Passengers at Nashville International Airport were in for an unpleasant surprise last year when 380 pieces of luggage were removed from the baggage carousel due to sewer water leaking from a clogged toilet. Another toilet clog caused major delays for thousands of passengers at Orlando International Airport.
According to the Federal Aviation Association, more than 2.5 million passengers fly in and out of U.S. airports every day. High levels of foot traffic make regular restroom maintenance a necessity for ensuring guest satisfaction. Through proper restroom upkeep and thoughtful product selection, airports can maintain a positive brand image and improve the bottom line.
The Importance of Traveler Satisfaction
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, people can easily become stressed in an airport environment. Checking in, getting through security and finding the correct gate is not typically enjoyable. During busy times like these, a clean, accessible and well-stocked restroom can contribute significantly to a traveler’s perception of the airport.
Yet if restrooms aren’t in pristine condition, travelers can easily become frustrated. According to a 2013 survey, some of the most common issues that negatively contribute to a user’s perception of a restroom include dirty or sticky floors, unflushed toilets, odor and overflowing trash cans. A 2018 Harris Poll also found that 86 percent of Americans say a clogged restroom toilet would negatively impact their perception of a business.
Unfortunately, it’s also easier than ever for dissatisfied patrons to shame businesses with unclean restrooms. Society’s increasing reliance on social media allows guests to share complaints with a wide audience and shape public perception. With a single tweet, a brand can be forced into the spotlight based on one traveler’s poor experience.
To protect a business’s image, proactive maintenance is key. Essential products should always be in stock and things such as faucets, stall locks and paper towel dispensers should function properly. Regularly checking and cleaning restrooms can help minimize long lines, costly disasters like clogged toilets and social media firestorms.
A Restroom Revolution
Prioritizing cleanliness can have a significant positive impact both on travelers’ experiences and an airport’s bottom line. Fortunately, some restroom products are designed to simplify maintenance and exceed guests’ expectations.
Consider the following solutions for airport restrooms:
- Biodegradable toilet paper. Advanced toilet tissue products can help reduce toilet clogs and the costs and negative backlash associated with these scenarios. When this paper makes contact with water, it activates natural, non-pathogenic microorganisms that produce enzymes to eat away dirt in the toilet’s pipes. The microorganisms reproduce, multiplying the cleaning effect. Once their work is complete, the enzymes biodegrade, leaving behind no residue, odor or negative environmental impact. No longer do airports need to close restrooms or stalls to fix a toilet clog. Travelers will appreciate that they can quickly use a restroom free of unsightly issues and odors.
- Dissolvable paper towels. Facilities should stock paper towels that won’t block pipes if they are accidentally flushed down the toilet. Products that dissolve in several minutes reduce the opportunity for clogs. Be sure that these products also feature high absorbency so that guests can quickly dry their hands and continue with their travels.
- Automatic dispensers. An electronic dispenser can help control the consumption of paper towels to reduce unnecessary waste. A quality dispenser will be constructed from durable materials, sleek in design and resistant to corrosive chemicals. High-quality dispensers will keep restrooms looking their best while reducing replacement costs for a facility.
- Touchless faucets. Customers tend to prefer touchless fixtures because it limits the number of surfaces with which their hands come into contact before and after handwashing. Hands-free faucets turn off automatically, conserving water during hand washing. Touchless features also have the added benefit of accumulating fewer fingerprints and dirt from hands, thus keeping restrooms looking their best.
Don’t underestimate the significance of a clean, fresh airport restroom. Focus on stocking restrooms with eco-friendly paper products to reduce unpleasant odors and clogs. Doing so helps prevent expensive and time-consuming repairs that can negatively impact a traveler’s schedule and perception of the airport. Coupled with high-quality dispensers and touchless technologies, travelers will be thankful for a five-star restroom experience.
Fabio Vitali is vice president AFH marketing & sales for Sofidel, a world leader in the manufacture of paper for hygienic and domestic use. For more information, reach him at [email protected] or visit www.Sofidel.com and www.papernet.com/americas.
