When it comes to airline passenger experience, we all have different things we value. A lot of airlines are laser focused on passenger experience, and invest a lot in new seats, great food and drinks, and more, but then totally ignore one feature that can make a big difference to passengers. I’m talking about individual air nozzles in the passenger service unit, and I wanted to talk more about that in this post.
In this post:
Why I value individual air nozzles immensely
I know I’m not alone among frequent flyers (especially those of us from the United States) in appreciating when airlines offer individual air nozzles in the overhead consoles. This allows you to control the airflow directly to your seat.
While the air is recirculated, airplanes do have good HEPA air filters, so the quality of the air is about as good as you’ll find in any indoor space. Furthermore, while I recognize this isn’t the equivalent of “air conditioning,” having some air blowing in your direction can impact your comfort, and your perception of feeling hot.
We all have different preferences when it comes to our preferred sleeping conditions and temperatures. Some prefer to sleep in warm environments, while others prefer to sleep in cold environments. In that regard, giving passengers individual air nozzles is about as much control as airlines can offer (well, other than in Emirates’ new 777 first class, where you sort of kinda of have temperature controls).
As someone who prefers to sleep in cool(ish) conditions, I find that I sometimes wake up sweating when I’m on a plane without air nozzles, while air nozzles help me to stay somewhat cool.
Virtually all modern aircraft manufacturers give airlines the option of installing individual air nozzles in the passenger service units (where reading lights and the seatbelt signs are loaded), but not all airlines elect to install this.
For example, Virgin Atlantic’s Airbus A350s do have individual air nozzles at all seats…
…while British Airways’ Airbus A350s don’t have individual air nozzles.
When I publish my reviews of flights, I always mention if there were individual air nozzles or not, for those who are like me and care. And as far as I’m concerned, it’s one of the (many) features that make a business class product great.
Why some airlines choose not to install individual air nozzles
When the topic of individual air nozzles is raised the comments section of the blog, one question that frequently comes up is why airlines sometimes elect not to install individual air nozzles on planes. Those of us who like individual air nozzles really appreciate them. Meanwhile those who don’t care about them aren’t typically put off by their existence.
Why do some airlines choose not to install them? Well, it’s probably the explanation you’d expect — they do come at a cost. This is an option that airlines have when they order planes, and based on my understanding:
- Installing individual air nozzles costs extra, given the additional parts and wiring required
- The existence of air nozzles adds a (marginal) amount of weight to the aircraft, given the additional wiring
- Air nozzles potentially add maintenance costs, since this is a complex system that has to be maintained
It’s my understanding that the cost is negligible in the scheme of the sticker price of aircraft. I mean, that must be the case, because Spirit Airlines has individual air nozzles on its Airbus A321s…
…while Singapore Airlines doesn’t have individual air nozzles on its Boeing 787s.
In reality, I think the other biggest factor is just confirmation bias among airline executives in some regions. For example, in Asia and Europe, people tend to prefer (or at least tolerate) sleeping at warmer temperatures than those of us in the United States.
As a result, I think when it comes time to order aircraft and decide on options, some executives just say “oh, people don’t actually care about that, we don’t need to include that option.” And that’s likely because they don’t mind sleeping at warmer temperatures. At least that’s my assumption. I’ve never been responsible for ordering billions of dollars of aircraft, though, so if someone with more first hand experience has insights, I’d love to hear them. 😉
Bottom line
We all have different temperature preferences, and individual air nozzles offer about as much customization in that regard as you’ll find on planes. I really appreciate when airlines do install individual air nozzles on planes, and I’m puzzled when premium airlines don’t.
There is some cost to selecting this option, but it must not be very big in the scheme of things, since even many ultra low cost carriers offer it.
What’s your take on individual air nozzles? Do you value them? Why do you think some airlines don’t install them?
After flying LOT Boeing 787 from Toronto to Warsaw, I promised to myself that I'll try to never fly an aircraft without air nozzles again. The best part was being stuck on tarmac with central AC off for 45 minutes, and enjoying heat and fart smells from an old guy nearby. It was better in the air, but still somewhat uncomfortable and suffocating, which combined with even less legroom than before ensured unforgettable experience. I...
