The first-ever US Baggage Sanitization System has been introduced at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 7. Dubbed a “significant milestone in the travel industry’s ongoing efforts to combat the spread of infectious diseases,” the system offers a travellers a quick, turn-key solution to sanitize their baggage before bringing it home with them.

The first of its kind at any US airport, Clean’s ground-breaking, state-of-the-art technology uses powerful UV-C light to eliminate 99.9% of viruses, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens from luggage surfaces in seconds.

Passengers arriving on flights into Terminal 7 throughout the summer will be able to test the new technology at Clean’s machines for US$10 for two pieces of luggage as part of a pilot program being run by JFK Terminal 7 and Clean.

Terminal 7 currently handles over 2,000 flights per month from 14 domestic and international airline partners, including Air Canada.

“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!” said Rodney Jones, CEO of Clean.

“We are thrilled to be the nation’s first airport terminal to make this groundbreaking technology available to our passengers,” added Steve Thody, CEO, JFK Millennium Partners. “We believe Terminal 7 passengers will embrace this pilot program – which will set a new standard in travel hygiene and improve our passengers’ overall arrival experience, thereby paving the way for its widespread adoption across our industry.”