Passengers on airplanes often experience a familiar scenario – as the aircraft ascends, the cabin temperature drops, prompting a frantic search for a sweater. It is well-known that airplane cabins are typically kept at a low temperature, but according to flight attendants, there are valid reasons behind this practice.
“Daily Mail” reported that Jay Robert, a seasoned international flight attendant and the founder of “A Fly Guy’s Cabin Crew Lounge”, recently shed light on the surprising complexities behind cabin temperatures and why feeling cold during a flight can actually be beneficial.
Robert, in an interview with “UniLad Tech” in 2024, explained, “When the plane is parked at the gate, it relies on external air conditioning to lower the temperature. Once airborne, the aircraft switches to an engine-driven internal cooling system.”
While pilots are in charge of the main thermostat, flight attendants can make minor adjustments through the cabin control system, with significant changes requiring coordination with the cockpit.
Taylor Garland, a spokesperson for the flight attendants’ association, highlighted that the temperature control in airplane cabins is divided into multiple zones. However, the system is not without flaws. Garland added, “If an area is large or if a temperature sensor is near a heat source – similar to a thermostat near a heater vent at home – the system may mistakenly think the cabin is warmer than it actually is.”
Nevertheless, this is not necessarily a bad thing as cooler temperatures are beneficial for passengers’ health and safety. Surprisingly, lower temperatures can even enhance passengers’ sense of smell.
Reflecting on his experience working on a large plane carrying over 600 passengers, Robert mentioned that one of his routine tasks was to ensure the temperature did not exceed 23 degrees Celsius (73 degrees Fahrenheit). He revealed that temperatures over 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) could increase the likelihood of passengers fainting.
Cooler air helps counteract the effects of dry, high-pressure cabin environments, which can lead to dehydration and dizziness. Another significant advantage of keeping the cabin cool is perhaps the most crucial aspect during long-haul flights: a pleasant-smelling cabin.
According to Robert, an overly warm cabin results in “more pungent odors,” as heat can stimulate the release of odor molecules, causing unpleasant scents to accumulate quickly in a warm aircraft.
Therefore, for a more comfortable and safe flight, it is advisable to dress warmly and tolerate the slightly cooler cabin environment.