This past Sunday 8/19 I was on CO2119 [Express Jet ERJ-145] from MFE to IAH. As a Gold Elite I was among the first on the plane, which I quickly discovered was anything but a benefit.. turns out the aircraft's air conditioning unit was broken, and the air vents were blowing warm air throughout the flight. My partner and I were in 12B/C for the legroom, but this particular jet lacked a window shade next to 12C.

So after sitting at the gate for 30+ minutes in 100 degree weather with an open boarding door, warm air in the vents, and direct sun with no window shade, it was getting a little sticky in those leather seats.

I was sure that once we took off things would cool down, but surprisingly they barely did at all. It was a completely full flight, but I thought the cold exterior air would negate the body heat and sun exposure.

The crew made no announcement related to the temperature, but I asked the FA about it during the drink service, and she confirmed that the A/C unit was broken and added "you should feel what it's like up front.." It wouldn't surprise me if the jet had flown that way all day.

Luckily it was only a quick hop to IAH but we probably spent about 90 minutes total on the plane and it felt like the temperature was near 90 degrees. It really made for an uncomfortable flight, and our clothes were wet with sweat. Not a fun way to start a trip. We were delighted to hop on the shuttle bus from terminal B to C just to get some ice cold air blowing on us!

I sent a note to CO Customer Care letting them know about the situation but have no expectation of receiving any sort of compensation. I found myself wondering if I would have been more upset if they delayed or cancelled the flight while fixing the air conditioning, resulting in a missed connection back home to EWR.

I'm curious how others feel.. should the air conditioning being broken be grounds to declare a mechanical or should the planes fly anyway?