Why airlines keep cabin cold during flights: Explanation
Why it is usually cold on airplanes (photo: Pexels.com)
Air travel has long been routine, but one of the most common complaints from passengers is the cold in the cabin. This is no coincidence: the temperature on board is regulated specifically for certain reasons. HuffPost explains who controls the temperature on board and why it is so low.
Why is the temperature low on airplanes?
When an aircraft is parked at the terminal, cabin cooling is provided by external air conditioning units – those same large yellow tubes that connect to the fuselage. There is also an auxiliary power unit on board – a small engine in the tail of the aircraft that cools the cabin before takeoff.
In the air, cooling is provided by the main engines, and the temperature is controlled by the pilots. Flight attendants can slightly adjust it in the cabin, but for more significant changes, they contact the cockpit.
Despite airlines having internal policies, there are currently no official standards for cabin temperature. Although a petition to establish such standards was submitted back in 2018, a decision has yet to be made. So for now, everything depends on the aircraft type, the route, and the crew’s decisions.
Why the cabin is intentionally cooled
The temperature on board is divided into zones, and each has separate sensors. If a sensor is located near a heat source, the system may think the cabin is too warm, and will lower the temperature. Outside the aircraft, temperatures can reach minus 50 degrees Celsius, so the plane insulates you from a freezing atmosphere. It tends to be coldest near the doors, where insulation is weaker.
But there is also a practical explanation: heat and pressure in the cabin can lead to dizziness or even fainting. On large aircraft with hundreds of passengers, the crew carefully monitors the temperature to ensure it doesn't exceed a certain level. Excessive heat combined with dry air only increases health risks.
Cold is a comfort strategy, not a coincidence
Aside from physiology, there is another reason to maintain a cooler cabin: odors. In a warm cabin, any smells – from sandwiches to your neighbor’s shoes – become more intense. Higher temperatures activate odor molecules, which can ruin the entire flight. A cooler atmosphere also helps reduce dehydration, which is already worsened by the dry air on board.
That’s why the crew wears warm sweaters – it’s not just a fashion choice, it’s part of the uniform prepared for flying in cool conditions. Passengers should also have a light sweater, socks, and a bottle of water with them. And most importantly – dress for the plane, not the beach: the most common mistake is dressing for the weather at your destination.
You might be interested in:
- 10 not-so-pleasant facts about air travel that are hidden from passengers
- 8 ways to survive a plane crash.
