Skip to content
fitness-and-exercise — Health-and-wellness — Science — Climate-change

Air Conditioning Systems in Aircraft Cabins Keep Passengers Comfortable During Flights

Exploring the reasoning behind the frosty airplane cabins: It's not merely a matter of personal taste; these lower temperatures play decisive roles in ensuring safety, health, and passenger comfort. Here, we'll delve into the key reasons for the icy atmosphere in airplanes.

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
Airplane cabin temperatures are deliberately kept low to address three key factors: safety, health,...
Airplane cabin temperatures are deliberately kept low to address three key factors: safety, health, and passenger comfort. Here's why it's so chill up there.

Air Conditioning Systems in Aircraft Cabins Keep Passengers Comfortable During Flights

Chilly Flying: Revealing Secrets Behind Airline Cabin Temperatures

Have you ever wondered why airplane seats nip at your skin despite the inflight beverage service? Turns out there's more to airplane cabin temperatures than just a personal preference—safety, well-being, and comfort play vital roles. Let's delve into the reasons behind that chilly cabin environment.

1. Staving Off Hypoxia

One of the primary factors in maintaining low temperatures is preventing hypoxia—a condition where one's body doesn't get enough oxygen [RD, MA]. Flight at high altitudes results in lower oxygen levels in the cabin air. If it were warmer, hypoxia-induced issues like dizziness or fainting could become more common. Keeping the temperature low helps reduce the body's oxygen needs, reducing the risk of hypoxia for passengers [RD, MA].

2. Tackling Low Humidity

Airplane cabins are infamous for their humidity levels, usually around 20%. This dryness feels even cooler due to the body's rapid heat loss [MA]. The absence of moisture leads to a chillier sensation, contributing to the overall effect of the cold cabin. Low humidity is an inevitable result of the pressurization system used in airplanes, which mixes dry outside air with recycled cabin air [EF].

3. Managing Cabin Temperatures

Planes fly in conditions where outdoor temperatures can dip as low as -70°F (-57°C). To counteract this, cabins are usually kept between 70°F and 75°F (21°C to 24°C) [RD]. However, this might seem comfortable on paper, but passengers sitting for an extended period will feel colder than they would at home under similar circumstances. Airlines prefer cooler temperatures because it's easier for passengers to add layers to warm up than to cool down if the cabin turns out too hot [RD].

4. Securing the Safety and Functionality of Electronics

Critical flight components like flight control systems and cockpit instruments perform best in cooler environments. Excessive heat could lead to malfunctions in crucial systems, which could threaten safety. Keeping the cabin cool ensures that essential equipment operates smoothly [EF].

5. Providing Comfort for All

When you've got hundreds of passengers lined up for a ride, keeping everybody comfortable becomes a bit of an art form. Bodies generate heat, especially when packed tightly together. To avoid the cabin overheating, air conditioning systems are often set to lower temperatures, which also enhances air circulation and minimizes the risk of overheating during lengthy flights [MA]. Furthermore, lower temperatures help decrease sleepiness and fatigue, keeping passengers alert during their journey [MA].

Dressing Up for The Big Leap

Need a little extra warmth on your flight? Here are some suggestions to help you stay cozy during your journey:

  • Layer Up: Bring a sweater, scarf, or jacket that you can wear or remove as needed.
  • Select Your Spot Wisely: Opt for an aisle seat or exit row seats rather than window seats—they tend to be colder due to their location near the plane's exterior [EF].
  • Bring Warm Gear: Packing a pair of warm socks or a travel blanket can help make your flight more bearable.
  • Stay Hydrated: Sipping water can help combat the effects of the dry air, which can make you feel even colder [MA].

Wrapping It Up

Sky-high temperatures are kept relatively low in airline cabins for a variety of reasons, such as enhancing passenger comfort, maintaining the performance of crucial electronics, and ensuring a safer flight environment. While chilly flights might not be everyone's cup of tea, this chilliness is a vital ingredient in maintaining safety and comfort at high altitudes. Next time you take to the skies, remember to bundle up and enjoy the reassurance that comes with knowing the cabin temperature is there for your protection and comfort. By understanding the science behind the cold, you can prepare yourself better for your next flight and focus on enjoying your journey.

Resources and Additional Reading

  • "Why Do Airlines Keep Their Cabins So Cold?" Travel + Leisure, May 14, 2019, https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/airlines-airports/why-do-airlines-keep-cabins-cold.
  • "Why Are Airplanes So Cold?" Conde Nast Traveler, June 21, 2019, https://www.cntraveler.com/story/why-are-airplanes-so-cold.
  • Our Website

[RD]: Reader's Digest[MA]: Monroe Aerospace[EF]: Executive Flyers

  1. In addition to ensuring passenger comfort and safety, airline cabin temperatures are maintained at a lower level to promote health-and-wellness and prevent hypoxia due to lower oxygen levels at high altitudes.
  2. The low humidity in airplane cabins, around 20%, not only contributes to the cool feeling but is also an effect of the pressurization system used in airplanes, which mixes dry outside air with recycled cabin air, and is a concern in environmental-science and fitness-and-exercise as it could lead to dry skin and rapid heat loss.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest