During the summer months when many travel areas hit their peak temperatures, aircraft will utilize their air conditioning systems in order to provide optimal comfort for their passengers. While air conditioning can maintain cool temperatures for the benefit of passengers, such systems are often only functional while the engine is on.
As such, air conditioning cannot be supplied to the cabin while the aircraft is parked at the gate during passenger loading. To remedy this, ground support equipment is used to pump large amounts of preconditioned air into the cabin manually. This is also why attendants will often ask passengers to keep their window shades shut and air vents open, as it will further maintain the cool temperature within the cabin until the engine is started.
While this method often proves to work well most of the time, there are some instances in which a cabin can still heat up. With an airplane cabin full of moving people, operating appliances, and lights, heat can naturally begin to increase at a steady rate. As the aircraft begins to transition from the terminal to the runway for flight, there is also a lapse in air conditioning as the ground support equipment is removed and the air conditioning unit is turned on. As a result of a packed cabin and a transition between
fan cooling systems, the aircraft can quickly heat up for a time. Nevertheless, the heating of the cabin is often temporary as the air conditioning unit begins to pump out cool air.
The same heating issue can also occur during the final stages of landing as well, as there is typically a lapse of time between the aircraft shutting down and the doors opening for passengers to leave. During this period of time, the aircraft’s air conditioner is shut off, and ground operators need to hook up equipment to the aircraft to supply the cabin with preconditioned air. While power could still be used during these lapses of time, airliners often explain that it is to save money and be more environmentally friendly.
While the hot temperatures of an airplane cabin can be uncomfortable for some, they are typically short-lived as air conditioning is switched from one source to the next. To best prepare for possible hot conditions, passengers are recommended to wear lighter, breathable clothing alongside a blanket or
jacket with bearing for when temperatures cool down again.
Having cold water can also help decrease body temperature for comfort as well. Lastly, passengers should always notify flight attendants as soon as possible if they are facing high discomfort, as attendants can help remedy the situation with ice towels, water, and other solutions.
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