aircraft is to remember that it’s a safe place for passengers. I always make sure to clean thoroughly but also quickly so that we don’t inconvenience our customers. I also think it’s important to work as a team with my coworkers because no one person can do this job alone.”

How often do you perform routine cleaning tasks on aircrafts?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with aircraft cabin cleaning. Use your answer to highlight the specific tasks you perform and how often you do them. You can also use this opportunity to explain why these tasks are important for maintaining a clean aircraft cabin.

Example: “I usually perform routine cleaning on aircrafts every day or every other day depending on the size of the aircraft. I start by wiping down surfaces, including tables, chairs and windows. Then, I vacuum floors and seats. Finally, I wipe down bathroom areas and sanitize bathrooms.”

There is a spill on the carpet. What is your process for cleaning it?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the cleaning process and how you apply it. You can answer this question by describing a specific situation in which you encountered a spill on the carpet, what steps you took to clean it and the result of your actions.

Example: “If I were to encounter a spill on the carpet, my first step would be to assess the size of the spill. If it’s small enough that I can clean it with a towel or cloth, then I will do so immediately. Otherwise, I will remove any items from the area that could get damaged if they are soaked in liquid. Next, I will use a wet vacuum to remove as much liquid as possible before using a dry vacuum to collect any remaining particles. Finally, I will wipe up the remainder of the spill with a damp cloth.”