Cold and cold
Jan 22, 2011 | 6:07 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Orlando
Programs: Delta-Million miler
Posts: 1,312
Cold and cold
Recently, after a flight I developed a cold and sore throat. Onee of my friends remarked that I often catch cold after a flight, particularly during winter.
Here is my theory: In winter when it is cold, pilots recirculate more inside air and bring-in less fresh air. In other words, more germs are recirculated.
My questions:
a) Does outside temperature dictate (guided by economics) how much fresh air is mixed in the cabin?
b) I assume that some kind of filters are used when air is recirculated. Are they capable of filtering cold viruses?
c) How often these filters are changed?
Here is my theory: In winter when it is cold, pilots recirculate more inside air and bring-in less fresh air. In other words, more germs are recirculated.
My questions:
a) Does outside temperature dictate (guided by economics) how much fresh air is mixed in the cabin?
b) I assume that some kind of filters are used when air is recirculated. Are they capable of filtering cold viruses?
c) How often these filters are changed?
Jan 22, 2011 | 8:13 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Baltimore, MD USA
Programs: Southwest Rapid Rewards. Tha... that's about it.
Posts: 4,430
I don't know the answers to any of your questions, but I do know this: winter is the cold and flu season, where more people spend more time indoors, spreading germs around to each other, and even if the recirc on a plane is exactly the same in winter as it is in summer, the liklihood is that there are more germs coming aboard with the pax in winter than in summer.
Jan 22, 2011 | 9:13 am
#3
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 5,270
The outside air at cruise altitude is always extremely cold regardless of the season, so the amount recirculated won't change significantly (if at all). As WillCAD notes, it's simply a matter of being surrounded by more sick people.
(Media myths about recirculated air on airlines is one of Patrick Smith's favorite pet peeves - here's one of his interesting articles on the subject.)
Also, I think it's pretty rare to catch colds from viruses that are floating through the air - much more likely that you've touched a tray table, IFE touchscreen, seat back, or other item that's been in contact with a sick person.
(Media myths about recirculated air on airlines is one of Patrick Smith's favorite pet peeves - here's one of his interesting articles on the subject.)
Also, I think it's pretty rare to catch colds from viruses that are floating through the air - much more likely that you've touched a tray table, IFE touchscreen, seat back, or other item that's been in contact with a sick person.
Jan 22, 2011 | 12:00 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: US
Programs: DL GE
Posts: 1,654
One year I had four colds in a row, it was like clockwork, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb.. All starting right after flying home.
I started washing my hands like someone with OCD and haven't had one since, that was over 2 years ago.
I started washing my hands like someone with OCD and haven't had one since, that was over 2 years ago.
Jan 22, 2011 | 6:55 pm
#6
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: DCA
Programs: FB Gold Privilege
Posts: 419
Air is constantly drawn in from outside to keep the cabin pressurized. The AC packs keep the temperature comfortable, they mix outside air with engine bleed air and introduce it to the cabin. I am not sure about recirculating, not that familiar with the subject, need to dig up the maintenance manuals.
Jan 22, 2011 | 7:03 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: BOS
Posts: 183
And I never get colds. I've had exactly one in the last 20 years :P
Jan 22, 2011 | 8:40 pm
#8
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: US
Programs: DL GE
Posts: 1,654
Jan 22, 2011 | 8:49 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: n.y.c.
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Jan 23, 2011 | 3:46 am
#13
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: BOS
Posts: 183
That's not to say I don't get sick; if there's a stomach virus flying around, it finds me even with scrupulous hygiene. I just don't get colds.
And I'd rather get the stomach stuff than colds because my husband always gets colds and those things last forever. Yeesh.
And I'd rather get the stomach stuff than colds because my husband always gets colds and those things last forever. Yeesh.