Airplane encountering fog? Let's put your worries at ease.
Two weeks ago, TikTok user Savannah Gowarty shared a video of mist and condensation during a domestic American flight. The clip collected over 13.1 million views, with viewers baffled by the occurrence.
The simplest explanation, according to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) representative, is that it's a natural event that doesn't last long and isn't something to be concerned about.
"On hot and relatively humid days, cold air from the aircraft's air conditioning system mixes with the warmer, humid cabin air and lowers it to the dew point, causing fog," the FAA spokesperson told CNN Travel.
"The fog is usually short-lived as the cooled air rapidly warms, exceeding the dew point."
Scientific Explanation
During pre-departure, when the aircraft waits on the ground before takeoff, the plane's air conditioning system creates cold air, either from an external ground air conditioning unit or the aircraft's own Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). This cold air temporarily lowers the dew point of the aircraft cabin air, leading to the formation of fog.
"An aircraft creates ideal conditions for condensation in the cabin," explains climate scientist Indrani Roy from University College London. "Condensation occurs when water vapor in the air comes into contact with any cooler solid surfaces, and there are plenty of solid surfaces within an aircraft."
Roy stresses that the mist or any resulting condensation is "nothing to worry about."
Yet, first-time occurrences can cause anxiety in passengers who might confuse the fog for smoke. Flight attendant Rich Henderson, based in the US, says that a quick explanation typically eases concerns. "Once you explain it's just condensation from the cold air of the aircraft's air conditioning system meeting the warm humid air of the cabin, passengers grasp the concept pretty quickly," he tells CNN Travel.
Henderson notes that people often see the humorous side of the situation. "I usually make a joke that it's just like we're in an '80s music video and that usually gets people laughing about it quite quickly."
Henderson emphasizes that his job involves adapting to different people with varying perspectives: "Anything unfamiliar can cause some anxiety at times." He mentions unexplainable noises or engine sounds as other potential sources of tension. "A simple explanation and a little joke usually does the trick."
The FAA representative adds that, despite concerns about potential hairdryer damage, "aircraft cabin fog usually dissipates very quickly."
"This happens because the colder air (which temporarily lowered the cabin air temperature to its dew point) quickly warms back above the dew point, causing the fog to disappear," the spokesperson explains. "Several times, the fog only appears as it exits the vent, lasts for just 1-2 seconds, and then disappears."
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After reading about the natural occurrence of fog during flights and how it's caused by the aircraft's air conditioning system, you might consider planning your next adventure. With Germany showing a strong interest in travel, you could explore options for doubling your vacation days in 2024.
Despite the occasional fear and anxiety from first-time flyers when they see mist or fog during takeoff, a quick explanation from flight attendants usually soothes their concerns.
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