Retired American Airlines pilot Captain Steve Scheibner has advised all passengers to bring a sweatshirt or coat on board, regardless of the weather outside. He explained why cabin temperatures vary so much and what to take to stay comfortable.
Why cabin temperatures vary
In a YouTube Q&A, Captain Steve addressed a fan's question about why some flights feel warm while others are very cold. He admitted that temperature control is a long-standing issue, as Boeing and Airbus placed the controls for the back of the plane in the cockpit.
This means pilots are responsible for adjusting temperatures, and Captain Steve said that "50 per cent" of his job involved tweaking them. He noted that newer planes like the Boeing 777 and 787 have given control back to flight attendants, but that hasn't fully solved the problem.
Flight attendants' influence
Captain Steve pointed out that flight attendants, who are often busy moving up and down the cabin, may set the temperature cooler to suit themselves. He suggested passengers "come in layers" and specifically recommended bringing a sweatshirt or coat, even in summer.
Seat-back pocket warning
Captain Steve also warned against storing valuables in the seat-back pocket, calling it the "black hole of despair." He said items left there are often lost forever, and the chances of recovery diminish quickly after leaving the seat.