After flying LOT Boeing 787 from Toronto to Warsaw, I promised to myself that I'll try to never fly an aircraft without air nozzles again. The best part was being stuck on tarmac with central AC off for 45 minutes, and enjoying heat and fart smells from an old guy nearby. It was better in the air, but still somewhat uncomfortable and suffocating, which combined with even less legroom than before ensured unforgettable experience. I regret every single cent spent on that flight, and I hope every executive in charge of that decision gets sued for sexual harassment, embezzlement and tax evasion.
All planes should have them for every seat, period.
The air vents on most 737's are flat and do not open very much and DO NOT convey much air to those under it... horrid air flow
We found this out the hard way on our around the world trip. We had a couple of trips on the Iberia A359 in J, and we ended up having to buy USB fans since they did not pick to have air vents. They are an enticing airline though with cheap redemptions.
Is this a business class thing? Not sure I've seen them missing in many economy seats
I do prefer it with the air nozzles, but do not pay attention if there are nozzles or not
I like having the HEPA filtered air flowing just in front of me; it reduces virus exposure.
No, it doesn't. In essence, you're creating a vacuum which brings more air toward and past you. Also, if you're that afraid, don't fly or wear a n95 mask
Two worst flights were on Asiana from Korea to Vancouver and Air Seychelles from Dubai to Seychelles. Asians and others love a hot airplane. 30C is not my idea of fun. When you sweat for 12 hours on a long flight it is not pleasant for anyone.
Air Seychelles aircraft was so hot that the dark chocolate bar in my wife's leather purse melted and puddled ruining the purse. FA said the airplane was hot...
Two worst flights were on Asiana from Korea to Vancouver and Air Seychelles from Dubai to Seychelles. Asians and others love a hot airplane. 30C is not my idea of fun. When you sweat for 12 hours on a long flight it is not pleasant for anyone.
Air Seychelles aircraft was so hot that the dark chocolate bar in my wife's leather purse melted and puddled ruining the purse. FA said the airplane was hot because we were flying too close to the sun. Best humour ever but unfortunately she didn't know it was -40C outside the window.
Suites also exacerbate the problem of warm cabins by restricting airflow when reclined and placing warm computing equipment above and to your side. Nozzles are essential in suite business or first. Not negotiable. If an aircraft is too warm, I’ll harangue the crew until they lower the temp to 20-21c.
Part of the problem is also that galley areas tended to be colder on older aircraft so crews would raise the overall temp to...
Suites also exacerbate the problem of warm cabins by restricting airflow when reclined and placing warm computing equipment above and to your side. Nozzles are essential in suite business or first. Not negotiable. If an aircraft is too warm, I’ll harangue the crew until they lower the temp to 20-21c.
Part of the problem is also that galley areas tended to be colder on older aircraft so crews would raise the overall temp to make the galleys tolerable. Seems less of a problem on the 350.
USB fan. $5-10 on Amazon. Don't leave home without it.
I definitely prefer planes with air nozzles but it's not a problem when they don't have them. When I appreciate them most is right after boarding before the doors have close.
In my experience Asian airlines do tend to keep the cabins warmer than US airline and are less likely to have air nozzles but it's never been a huge issue for me. If it's too warm I'll have a cold drink and of it's...
I definitely prefer planes with air nozzles but it's not a problem when they don't have them. When I appreciate them most is right after boarding before the doors have close.
In my experience Asian airlines do tend to keep the cabins warmer than US airline and are less likely to have air nozzles but it's never been a huge issue for me. If it's too warm I'll have a cold drink and of it's too cold I'll have a warm drink and put on a layer. But I think planes should have air nozzles as you can always turn them off
wow, never thought one can write such a long text, without saying something
Honestly (speaking as an Asian person) I always turn off the nozzles if they are there. I normally sleep at 25C (77F). The normal daytime temperature where I'm at would be 30C (86F) everyday. I guess it's the difference in temperature that plays into what we're used to.
Several studies seem to suggest that adequate ventilation may be more important than masking with regard to airborne viruses (i.e., Covid). I always turn on the air nozzles when I sit down.
Airflow to the max - I want everybody's bugs and lurgies - on a mission to have the most comprehensive memory T-cell immunity repertoire possible ;) Hoping to make the list larger than my prejudice enumeration ;) But those mad Pinoys spraying their compulsory pre-landing insecticide inbound to Philippines - is that really necessary ? Which other countries do that ??? Australia probably, but they're on my no-fly list (along with US/CA/NZ and later UK...
