How Cold Do Airplane Cargo Holds Get [Explained]

Whether you are traveling for work or embarking on an adventurous backpacking trip, one common question that often arises is:

How cold do airplane cargo holds get? 

This concern is especially relevant if your luggage contains temperature-sensitive items. In this article, we will explore the temperatures of various well-known airline cargo holds.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the topic!

How Cold Do Airline Corgo Holds Get: [Figure Out]

In this section I’m going to provide the temperature of some well-known airline cargo holds:

1. FedEx cargo plane temperature

The temperature inside a FedEx cargo plane can vary based on several factors:

• The type of aircraft.
• The location of the cargo compartment.
• The placement of luggage or other items within the cargo compartment.
• Flight length.
• Cruising altitude.

Typically, the temperature in FedEx’s main cargo compartment ranges from 5°C to 30°C (40°F to 85°F). 

	Minimum	Maximum
FedEx Cargo Plane Temperature	30°C (85°F)	5°C (40°F)

This information serves as a general reference based on data provided on the FedEx site.

2. Boeing cargo hold temperature

The cargo area of the Boeing 737 is less insulated than the cabin, resulting in a slightly cooler temperature in the cargo hold. The aircraft aims to maintain a temperature range of 15°C to 30°C.

In the bulk area of the Boeing 767, where pets and other animals are carried, the temperature is set at 18°C, while the baggage hold temperature is about 7°C. Additionally, the Boeing 767 features a special temperature-controlled bin for sensitive goods.

According to Doug Morris, a captain with Air Canada Airlines, these temperature guidelines are standard.

The information is based on the Boeing 787 captain of Air Canada Airlines, Doug Morris.

Boeing 777 cargo hold temperature

According to the data presented on the site China Airline, For the Boeing 777, the cargo temperatures are as follows:

Boeing Cargo Model No.	FWD Cargo Hold	High 18 to 24°c	Air conditioning system
B777	AFT/Bulk Cargo Hold	Low 4 to 10°c	Heat System H & L heat switch (2) at the cockpit

can you survive in the cargo hold of a plane?

While traveling in the cargo hold is illegal and dangerous, many people search for this information out of curiosity. A plane’s cargo holds, located in the lower deck, are divided into three sections:

1. Forward Hold

Forward hold is positioned at the front section of an airplane. In most cases, it is located before the wings. 

2. AFT Hold:

An aft hold is located behind the wings. 

3. Bulk Hold: 

A bulk hold is located in the rear section of the airline. 

The number and location of these holds may vary by aircraft. While all holds are pressurized, their heating capabilities depend on whether they transport animals.

If you were hypothetically inside a suitcase thrown into the forward hold, your survival would be uncertain; you might suffocate or get crushed by other luggage. Conversely, if you were in an animal transport cage, you would likely survive because the forward hold is pressurized and heated.

what is the highest temperature likely to be found in an aircraft cargo hold?

Travelers often carry temperature-sensitive items, such as chocolates, and may wonder if it’s safe to bring them onboard. The cargo hold typically maintains a pressure of 75 kPa, equivalent to the normal air pressure at an altitude of 2438 meters.

What is the highest temperature inside the aircraft cargo hold?

Normally aircraft cargo maintains the inside pressure to 75 kPa. It is the normal air pressure at the height of 2438m.

The table below summarizes the minimum, average, and maximum temperatures at various altitudes:

Height	Min. Temperature	Avg. Temperature	Max. Temperature
2438m	20°c		23°c
3658m	-15°c	-4 to 18°c	30°c
6017 m (Highest Altitude)	-4°c		24°c

According to the data mentioned on this site, at an altitude of 3658 meters, the maximum recorded temperature inside a cargo aircraft is 30°C, particularly when flying over high mountain passes like those in Colorado.

What is the safe temperature inside the cargo hold for pets?

According to American Airlines Cargo, the safe temperature range for pet transportation inside the cargo hold is between 45°F and 85°F (7.2°C and 29.4°C). Temperatures below 20°F or above 85°F are considered unsafe for transporting animals.

Conclusion

Whether you are a solo traveler, planning to travel with your beloved pet, or carrying chocolates and other temperature-sensitive items, it is essential to understand the temperature and pressure conditions inside an airplane’s cargo hold. These factors can vary across different airlines and aircraft, and I have outlined the internal temperature and pressure details for some well-known airplanes.

I hope this article provides valuable insights into cargo hold temperatures for your upcoming travels.

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