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extreme hot cold checked baggage climate control temperature extremes

mbarker12474
Explorer C

I have items that should not experience extended temperatures above 90 degrees or ever freeze. 

 

For flights in February between Washington DC and Florida, what are typical temperatures at altitude in the checked baggage compartments on SWA aircraft?  Do these reach freezing temperatures?  Ever?  Routinely?  Occassionally?  Are the baggage storage areas on the planes climate controlled?

 

You can ignore, for this question, conditions on the ground outside and inside terminals.

 

 

 

 

 

4 REPLIES 4

Re: extreme hot cold checked baggage climate control temperature extremes

DancingDavidE
Aviator A

Can you pack the item inside of a cooler (without any freezer bags or anything, or actually some freezer bags at room temperature to add some thermal mass) - even if the cargo hold is filled with cold air this would provide a level of resistance where you may be okay for a flight. That would help for being outside if it was cold as well.

 

There is capability to heat the cargo hold, or at least to maintain a minimum temperature but I don't konw if this varies, or if it is always used depending on what cargo is loaded, is it reliable, etc.

 

 

 

 

Home airport MDW, frequent visitor to MCO to see the mouse.

Re: extreme hot cold checked baggage climate control temperature extremes

chgoflyer
Aviator A

The cargo hold is pressurized and temperature controlled, with the temp usually at about 20 degrees colder than the cabin (at altitude).

Re: extreme hot cold checked baggage climate control temperature extremes

bsmellman
Explorer C

This incorrect. Called southwest yesterday and spoke with "hannah". Apparently, and suprisingly to me as an aerospace engineer, Southwest cargo holds are NOT pressurized. This is probably why their animals-on-board policy only permits animals in the passenger cabin.

Re: extreme hot cold checked baggage climate control temperature extremes

gsking
Aviator C

As an aerospace engineer,  you should KNOW that the cargo holds ARE pressurized,  as was correctly stated.   Don't you recall what happens when the cargo door is left unlatched, the pressure bleeds out, the floor buckles, and the plane crashes? 

 

Pets aren't put in as cargo because SWA doesn't want the liability of caring for your animal.