NEWARK, NJ — Airports often feel far colder than the weather outside, but the reason is usually not a simple thermostat setting. HVAC design, airflow, pressure control and energy limits all shape how comfortable the terminal feels.
An aviation facilities engineer at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport says large terminals are harder to balance than homes or offices, especially when passenger comfort has to share space with air quality, security and constant traffic.
Airports are designed around ventilation, not just temperature
Ken Warren, assistant director of aviation facilities and infrastructure at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, said airport systems must keep air moving outward so exhaust from vehicles and aircraft does not get pulled inside.
That pressure balance can create drafts in places such as corridors, jet bridges, gates and open dining areas. Warren said travelers often notice the airflow on their skin and assume the building is simply overcooled.
Cold supply air and large spaces make the chill more noticeable
Warren said cooling systems commonly send air into a building at about 55 degrees before it mixes with the indoor air and rises toward a more comfortable range. In very large spaces, stronger and faster-moving air is often needed to spread that cooling effect.
That can make a terminal feel breezy even when the overall temperature is within a normal range. ASHRAE recommends a broad airport comfort range of 70 to 75 degrees, with 70 to 72 degrees often considered ideal.
Heating is harder to distribute and energy costs push airports to conserve
Warren said warm air is more difficult to push through a large terminal than cold air, especially near the floor where people feel it most. Airports also have to account for energy use, and at Sea-Tac the electricity bill can reach about $1 million a month.
Because airports are usually short-stay spaces, managers often expect travelers to arrive with coats and layers already on hand. That tradeoff can make terminals feel cooler than travelers would prefer.
Travel experts recommend layers, fewer drafts and warmer seating areas
Clint Henderson, a travel expert with The Points Guy, said frequent flyers should always pack a sweater and a large scarf, even when heading to a warm destination. He also recommends avoiding vents, fans, doorways and jet bridges when choosing a place to sit.
Seats near busy restaurant areas or on carpeted floors may feel warmer than spots with tile or strong air movement. The advice is simple: if an airport feels like a freezer, dress and sit for the airflow rather than the calendar.
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