Cabin temperature on a plane
Short answer: A plane typically holds twenty-two to twenty-four degrees, but the air is very dry and moves constantly. Bring an extra layer you can put on and take off along the way. It makes the flight more comfortable, wherever you sit in the cabin.
Why you feel cold on a plane
The humidity in a cabin is below twenty percent, far drier than an ordinary living room. Dry air constantly evaporates moisture from the skin, and that cools. That is why twenty-two degrees feels like eighteen. You also sit still for many hours, so the body makes little extra heat, and the cold shows up sooner.
Dry air and the skin
When the air is this dry, it pulls moisture from skin and lips, and that creates a feeling of cold even when the temperature is fine. Drink plenty of water along the way, and use a light cream if your skin dries out easily. Clothes can help by keeping in the warmth you make yourself.
What you should wear
Long trousers, a long-sleeved layer and a jacket or cardigan you can take on and off. Bamboo viscose does not feel cold against the skin when the cabin air moves, and it is soft to sit in for many hours. Choose a layer that does not tighten over the stomach. See bamboo long sleeve t-shirt for men.
Layers instead of one thick sweater
Several thin layers let you adjust. If it is cold at take-off and warm at landing, you can remove a layer without fiddling with a large jacket. A thick sweater soon gets too warm, and then you feel cold again once you sweat. Think in layers, not in thickness.
The practical side
Socks rather than bare feet in shoes, and something around the neck if you want to sleep. Cabin air can draught around the feet, especially near the floor, and they often get cold first. Socks that do not squeeze are also welcome if your feet swell a little on a long trip. See bamboo socks for women.
Clothes for long flights
On a long flight it matters to wear clothes that are comfortable for sitting and sleeping. Avoid tight waistbands and heavy fabrics. A soft, light layer that does not cling when you move works best. Choose it as your innermost layer under the rest of your clothes. See bamboo clothing for women.
Coldest by the window
It is often coldest by the window, because the cabin wall is cold on the other side. If you sit there, keep something extra beside you that is easy to reach. Keep it in your hand luggage under the seat in front, so you do not have to open the overhead locker in the middle of the trip.
Blanket or layer
A blanket can be nice, but a layer of clothing on the body works better than a loose blanket, because it does not slide off when you move or sleep. The blanket can then go on top as an extra. Many airlines hand out blankets, but it is good to manage without one.
Care and fit
Pack the clothes so they can be worn again, and wash them according to the care label when you are home. Bamboo viscose does not take much space in the suitcase and creases fairly calmly. Choose a fit that sits close without squeezing, so you can sit still for many hours without being irritated by your clothes.
Frequently asked questions
Why are you thirsty on a plane
Because the dry air pulls moisture out of body and skin throughout the flight. Drink water along the way, and remember that you lose moisture even when you sit completely still.
Is it coldest by the window
Often yes, because the cabin wall is cold on the other side. Keep an extra layer ready beside you so you can put it on quickly if you start to feel cold.
Does a blanket help
Yes, but a layer of clothing on the body works better than a loose blanket, because it stays in place and does not slide off when you move or fall asleep.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