Airflow to the max - I want everybody's bugs and lurgies - on a mission to have the most comprehensive memory T-cell immunity repertoire possible ;) Hoping to make the list larger than my prejudice enumeration ;) But those mad Pinoys spraying their compulsory pre-landing insecticide inbound to Philippines - is that really necessary ? Which other countries do that ??? Australia probably, but they're on my no-fly list (along with US/CA/NZ and later UK as soon as I can get a decent alt passport) !
I do, of course, agree with you 100%. Airplanes should have air nozzles, and people who are annoyed by the fan can just turn them off. Being a European who have spent a lot of time in the US and Asia, as well as Europe, over many years (and being married to a European who has lived in the US for many years), I'm amused by the European logic of:
- If it's hot...
I do, of course, agree with you 100%. Airplanes should have air nozzles, and people who are annoyed by the fan can just turn them off. Being a European who have spent a lot of time in the US and Asia, as well as Europe, over many years (and being married to a European who has lived in the US for many years), I'm amused by the European logic of:
- If it's hot outside and I go inside to an air conditioned room, I'm going to get sick by the sudden temperature change (although people in the US, Asia, etc. does this every day and somehow remain healthy)
- However, if it's cold outside and I go inside to a warm room, the sudden temperature change is totally fine and nothing to worry about :)
- If I'm inside and I get a bit of air blowing towards me, I'm definitely going to get sick due to the "wind"
- However, if I'm outside and the wind is blowing (even violently), it's totally fine and nothing to worry about :)
(I'm on "the US side" here and want super-strong AC in the summer and sauna like in the winter.)
In Europe, even the hot south of Europe, air conditioning is not as common or at least isn’t always turned on or set as cool as in the USA. Setting air conditioning to 68 would be unheard of in Europe. Setting it to 73 or 74 is common and more often than not only done on very hot days. There is some evidence that changing from 68°F to 90°F can make you feel hotter when...
In Europe, even the hot south of Europe, air conditioning is not as common or at least isn’t always turned on or set as cool as in the USA. Setting air conditioning to 68 would be unheard of in Europe. Setting it to 73 or 74 is common and more often than not only done on very hot days. There is some evidence that changing from 68°F to 90°F can make you feel hotter when you go out. This is definitely a belief in southern Europe. This is why you see Americans leaving their 68F Hilton/marriott/hyatt hotel room and then dying when they get outside into 90F and humid heat in Venice.
It must be tiring living such a fragile life, getting sick so easily.
Finnair has air nozzles on their A330's but not their newer A350's. I much prefer flying in the A330.
I couldn't care less. If there are nozzles, I shut them immediately.
What once again ticks me off is the amount of Lufthansa bashing. Why on earth do you fly that airline when you don't like it? Just to have a reason to complain? Just stay away. I enjoy each and every ride with them and always get great service. But then: maybe it is my attitude.
Because Lufthansa (Group) monopolised the central European market. Trust me, I'd love to ditch them and do that whenever it's an option. But that's not so often. Who am I supposed to fly with as a VIE hub captive? LOT is great, but their network is fairly small - I pick them whenever it's an option, but quite often it's not. Ryanair with their four flights a week, half of which are at 6 AM?...
Because Lufthansa (Group) monopolised the central European market. Trust me, I'd love to ditch them and do that whenever it's an option. But that's not so often. Who am I supposed to fly with as a VIE hub captive? LOT is great, but their network is fairly small - I pick them whenever it's an option, but quite often it's not. Ryanair with their four flights a week, half of which are at 6 AM? Oneworld airlines which have hubs "conveniently" at the edges of Europe, rendering them useless for anything but travel to/from their hubs? Skyteam with disastrous hubs at CDG and FCO? KLM is cool but again, only makes geographical sense for trips to UK/IRL.
I'd love to stay away from Lufthansa Group, just tell me how.
I like Lufthansa as the seats feel big enough for Northern Europeans. Better than the coffin suites many airlines now use.
I"m a fan of the nozzles as I usually feel slightly warm on flights, too.
