The exact temperature can vary depending on the airline and type of aircraft being used for transport, but it's usually somewhere between 10-20 degrees Celsius (50-68 Fahrenheit).
People Also Ask
You should have no concerns about temperatures in the cargo hold. According to a 1996 New York Times story, Federal Aviation Administration tests showed that temperatures inside pressurized luggage compartments ranged from 65 to 70 degrees, comparable to passenger compartments.
Cargo travel is stressful for any pet, young or old. Senior pets, pets prone to anxiety, or those in general poor health are at increased risk of heart failure during travel.
Although your pet will most likely be fine, you will ultimately have to decide if flying your pet as cargo is worth the risk or if you can pursue any other options for traveling with your pet. Some dogs are naturally better suited to fly than others depending on age, breed, and other health conditions.
Being trapped inside a baggage compartment during a flight is no picnic. The hold is pressurized. There is plenty of oxygen, but some airline cargo holds are not climate-controlled, Thompson said.
To test it, a thermometer on a thin rope should be lowered into the cargo hold through specially constructed temperature measuring pipes. These should have holes at regular intervals and reach almost to the bottom of the cargo hold.
Doing your pre-start scan, the temperature controller for the cargo holds is usually just left at 12 o'clock. That should result in a zone temperature of about 15C.
On most international airlines, pets travel in their own individual cages/crates within the cargo hold which is pressurised and heated to 'normal' room temperature similar to the passenger cabin. The ambient temperature outside an aircraft at 35,000 feet is -59 degrees celsius, animals couldn't survive that.
The cargo hold is climate-controlled and will not be colder or hotter than cabin temperature. A pet-friendly airline will make sure your pet is comfortable at all times. Many airlines have temperature embargoes to deal with extreme temperatures.
Cargo travel is stressful for any pet, young or old. Senior pets, pets prone to anxiety, or those in general poor health are at increased risk of heart failure during travel. Please consult your vet before travel to ensure your dog or cat has a clean bill of health and is an appropriate candidate for cargo travel.
Dogs' ears can be sensitive to changes in air pressure during flights, which can cause discomfort or pain. Providing your dog with plenty of water and a comfortable carrier can help alleviate these symptoms.
Thanks for your questions/concerns about the safest method of travel for your dog! Many other pet owners have pondered the same question, and we're happy to provide some guidance. Having your pet travel via cargo instead of checked baggage would be best.