High temperatures, passenger comfort and aviation

When temperatures become very high as is being witnessed in many countries including Africa,  delays, bumping and uncomfortably hot planes are likely to happen.

Heatwaves can significantly impact passenger comfort and experience as it can add a hiccup to travel plans. Passengers and all involved in the transport and tourism business should adequately plan and work towards managing the fall outs of extreme heat temperatures this time of the year. Radley Horton, a Columbia climate scientist, is quoted as having said: “We can say with confidence that the type of heat events that lead to weight limits are going to increase in the future”.

A study by Columbia University published a few years ago is reported to have suggested that there could be four times as many superheated days known as “weight restriction days” by 2050 at the most at – risk airports in their country.

High temperatures can result in airport delays as they affect airport operations in many ways. It can result in issues with the tarmac, giving rise to delayed or cancelled flights. Smaller planes which have restrictions on operating in high temperatures may have their operations impacted.  High temperatures can result in power outages that can affect airport infrastructure and as such disrupt such services as air-conditioning and baggage handling.

There is usually a rise in demand for transport in areas with popular tourist destinations or coastal regions during heat waves. A recent television news showed people cooling in rivers due to high temperatures and this also applied to rural communities. This surge in demand can lead to crowding in airports with attendant long queues, seat availability challenges and difficulty finding accommodation resulting in passenger discomfort. Where air-conditioning is inadequate, it is a source of negative passenger experience.

It was reported recently that a flight from Las Vegas to Atlanta was cancelled after some persons on board needed to be checked by emergency workers. High temperature had resulted in weight and balance issues and as such there was a taxi delay. The temperature on board rose, making people sick. Some were reported to have passed out while some others vomited. An oxygen mask had to be put on a woman walking up the aisle looking like she was about to pass out. However, there was a good lesson in customer  experience management from the report that the airline apologised directly to passengers and offered compensation. Travellers eventually were booked on other flights.

Passengers should carefully plan their journey to the airport in this season of high temperatures. Vehicles and trains with proper air-conditioning will make a good start to the airport. Early morning flights reduce the risk of being bumped as the airline makes heat related adjustments. In most cases these flights leave on time and the temperature is cooler at such times.

Some aircraft do not turn on air-conditioning until lift-off, so experts have advised passengers to prepare for some heat in the cabin.

Brian Dilse, an academic instructor in the Department of Aviation of University of North Dakota, is reported as having said that aeroplanes must sometimes lighten their load to take off in the heat. There are a few choices, he said, open to the airline such as to fly with less fuel luggage or people. Where an airline has overbooked a flight this will be a last minute decision for them. Where everyone shows up for a flight, the airlines may have to bump some people. In such a case, he said, “they can take only 90 people,  even if they have 100 seats.”

To mitigate the impact of heat waves on the passenger experience,  travel and tourism stakeholders should closely monitor weather forecasts, implement contingency plans and communicate effectively with passengers about any anticipated disruptions and even safety guidelines also. Passenger safety should be prioritised.

Some rodents may find terminal buildings more comfortable than their hideouts. Grasses and possible hideouts should be regularly fumigated to prevent such an occurrence. Cleaners for airports that do not operate 24/7 should be on the lookout for such rodents and any evidence of them should be reported immediately and followed up. Adequate lighting for such airports at night from such sources as solar will help deter those rodents.

Vehicles and infrastructure on both landside and airside should be properly maintained to withstand high temperatures. In the terminal building there should be adequate cooling systems as well as hydration options to ensure comfortable passenger experience.

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