I choose long-haul airlines based on whether I can get individual air. I need it. I get hot way too easy and need air flowing over me to cool (not sweat).
I prefer planes without them. Most smaller planes have them unfortunately and I close them immediately. Nothing worse than some draft blowing in your face or neck.
Just turn them off. Too much trouble?
Let people who need to be cool have the nozzles. Also prevents infectious disease spread as the air is from the HEPA filter directly not the sneezing buddy next to you.
Airplanes were the safest places to be in public during the pandemic as long as the airplane had air nozzles.
Great post. And totally agree. Another reason this American who lives in Germany most of the year doesn’t agree with most opinions about how wonderful Lufthansa is. No, they’re not. And, as Germans, they’re absolutely incapable of understanding the point of air conditioning. Can’t wait to go into hot shops and restaurants this weekend (temps in mid 80s) because they’ve already turned off the AC for the year and locked the thermostat so Gunther doesn’t...
Great post. And totally agree. Another reason this American who lives in Germany most of the year doesn’t agree with most opinions about how wonderful Lufthansa is. No, they’re not. And, as Germans, they’re absolutely incapable of understanding the point of air conditioning. Can’t wait to go into hot shops and restaurants this weekend (temps in mid 80s) because they’ve already turned off the AC for the year and locked the thermostat so Gunther doesn’t get any ideas!!!
In August we flew LH from Munich to Vancouver and it often was uncomfortably warm. Flew back on a frigid UA flight from San Francisco to Frankfurt. Seriously one of the coldest of my life. Put a hoodie on and wrapped a blanket around my waist and was just fine. Oh, and, yes, I had air blowing on me constantly. I’m still a Florida boy who gets the need for air circulation.
I live in Asia and my body temperature is always on the warmer side, so I appreciate individual air nozzles. It is frustrating that airlines opt this out. It’s easier to make yourself warm when it’s cold (put layers on, etc), but it’s harder to make yourself cool when you are warm (I don’t think taking your clothes off is an option).
Individual controls add significant complication for the crew maintaining temperature throughout the aircraft. This is most notable when flying in and out of hot climates where the crew may need to open 400 individual controls in order to cool the plane for the next guests. Also the controls are not easy to sanitize.
that is not true.
Individual air vents simply blow the already air conditioned air around as the customer desires. They create the perception of cool because of air movement but the cooling of the aircraft is done through the centralized air conditioning system which the crew controls regardless of individual air vents.
Imagine how hard would it be to "open 400 individual nozzles in order to cool the plane" if the plane DOESN'T HAVE ANY
Gimme my nozzles! I am one of those people who tends to "run hot", so I like having a nozzle or two that I can control.
They're also useful for anxious flyers, as the stream of cool air on the face & body can reduced the feeling of claustrophobia; that's also why MRI scanners blow a stream of air along the bore.
I've always found them pointless. When I sit down, I always turn them off because I don't like having air blow in my face. It's interesting the things some people find important compared to others!
Another reason not to fly Lufthansa.
1. It's become a ritual to ask for lower temperature, and again when it's still not low enough, whenever I'm on an Asian airline.
2. The best thing I ever got was a battery operated mini fan. Saved me from multiple flying ovens and tarmac waits in 100 degree temperature.
as a German I hate them. Air flow makes sick. If I see them in planes I try to turn all off in my row. Gladly most business class and First classes don't have them. It's feeling much better.
Ben's post accepts that this can be a valid reason to dislike the nozzles but do you also support removing the choice to have air flow for people that like it?
The problem is for example in eco i don’t like to feel air flow around me. So if the persons beside me has it open I could be a problem. In business you‘re right. Mostly the space between the seats is big enough.
B787 air vents are so noisy. Poor design.
When you're feeling airsick, your body temperature rises. Blowing air on your face helps. That's reason enough for every seat to have a nozzle.
Yes, I occasionally have this problem. It is not a nice feeling and air helps a lot.
Was sooo uncomfortable on a Lufthansa flight without nozzles and control. Felt uncomfortable on a long 14 hour flight. Those innocuous little nozzles not only can cool you, but also disperse smells quickly. Also, its practical to make it a little cooler than warmer. You can put a sweater on when cool, but do you want to see a someone take their pants/shirt off if its hot! (actually seen pic of this).
Look dont...
