Even in the dead of summer, you’ll probably find that you’re freezing on the flight to your sunny destination.
Why is the plane so cold, no matter the season? And why don’t flight attendants have control over the thermostat?
Vanessa Settimi, a flight attendant for Swoop Airlines, told Reader’s Digest that there’s a good reason they keep the cabins so cold — and it might not be what you expected.
Cooler temperatures on planes help reduce motion sickness during turbulence and also help prevent passengers from fainting if they are prone to it while flying.
“Temperature in the cabin is controlled by the pilots,” Settimi explained. “So even though travelers often ask to get the temperature turned up during flights, it is kept on the cooler side.”
She suggested that passengers bring their own blankets or sweaters to keep themselves comfortable when flying.
Settimi’s go-to plane outfit is a pair of running shoes, long pants, a T-shirt and a zip-up sweater.
“Now this might just be the flight attendant in me, but you will never catch me flying as a traveler in sandals and a tank top!” she said.
There are some other hacks passengers can take advantage of if they’re worried about being cold while flying.
Travel expert Samantha Brown told Islands that people should wear or pack a scarf and wear a hoodie.
Both can be rolled up and stored in your carry-on if you don’t need them or can be used as a makeshift pillow to keep your neck comfortable.
If you have the room, bringing a pair of slippers or gloves in your carry-on can’t hurt either.
Getting a warm beverage from the cart or bringing one on the plane with you will help keep your hands warm. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also allows air-activated hand warmers on the plane.
