Flying is uncomfortable enough. Why do they have to blast freezing cold air too?
By Morgan Cutolo, Reader's Digest
Packing essentials always include toiletries, clothes, and shoes; but you also can’t forget your socks and sweatshirt to keep you warm on your flight. As if sitting in a cramped seat for hours isn’t uncomfortable enough, they also set the air temperature way too low. Don’t worry though; it’s actually for your benefit. The airlines aren’t just trying to coax you into buying one of their overpriced, small, and extremely scratchy blankets; there’s a medical reason it’s so cold.
ASTM International conducted a study that looked into the correlation between people fainting while in the air and the cabin pressure and temperature. They found that people tend to faint more easily while flying because of a medical condition known as hypoxia. It occurs when the body tissue doesn’t receive enough oxygen. And high cabin pressure and warm temperatures can further this reaction. It’s fairly common in airline passengers.
Since body temperatures vary, airlines will keep the temperature on the low side just to be safe. That’s unfortunate for people who shiver even at the slightest breeze, but packing on a few extra layers is better than having the guy next to you pass out.
So even though it’s a pain to lug your sweatshirt on your way to a tropical island vacation, try not to complain. It’s keeping you from passing out.
Packing essentials always include toiletries, clothes, and shoes; but you also can’t forget your socks and sweatshirt to keep you warm on your flight. As if sitting in a cramped seat for hours isn’t uncomfortable enough, they also set the air temperature way too low. Don’t worry though; it’s actually for your benefit. The airlines aren’t just trying to coax you into buying one of their overpriced, small, and extremely scratchy blankets; there’s a medical reason it’s so cold.
ASTM International conducted a study that looked into the correlation between people fainting while in the air and the cabin pressure and temperature. They found that people tend to faint more easily while flying because of a medical condition known as hypoxia. It occurs when the body tissue doesn’t receive enough oxygen. And high cabin pressure and warm temperatures can further this reaction. It’s fairly common in airline passengers.
Since body temperatures vary, airlines will keep the temperature on the low side just to be safe. That’s unfortunate for people who shiver even at the slightest breeze, but packing on a few extra layers is better than having the guy next to you pass out.
So even though it’s a pain to lug your sweatshirt on your way to a tropical island vacation, try not to complain. It’s keeping you from passing out.
