Most commercial airlines keep their cabins relatively cool, but not just for one reason. While a cooler temperature may help reduce the risk of feeling unwell for some passengers, this is just one of several factors that determine the onboard environment.
During a flight, there is a slight reduction in the partial pressure of oxygen due to cabin pressurizationwhich can cause dizziness or fatigue in more sensitive people. “Airplane cabins are known for being relatively cold, and that’s intentional,” he explained. Bobby Laurieformer flight attendant.
Passengers fainting occasionally occur during flights, mainly in people who are dehydrated, fatigued or more susceptible to the effects of lower atmospheric pressure. The situation may be more frequent on long-haul flights or night flights.
The cabin pressure is normally equivalent to that between the 6,000 and 8,000 feet altitude. This value represents a compromise between the aircraft’s structural safety, operational efficiency and passenger comfort.
According to , although most people don’t even notice this adaptation of atmospheric pressure, the lower partial pressure of oxygen means that the body has less oxygen than at sea level. Those who are not used to these conditions may feel dizzy, lightheaded or, in some cases, faint.
To help reduce this risk, as well as the discomfort caused by the heat generated by hundreds of passengers in an enclosed space, crews tend to keep the cabin relatively cool. A cooler environment can help reduce episodes of malaise and make passengers more comfortable, although this is not the only reason for the usually low temperature on board.
High temperatures favor vasodilation, increase heart rate and can facilitate episodes of hypotension and fainting in more susceptible people. A cooler environment helps reduce this cardiovascular effort and can reduce feelings of nausea or motion sickness during the flight.
Keeping the plane cabin at a moderate temperature also helps avoid feeling excessively hot. Despite this, the humidity inside planes remains very low, due to the extremely dry air captured at high altitude, which can promote dehydration. For this reason, it is advisable drink water regularly during the flight.
Furthermore, the air conditioning system removes part of the humidity present in the air, helping to make the environment less stuffy and more comfortable.
It’s likely that on a long-haul flight you’ll start out wearing several layers of clothing and later have to remove some. This happens because the temperature can vary throughout the journey, as the aircraft heats up due to the presence of hundreds of passengers and the operation of equipment.
To manage the temperature in different areas of the cabin, aircraft use air conditioning systemswhich allow you to adjust the temperature independently in each section of the cabin.
However, there are some ways to minimize the feeling of cold during the flight. Seats located near emergency doors may feel colder due to their proximity to the aircraft structure, while window seats also tend to be colder. Packing a sweater or wearing several layers of clothing is still the best way to ensure comfort during your trip.
