Activist flight attendants asking pax to report extreme cabin conditions using app

[Mark in CA]

From the Washington Post:

For some air travelers, the only thing worse than spending hours crammed into a tiny seat aboard a jetliner is spending the rest of the trip shivering from extreme cold or sweating from extreme heat inside the cabin.

Now there’s something you might be able to do about it.

Flight attendants are asking passengers to download a free app, 2Hot2Cold, that can monitor and report cabin temperatures. It also collects information on the airline, aircraft type, flight number, date of flight, phase of the flight, its location of departure and arrival, whether any passenger had medical issues and other details.

This builds upon the flight attendants' petition to the USDOT to establish temperature standards.

Flight attendants want to do something about cabin temperatures that run hot or cold. (http://www.afacwa.org/2hot2cold)

[derjodel]

I thought FAs were the ones setting the temperature?? (honest question)

[Herod]

Don't the cabin crew have control of the temperature? If not, the flight deck will. Depends on type, but there is always some control.

[172_driver]

Don't the cabin crew have control of the temperature? If not, the flight deck will. Depends on type, but there is always some control.

I have always wondered if the temp selector in the forward galley on some 737NGs is just a dummy. Seems to work however, real or not.. ;)

[Vessbot]

There may be knobs, but that doesn't mean there's control of the temperature -- as anyone will tell you who's flown a CRJ 200 in the summer, especially without an APU.

[double_barrel]

I have never been too cold on a flight. It seems sensible to err on the cold side; those feeling cold can always wrap themselves in blankets to stay warm. Flying from HKJK I am always amazed at how many fellow passengers are wrapped up in jackets, scarves, hats and blankets while I am in a short-sleeved shirt. But I have been too hot. And I am often amazed by the steep temperature gradients as you move around the aircraft, so I can see that it must be impossible to get it right for everyone.

[Rated De]

If it were in relation to temps on the ground I'd understand..
At this time of year some skippers refuse to start APU until 5 mins before start while the cabin sits at 40°c. Thankfully most just tell you to start it second you get on the aircraft!

Given the incessant drivel from 'management' about fuel and its cost, bright sparks in Fort Fumble in the antipodes decided it is a good idea to not turn an APU when the OAT is less than 21. It does take a considerable amount of time to cool a cabin, even when ambient temperature isn't high.

With the usual pompous self serving tripe, fanciful graphs were produced, and we are told most lemmings complied with the 'procedure' being good company people.

A pilot in command is just that. No office 'manager' sits above. Any pilot doubting the how inane this is, despite the 'colourful graphs' and litany of WTO crude price tables, ought take a walk through Waterside or Coward Street on a weekend...

Vacant with the exception of a handful of contractor security, the only sound accompanying the silence will be the constant hum of air conditioning in eerily silent and vacant buildings...industry wide.

[Intrance]

About APU usage, it's not even so much the company or management making those kind of dumb decisions, it's airports... I mean, have a look at Amsterdam where you are not allowed to run the APU earlier then what, 10 or 5 minutes before scheduled off block unless temperature in the METAR is 25C+. Same kind of deal in Copenhagen.

I tend to just ignore these things and start when I feel it's needed, but am risking possible consequences like fines from the airport.

[parabellum]

In Zurich it used to be a noise control limitation.

[hans brinker]

In Zurich it used to be a noise control limitation.


About APU usage, it's not even so much the company or management making those kind of dumb decisions, it's airports... I mean, have a look at Amsterdam where you are not allowed to run the APU earlier then what, 10 or 5 minutes before scheduled off block unless temperature in the METAR is 25C+. Same kind of deal in Copenhagen.

I tend to just ignore these things and start when I feel it's needed, but am risking possible consequences like fines from the airport.


that’s all nice, but do those airport authorities switch off their ac and heating for the environment/noise? Unless the airport provides ground air of a temperature that keeps the cabin comfortable summer and winter my tail will be making noise.

[A and C]

I take the view that if an airport can’t provide ground conditioning for the cabin during extreams of heat or cold then as a matter of public health I will run the APU to provide a cabin atmosphere that will not endanger people’s health.

If a captain has not the backbone to ignore petty airport rules to avoid extream discomfort of passengers then he should not be in command.

[andrasz]

I have never been too cold on a flight. It seems sensible to err on the cold side; those feeling cold can always wrap themselves in blankets to stay warm.

Obviously you have not done much flying in SE Asia. I know several airlines where I need to take my down jacket (a daily necessity in those parts... ;)) because as soon as the doors close the cabin will be chilled, with flight attendants merrily handing out blankets to those feeling too cold - for an extra fee.