Heating options while in-flight
 

Looking for some help... I helped a friend book a flight to PEK in February. My travel agent even managed to help her get an exit row. The downside is that my friend does not do well with cold (gets sick easily) and unless something has changed, my experience with sitting near or in the exit rows is that it gets quite chilly when you're in flight.. My friend is not an experienced traveler so she doesn't think about things like this.

Anyway, I've given it some thought and here are her options (feel free to add to them) and I'm wondering which would be the best...

1) Normal blanket (airline provided)... don't think this would be good enough for her. She gets cold in the office easily... also kinda worried where the blanket has been as well.

2) Her winter jacket... not sure if this would be sufficient for the whole flight from one end to the other. But it would not increase her carry-on.

3) Her own blanket... not sure if she has one that is light or sufficient.

4) Electric blanket... no clue if AC would allow this... or if the plugs would handle the draw, but the blanket can be small enough for her.

5) Hot water bottle... ask the onboard CC to fill... not sure if the CC would do this for her. Also there is a limit to temperature control.

I did a cursory search in the forums.... most of the threads are 5+ years old, ones that were not spoke mostly of taking a space blanket or putting on more layers. I'm just trying to make sure that her trip doesn't make her sick... I would lean towards #3 or #4 , but not sure if #3 is sufficient for her or if the plane would support #4 . #5 would be a consideration if anyone can advise if it could be done.

Any input/experiences would be appreciated.

What about moving out of the exit row?

Thermal layers? Like the thin under layer you can buy at outdoor/sporting goods stores. It's lightweight, so won't be a problem for carrying around later (but she may want it anyway for Beijing in February!).

One of those fluffy tube scarves - can be worn around the neck, or pulled over the head and down the shoulders almost like a removeable turtleneck/hood all-in-one.

Wool socks. There are really cozy ones that double as compression socks sold in many pharmacies, in airports, on BC ferries.

I have no idea if this kind of thing is airline legal but they work reasonably well

https://www.jbmedicalsupplies.com.au...cts/ready-heat

Thanks. Will be added to the list for her. Not sure how responsive she will be, but you never know. Haven't seen a tube scarf before, but definitely will look into it for her.

That looks like a bunch of those ski/hiker packets woven into a disposable blanket. Interesting... not sure if that would get past security. I know the liquid versions will not and they wouldn't last the flight anyway... But definitely something to look into again. Thanks!

She was hoping for more space (she didn't mind the narrower seat)... Barring she pays for a seat upgrade, I'm not sure she'd go for it.

Regardless, thanks for all the replies!

You can buy a pretty good packable blanket at Costco for about $20. They are fluffy and pack down to about 1.5 litres in the included stuff sack.

Since you mentioned the passenger is a she — does she own a cashmere shawl or something like that? Not a scarf that is too small but some shawls or wraps are almost blanket sized.
This is something that can be used at other times — not just this one trip.

Cold weather socks. A bit bulky but the cold air around exit rows settles around the feet, so keeping feet warm can make a huge difference. I like the shawl idea and perhaps a down jacket or vest. They pack down well so take little space. I pack my down vest into a large freezer bag and compress it for packing. Definitely socks though.

Forget the electric blanket and hot water bottle ideas. Seems a bit unusual that someone based in Canada does not know how to handle the cold.

I've never seen something like that at Costco. I'll take a look next time I'm there.

I've never seen her use one. I know she's got one of those infinity scarves (those loop-type scarves). She does have a cardigan that she leaves in the office, but not sure if it would help. Not quite the densest thing.

Generally I have boots on if I'm heading to cold-weather climates, but I also enjoy the colder temperatures. I've seen some of those high-compression jackets at Uniqlo...not sure if she'd want to wear it on the plane, but I can only offer her what I know and have experienced and let her take it from there.

Ordinarily handle the cold, sure. But it's not quite something you'd think on the plane. The first time I sat in an exit row, I was going from HKG to YYZ. Was not ready to handle the cold that was leaking in and didn't really have much to protect me (May in SIN/HKG... not quite winter jacket weather). For me, a long sleeve sweater and an electric hand warmer works. But for most women I know, it's not enough. So just trying to make it as comfortable for her as possible. She's an older colleague of mine who is usually travels to Europe for vacation and usually gets the not so nice seats (cheapest rules). This is her first time she's gotten "better seating" (I dislike the bulkhead seats due to the width, but I'm also bigger than she is). I just want her to enjoy herself as she does work hard and has limited experience compared to others.

I do not find the infinity scarfs to be the best for air travel. The nice thing about a large shawl or wrap is the versatility -- can wrap a hand in it easily if cold; and cashmere is very warm and lightweight -- not as constricting as sitting in a full length coat. There are travel blankets available but I was trying to think of something that may already be owned or something that would be used often.

I agree she should switch out of exit row. If not, the main issue is cold feet. For the body, use a blanket / jacket / sweater. It's trivial

I avoid booking a window seat in exit row. Freezing.