How to learn an airplane cabin's pressure level before a flight, to avoid altitude sickness?
Commercial jets are typically pressurized to the equivalent of 6,000 to 8,000 feet of elevation. But according to a study,[1] passengers begin feeling uncomfortable at about the 7,000 feet mark, right in the middle of that range:
we did find evidence that the level of hypoxemia manifested at 7000 to 8000 ft played an important role in the development of discomfort [...] we conclude that maintaining a cabin altitude of 6000 ft or lower (equivalent to a barometric pressure of 609 mm Hg or higher) on long-duration commercial flights will reduce the occurrence of discomfort among passengers.
According to the Wikipedia article on Cabin Pressurization,[2] the typical cabin altitude equivalent for new aircraft is "falling", which "significantly improves comfort levels", so perhaps making sure to fly on newer aircraft is part of the solution:
The designed operating cabin altitude for new aircraft is falling and this is expected to reduce any remaining physiological problems [...] The 787's internal cabin pressure is the equivalent of 6,000 feet (1,800 m) altitude resulting in a higher pressure than for the 8,000 feet (2,400 m) altitude of older conventional aircraft [...] such a level significantly improves comfort levels.
So, is there a reliable way to check that my upcoming commercial flights will be pressurized closer to 6,000 feet than 8,000 feet? And is there any way for me to avoid booking tickets on high-altitude-equivalent flights so that I can be sure to avoid airplane sickness during my travels?
[1] Effect of Aircraft-Cabin Altitude on Passenger Discomfort, DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa062770
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabin_pressurization
Best Answer
The normal cabin pressure during flight is basically a function of the aircraft type.
Maintaining a lower pressure altitude in the cabin creates a higher pressure difference between the cabin and the air outside of the plane, which the aircraft needs to be able to sustain.
The vast majority of modern aircraft are pressurized to around 8,000 feet during normal flight, although there are 3 (or 4) exceptions.
The Airbus A380, Airbus A350, and Boeing 787 are all designed to be able to maintain a cabin pressure of 6,000 feet, and would normally be set to that for normal flight.
The 4th aircraft that (use to) support a cabin pressure of 6,000 feet was Concorde. Obviously not an option for flying today, but interesting given how long ago they started flying relative to the other models above.
So as far as knowing if an upcoming flight is going to be pressurized at 6,000 or 8,000 feet, simply look at the aircraft type flying it. If it's an A380, A350 or B787 then it'll almost certainly be 6,000 feet. If it's a Concorde, you need to have a word to your travel agent! If it's anything else, it'll be 8,000 feet.
(Note that cabin pressure isn't actually measured in 'feet', but it's a common way to refer to aircraft pressurization, referring to the normal atmospheric pressure at that elevation above sea level).
Pictures about "How to learn an airplane cabin's pressure level before a flight, to avoid altitude sickness?"
How do you train to prevent altitude sickness?
Here are some things you can do to prevent yourself from getting altitude sickness.What is the fastest way to adjust to altitude?
Here's how you can adjust to altitude quickly and safely, so you can get on to having an amazing trip....At what altitude do planes need to be pressurized?
The general rule is that planes should have cabin pressurization when they go above 10,000 to 14,000 feet. Can a pilot depressurize a cabin? Most aircraft cabins are pressurized to an altitude of 8,000 feet, called cabin altitude.How do you relieve altitude pressure?
These steps can help your body acclimate:On an Airplane - English Vocabulary Lesson
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Kelly L, Lucas Pezeta, Serinus, ArtHouse Studio