Passengers on a recent flight faced difficult conditions when the aircraft's air conditioning failed while still on the ground. Videos shared online show travelers fanning themselves with various items as the cabin temperature reportedly climbed significantly. A flight attendant advised passengers to 'meditate and stay calm' to manage the situation.
Key Takeaways
- An aircraft cabin experienced extreme heat due to a non-functional air conditioning system during a ground delay.
- Passengers used magazines and safety cards to fan themselves as temperatures reportedly reached 130°F.
- A flight attendant suggested meditation as a coping mechanism, aiming to calm passengers and minimize movement.
- Experts advise that getting the plane airborne is the quickest way to restore cooling, but prolonged extreme heat may require returning to the gate.
- U.S. Department of Transportation rules mandate water and deplaning options after specific tarmac delay durations.
Cabin Overheats Before Takeoff
The incident occurred as the plane was waiting to depart. Passengers reported a rapid increase in cabin temperature. The aircraft's air conditioning system was not working. This led to uncomfortable conditions for everyone on board.
Many passengers were seen using anything available to create airflow. Magazines, papers, and even safety briefing cards became makeshift fans. The situation caused visible distress among those traveling.
"The sooner we get in the air, the sooner it'll cool off."
A flight attendant addressed the passengers. She explained that the crew was doing their best. She also noted that attempting water service or other cooling efforts on the ground might delay the flight further. The primary goal was to get the aircraft into the air quickly, as this would restore the cooling system.
Meditation Suggestion Draws Reactions
Following her explanation, the flight attendant asked passengers to remain seated, keep seatbelts fastened, and armrests down. She then added a surprising piece of advice: "please meditate and stay calm. Help each other."
This suggestion was met with audible reactions from passengers. Murmurs and exclamations of "what?!" could be heard. Many seemed to express disbelief at the idea of meditating to cool down in such extreme heat.
Reported Temperature
Passengers claimed the cabin temperature reached 130°F (54°C). While no thermometer was shown, such high temperatures on grounded aircraft have been documented in other instances, though 130°F is considered an extreme upper limit.
Understanding Aircraft Cooling on the Ground
Aircraft cabins are typically cooled on the ground by one of two methods. The first is the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). This is a small engine located in the aircraft's tail that provides power for systems, including air conditioning, when the main engines are off. The second method is Pre-Conditioned Air (PCA), supplied directly from the airport gate via a hose connected to the aircraft.
If neither the APU nor the PCA system is functioning correctly, the cabin can heat up very quickly. An aluminum aircraft fuselage exposed to direct sunlight can act like an oven, trapping heat inside.
Temperature Extremes and Safety
While 130°F is a high figure, previous studies and incidents confirm that cabin temperatures can reach dangerous levels. A Purdue study suggests documented cabin temperatures generally do not exceed 122°F (50°C). However, temperatures between 105°F and 115°F (40.6°C - 46.1°C) have been recorded during prolonged ground delays in hot climates.
For example, a Delta flight in Las Vegas in 2023 reportedly reached 111°F (43.9°C). These temperatures pose health risks, especially for vulnerable individuals.
Why Heat is Dangerous
Exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms include confusion, fainting, and the cessation of sweating. These conditions require immediate medical attention. High temperatures also increase stress and discomfort for passengers.
Crew Actions and Passenger Options
The flight attendant's advice to meditate, while unusual, may have been an attempt to calm passengers and reduce metabolic heat. Stress and movement can increase body temperature. However, mindfulness alone does not physically lower core body temperature.
In such situations, the flight crew often tries to manage the immediate environment. The ultimate decision-makers regarding returning to the gate or deplaning are the pilots and airline operations. Getting the aircraft airborne is indeed the most effective way to restore the plane's full cooling capabilities.
Passenger Advocacy and Regulations
Passengers have certain rights and options during extended tarmac delays. It is important to know these:
- Request Cooling or Deplaning: Passengers can ask the crew to escalate requests for better cooling or to return to the gate.
- Window Shades: Keeping window shades down can help reduce solar heat gain, slowing the rate of temperature increase.
- Water Service: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires water and a snack to be offered after two hours into a tarmac delay on domestic flights. Crew members can provide water earlier at the captain's discretion if conditions warrant it.
- Right to Deplane: For domestic flights, passengers must be given the opportunity to deplane after a three-hour tarmac delay, unless there are safety or security reasons preventing it.
- Medical Assistance: If any passenger shows signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, immediate medical assistance should be requested.
The DOT tracks long tarmac delays. In summer 2023, no delays exceeding three hours were reported in typically hot cities like Phoenix or Las Vegas, but some occurred in other locations, including 17 in Atlanta.
Past Incidents Highlight Issue
This incident is not isolated. Similar events have occurred in the past. In June 2024, passengers on a Qatar Airways flight in Athens reportedly stripped down to cope with 100-degree heat on the tarmac after the air conditioning failed for three hours.
These events underscore the importance of functional cooling systems and clear protocols for handling extreme temperatures during ground operations. Airlines face the challenge of balancing passenger comfort and safety with operational efficiency and fuel costs.
Ground Cooling Methods
- APU (Auxiliary Power Unit): Small engine in the tail providing power for ground systems.
- PCA (Pre-Conditioned Air): Air supplied from the gate via a hose.
If both fail, the cabin quickly heats up, especially in direct sunlight.
While the flight attendant's intention was to calm the cabin, the effectiveness of meditation in reducing core body temperature in extreme heat is limited. Practical solutions, such as returning to the gate or ensuring ground cooling systems are operational, are crucial for passenger well-being.