Was sooo uncomfortable on a Lufthansa flight without nozzles and control. Felt uncomfortable on a long 14 hour flight. Those innocuous little nozzles not only can cool you, but also disperse smells quickly. Also, its practical to make it a little cooler than warmer. You can put a sweater on when cool, but do you want to see a someone take their pants/shirt off if its hot! (actually seen pic of this).
Look dont be so cheap, add a couple bucks to each ticket to pay for the expense. Comfortable people in close quarters are likely to be less angry at each other. This is one of the reasons (among others) I wont fly Lufthansa for long haul flights.
In some European societies, people learn they’ll get sick and die immediately if they feel a flow of air. Guess that’s part of the problem.
They’ll prefer suffering in their homes during summer than just turn on a vent.
Tell me about it. Every summer I encounter people crazy enough to believe that when it's 38° outside, the proper air-conditioner setting is 32°, because wE cAnT hAVe MoRe thAn sIx DegREe diFfeRence. For whatever reason this only seems to affect transportation operators and every other business remains sane in this regard.
Try Viet Nam! The coolest place in the entire country (apart from my hotel room) is inside the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum in Hanoi. Air con seems to be set at 26-28 C almost everywhere else, and many places just have fans. Not so great when it's 38 C with a real-feel of 62 (100F/144F)
As I am very sensitive to a draft, I hate planes with individual air nozzles. Even I turn the one above my seat off, there is still a very high likelihood of a draft from an air nozzle in the vicinity, sometimes from across the aisle. Many times these are not pointing downwards.
I much prefer planes without individual air nozzles.
This is fantastic information to know in advance of a long-haul flight, thanks! In addition to the comfort factor, having constant air blowing from overhead and keep the pathogens of others from blowing directly into your face after coughs and sneezes. More info here: https://gizmodo.com/how-a-virus-spreads-through-an-airplane-cabin-1823890231
I don’t recall ever seeing a 737 or A320 without nozzles. I’ve only seen them missing on widebodies!
I'm the odd 'North American' who prefers warmer temps. But more important than the temp, my body can not tolerate air drafts. If the draft is cool air then I'm absolutely miserable. And it's not my skin, it's my respiratory system. I do wear long sleeved T shirts for summer-time flights (and I live in Arizona). But after an hour on a drafty plane, my throat will become drafty & sore and it's all downhill...
I'm the odd 'North American' who prefers warmer temps. But more important than the temp, my body can not tolerate air drafts. If the draft is cool air then I'm absolutely miserable. And it's not my skin, it's my respiratory system. I do wear long sleeved T shirts for summer-time flights (and I live in Arizona). But after an hour on a drafty plane, my throat will become drafty & sore and it's all downhill from there.
I know I'm the odd ball. In the past, I try to board early and close all air vents in my row. If my seat mate later opens a vent but has it pointing my way, I'll ask them to redirect it. Never been a problem. As already noted, I always have a long sleeve shirt on or readily available.
BUT THINGS HAVE CHANGED. My last several DL trips have been frigid. With all vents closed, there is still a noticable cold draft blowing on me. I think it's the fans for the general cabin air are on full blast. At that point your desire for all planes to have individual vents (so that everyone can set to their own preference) is irrelevant. I'm getting blasted wether I want it or not. I've noticed this trend becoming more and more frequent the past few years.
I try to think what has changed over the years because it's almost to point that I'm ready to stop all non-essential travel. Some thoughts...
- most US domestic flights don't offer blankets anymore (FYI, I buy First Class)
- in a post covid world, cabin fans are set high for better circulation
- I'm getting older, my tolerance must be decreasing
....but what I feel is the #1 reason ...
- as a society, my fellow Americans desire (need) to always feel 'cool' gets (from my perspective) worse and worse
This topic raises maybe an idea for a future post. If you are feeling uncomfortable with the cabin temperature, when is it acceptable to ask the crew to adjust the thermostat up or down?
If I'm flying business class or higher and wake up warm, I usually go to the galley and ask them if they can make it cooler. I don't know if this is seen as rude or not, but it definitely...
This topic raises maybe an idea for a future post. If you are feeling uncomfortable with the cabin temperature, when is it acceptable to ask the crew to adjust the thermostat up or down?
