What is the average & max temperature of an airplane cargo hold?
I want to take some chocolates to offer in my luggage. Chocolates are a bit sensitive to heat, though. What is the average temperature inside a cargo hold? 'Average by' itself can be misleading. What is the max temperature there?
I don't know much about airplane mechanics but I assume they have some cooling systems like any other engine. Such systems, depending on where they are placed, might influence temperature in the cargo hold. I also fear temperatures in the ground while exterior temperatures are higher, and luggage is being put inside. What are max temperatures near the airplane in such situation?
Best Answer
As indicated in the answer of this question - 'Will my checked luggage freeze in the airplane?', the luggage hold can get down to 7C. So while your chocolates may be chilled, they're unlikely to overheat.
Indeed, I've taken chocolate many times, as has the commenter and asker of that other question, and have had no problems.
MAXIMUM temperature, however, would depend on the ground temperature outside the plane. If it's super hot outside, and the cargo isn't as well insulated as the passenger deck, the temperature may increase, especially on cargo close to the outside.
Once in the air, or in a colder area, the rate at which it cools will be dictated by Newton's Law of Cooling.
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How cold is it in the hold of an aircraft?
Aircraft temperatures are generally kept at between 22 and 24 degrees, which is about the same air temperature of most office environments. The extremes of the range reach from 18 to 27 degrees.How cold is the baggage compartment on a plane?
The cargo hold is pressurized and temperature controlled, with the temp usually at about 20 degrees colder than the cabin (at altitude).Is the cargo hold air conditioned?
Many are surprised to hear that the cargo hold in the belly of an airliner is pressurized. Conditioned air is directed from the cabin, so the air tends to be a little cooler by the time it reaches the cargo areas, which are also less insulated than the cabin.What is Average?
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Answer 2
Running a datalogger inside a checked suitcase between Paris and Sydney via Dubai showed the minimum temperature to be 13 degrees Celsius. That occurred in the last 3 hours of flight. A change of aircraft at Dubai showed the temperature rise to 28.5 degrees Celsius, when it changed aircraft, and then slowly drop as the Sydney bound aircraft proceeded on its flight. Temperature and humidity were logged every 15 seconds. The datalogger was a recorder and not a transmitter. Transmitter equipment aboard aircraft is illegal. I am yet to marry data from the recorder against actual flight data available online, but aircraft typically travel at around 38000 feet, with an outside temperature of around minus 44.6 degrees Celsius. The datalogger was placed against the side of the suitcase in a side pocket. The suitcases position within both cargo holds was unknown.
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