Summer is in full swing, the sun is beating down, and yet, barely settled in a train or an airplane, here comes the thrill: the infamous air conditioning makes its entrance! Behind this coolness – sometimes refreshing, sometimes downright freezing – lies a true technical feat, adapted to the challenges of each mode of transport. Why do we get cold so quickly on the tracks or at altitude, even when it’s over 30 degrees outside? Let’s delve into the behind-the-scenes of these ingenious systems that try to ensure our comfort… even if it means packing a sweater in the middle of August!
Traveling by train or by airplane in the height of summer, under the oppressive threat of a heatwave, can sometimes be a thermal challenge. While some passengers shiver despite the 35 degrees outside, others are desperately seeking some refreshment. How can we explain these differences in perception? What lies behind the sometimes capricious management of air conditioning in these means of transport? Follow the guide: we lift the veil on the cooling of trains and planes to find out how to survive — or at least not catch a chill — during a heat wave.
Traveling by train in the summer: the challenge of controlled coolness
The secrets of train air conditioning: each carriage, its climate
In the heart of summer, trains face a particular challenge: maintaining a pleasant temperature despite the outside heat waves and the crowds coming and going at each stop. Every train carriage has its own autonomous air conditioning system, orchestrating a subtle dance between the outside temperature and the inside temperature. Cooling a train is somewhat like trying to air condition a long tunnel full of surprises, constantly oscillating between shady tunnels and blazing sun rays.
The other element that complicates everything is the constant ballet of passengers: it’s like trying to keep your living room cool while leaving doors and windows open for a long time, with guests coming in and out every five minutes! It’s no surprise that some complain about the cold draft as soon as they sit near a window, particularly because the ventilation comes straight at the level of the windows. For those who prefer to bask in 27 degrees, it’s better to choose a seat far from the window.
Preparation before departure: a battle against heat
Even before the first traveler boards, TGVs put a protocol in place: the air conditioning kicks in 20 minutes before departure. During severe heatwaves, SNCF can run the trains for a full two hours, on recommendations from Météo France, to guarantee a freshness worthy of an enchanted interlude in Porto (learn more about the summer getaway).
However, there is a limit: if the outside temperature skyrockets beyond their safety threshold, trips are simply canceled to avoid a widespread heatstroke among travelers.
And for those who have the (mis)fortune of sitting still throughout the trip, the sensation of cold intensifies, as the air conditioning adjusts to the movements of the crowd, not to the immobility of the passengers.
Cooling an airplane at 10,000 meters altitude: mission (almost) impossible?
Why is it sometimes so cold on a plane?
There’s no point in hoping for a comforting ray of sunshine once at altitude: outside, it’s -50°C! The result: the air conditioning on board is not there to please, but to ensure the safety of everyone. The air, extracted from outside, is filtered, warmed, and then fed into the cabin, continually renewed to avoid a blast of microbes and bad smells. The goal? A pressure and temperature similar to those at a ski resort, so you don’t end up frozen in your seat while keeping your sinuses clear.
If you ever feel a strange mist during boarding or before takeoff from hot destinations, it’s simply condensation: moisture condenses in the cool atmosphere of the cabin, creating fleeting wisps of fog that are perfectly harmless, much more spectacular than a weekend at Puy du Fou (get your tickets).
Individual air conditioning and strategic seating
On board an airplane, managing the cold also depends on your seat choice. Near the window, the warmth of the sun can heat you up, while in the middle, the icy sensation prevails. The famous air vents located above each seat are there for personalized thermal regulation: it’s up to you to adjust your mini-fan! If the idea of traveling in shorts crosses your mind, be prepared to end up wrapped in a blanket, explorer-style in Antarctica.
A little beauty tip that’s a must, especially on long-haul flights: remember to hydrate your skin well; the combo of dry air and AC is relentless on your epidermis! Discover more practical tips so that your next flight doesn’t harm your skin.
Adapting your outfit and anticipating temperature fluctuations
Whether you are a fan of air-conditioned trains or a sky adventurer, it’s highly advisable to anticipate temperature variations. Keep a sweater handy — it’s the essential accessory for both the express journeys from Paris to Nîmes and for landing facing Mount Etna in Sicily (travel with peace of mind). This helps avoid many inconveniences when the body transitions from the mobile sauna of the platform to the industrial North Pole of the carriage or cabin.
And if a trip full of softness under the Tunisian sun tempts you, without worrying about the temperature on board, discover how to combine relaxation and comfort for a relaxing getaway.