If I'm flying business class or higher and wake up warm, I usually go to the galley and ask them if they can make it cooler. I don't know if this is seen as rude or not, but it definitely helps me get better sleep on most flights. Though that begs the question, what does the flight crew say to the next person who comes and says the cabin is too cold?
I'd give them another blanket. You can always add clothes & covers, but there's only so much you can remove onboard an aircraft.
I guess Spirit finds it economical as it probably has less fights than if they didn’t,
I know I want them! Huge for sleeping.
Ben, on many airlines, if I’m in the forward J cabin on a TATL, redeye, it’s warmer than the crew area and the part further back? Why? (AF this week).
I'm glad you include those details in your review. I'm one of those people who cannot sleep if they're hot and I've always been aware that being chilly is a very fixable personal problem compared to being sweaty. I'd consider an aircraft that doesn't have air vents if online reviews verify they run the cabin cool. The combination of no air vents plus hot cabin equals a total disqualification from me as a product if...
I'm glad you include those details in your review. I'm one of those people who cannot sleep if they're hot and I've always been aware that being chilly is a very fixable personal problem compared to being sweaty. I'd consider an aircraft that doesn't have air vents if online reviews verify they run the cabin cool. The combination of no air vents plus hot cabin equals a total disqualification from me as a product if I'm looking at a night flight. I don't care how pretty their cabin, how tasty their food or how pleasant their service is. If I wake up multiple times in a sweat, they've delivered a bad product, and that's the end of it. I'm more forgiving on flights where I don't need to sleep.
What extra “wiring” are you referring to from these air vents? There are no electrical in these vents - just some ducting.
The cost issue is around ongoing maintenance costs. Vents sometimes get damaged and need repair or replacement, which is an extra cost.
If you do not like a nozzle open, keep it closed. Should airlines remove windows because some people prefer total darkness?
I have thought about getting one of those portable mini fans that are powered via UBS, wondering if that would make a difference.
I have one snd it’s awesome.
Which one do you use?
I got this one five years ago:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003XN24GY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I don’t think it’s in production anymore, but you can do a search for “portable usb fan” - I’ve also seen some battery-operated clip-on fans.
Make sure you get one that can run and be charged at the same time! I got one i like but if I put it on full blast the battery goes dead in like 2 hours and takes about that long to fully recharge.
I have one that has multiple speeds and runs on USB. Not only great on airlines but in hotels where it may be harder to regulate the temperature.
Check out the Mainstays version. Can order from Walmart.
To solve the opposite problem, I also carry a travel blanket since Delta had one of their flights on iceberg level but "they dont offer blankets" anymore. If I don't need it, becomes a nice pillow
the operative word in the discussion is "individual"
American (US) society is driven by individual norms, some western societies similar but to not the same degree, and the majority of the world's people live in societies with group-based norms.
The majority of airlines that order them are western airlines or cater to western clients where individual control is much more important than in other parts of the world.
Add in that Americans...
the operative word in the discussion is "individual"
American (US) society is driven by individual norms, some western societies similar but to not the same degree, and the majority of the world's people live in societies with group-based norms.
The majority of airlines that order them are western airlines or cater to western clients where individual control is much more important than in other parts of the world.
Add in that Americans are, on average, heavier than the global average and also air condition buildings far more than most places on earth and American customer expectations are usually very different from the rest of the world.
That said, I do prefer them but newer planes including the A350 and B787 have air conditioning systems that can keep you cool enough w/o individual air vents - if the crew sets the temperature accordingly. And alot of the perception of cool depends on how well air flows. Aisle seats generally have better air circulation, in part because no one is sitting next to you.
It is easier to put clothes or a blanket on if you are cool but it is impossible to take any more off if you are hot.
The statement that “it is easier to put clothes on if you are cold” comes from those ones who are always too warm. When cold air is blowing, there’s never going to be enough layers to put on to make you feel warm: only a portable heater would help.
Mehhh, it's 2023. Why stop at individual air nozzles?
Its time to introduce individual seat heating/cooling like in luxury cars. Heck, even the cookie cutter non luxury Tesla Model 3 with the latest refresh does have seat cooling.
“…most doctors recommend keeping the thermostat set between 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 20 degrees Celsius) for the most comfortable sleep.”
-seepfoundation.org
I really like individual air nozzles and find it irritating that so many planes lack them. And irritating that on so many airlines, FAs think it somehow makes sense to turn up the temperature when most people are sleeping.
For long flights, I've finally started taking a change of clothes (shorts and a t-shirt) and packing a rechargeable (USB) mini fan. This isn't really ideal because finding space for it can be problematic, and it's...
I really like individual air nozzles and find it irritating that so many planes lack them. And irritating that on so many airlines, FAs think it somehow makes sense to turn up the temperature when most people are sleeping.
For long flights, I've finally started taking a change of clothes (shorts and a t-shirt) and packing a rechargeable (USB) mini fan. This isn't really ideal because finding space for it can be problematic, and it's best for business class because of that. (On a recent Singapore Airlines flight, my little fan actually kept the whole business class cabin cool. A FA saw it right after I set it up and said, "Are you feeling warm, Mr. snic? I'll turn the temperature down." :) )
From my aisle seat it can be a long reach to turn off that air blowing on my head. It was freezing on the AA flight I took last week. Even with long pants and a long sleeve shirt I was very cold. The crew were all bundled up in fleece. It was madness
Has to be about maintenance. Same reason why car makers somehow hate physical knobs now. Everything on the screen. Even if the installation cost is low, you're pumping air through a duct. Maybe they hate maintaining that.
The last thing I want is air blowing on me.
If I’m first to sit in my row, I’ll turn all the nozzles off. If some one wants to open one that’s fine, I just don’t want air blowing on me based on what the people on the previous flight wanted.
That's the whole point of individual nozzles. If someone next to me is uncomfortable, I'll either turn mine off or to an absolute minimum. And even then, most of the time I don't use them.
My problem is that sometimes air crew sets up cabin temperature way too high. In that case such a nozzle helps a lot. And during my last long-haul flight, the aircraft stayed on the taxiway for more than 45 minutes...
That's the whole point of individual nozzles. If someone next to me is uncomfortable, I'll either turn mine off or to an absolute minimum. And even then, most of the time I don't use them.
My problem is that sometimes air crew sets up cabin temperature way too high. In that case such a nozzle helps a lot. And during my last long-haul flight, the aircraft stayed on the taxiway for more than 45 minutes with AC turned off for whatever reason.
And the opposite can be true as well. The whole cabin ventilation can be set up to the maximum airflow and low temperature, and you won't be able to reduce it. If several crew members are constantly getting hot, they can create ice age for everyone.
You use the word “prefer” or “tolerate” sleeping in warmer conditions…. But the fact is high percentage of people who aren’t born and raised in North America “prefer” warm conditions while sleeping (and throughout the day), especially do not like air blowing into face or body.
Post COVID, these air vents mean even more for me. It can help distribute, mix up the air to lessen the chance of infection.
Couldn't agree more. a little airflow goes a long way in keeping me cool and not waking up sweating. I take them for granted on US carriers but sure do notice when they are missing.
It’s important and I would always prefer an airline/aircraft that has it.
Even before the pandemic, I see nozzles as increasing air circulation, which is beneficial. If boarding early in the process, I try to open the nozzles partly because many are closed. I do not open them all the way because that often causes the passenger to close them completely.
The only time I ever find value on them is when on the ground, as some planes can be quite warm at this time, especially when the door is open. Never used one while in the air. I would imagine if the costs were truly negligible, they would be universal. But surely all of that wiring and piping etc. must add a fair amount of weight in an era when airlines want aircraft as light...
The only time I ever find value on them is when on the ground, as some planes can be quite warm at this time, especially when the door is open. Never used one while in the air. I would imagine if the costs were truly negligible, they would be universal. But surely all of that wiring and piping etc. must add a fair amount of weight in an era when airlines want aircraft as light as possible.
And once you consider that, there are two things.
1) I don't think the majority of people care/notice
2) Even amongst those very rare few who are quite passionate about it, I don't imagine many actually choose an airline for the air nozzles.
I rarely use them, but when I do - it's because things are noticeably bad. And I'm currently amassing a list of airlines that got rid of them, and those that are known for warm cabins. I'll avoid them whenever possible, and I'd rather support a more expensive flight where airline doesn't get rid of important and simple comfort features for microscopic financial gains.
I value them very much.