Aircraft Baggage Holds: Temperature and Storage Capabilities

The cargo hold of aircraft tends to be cold which can cause damage to any temperature-sensitive items stored there during flight. More specifically, the baggage hold area tends to be around 45 degrees Fahrenheit, but is pressurized so that air is continuously flowing into the space to prevent it from becoming uninhabitable. However, unlike the main cabin of the aircraft, the cargo area features less insolation.

Aircraft cargo holds feature controlled temperatures to avoid overheating or excessively cold temperatures. Conditioned air moves from the cabin to the cargo areas, and it cools down significantly during this transition. Some larger aircraft feature a baggage hold area centered around 45 degrees Fahrenheit, along with a bulk area around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The baggage hold area features all checked luggage aboard an aircraft. Meanwhile, the bulk area tends to be more temperature controlled because it is closer to the main cabin where people are located and where animals are transported. This area resides underneath the main cabin, near the center of the plane.

On most planes, the cargo area(s) are located directly below the main cabin. Depending on the size of the aircraft, the cargo hold may span the entire length of the vehicle, or it may consist solely at the back end of the aircraft. While all temperature regulated, cargo holds may feature colder air than in the main cabin because the air flows into the cargo hold after it circulates throughout the central cabin.

The cargo hold of an aircraft is often divided into net sectors using nets; these nets are intended to keep the load from shifting during flight. Many wide-body aircraft and some narrow-body aircraft also feature unit load devices (ULD), which are pallets or containers utilized to handle cargo. These devices help ground crews save time and energy so that flights are not delayed, and they all feature their own packing list to track the contents within. Each compartment features a maximum permissible weight that cannot be exceeded, and particularly heavy cargo must be in compliance with the maximum floor load or the maximum running load to ensure the safety and stability of the plane.

Besides transporting cargo, the lower decks of aircraft are frequently utilized as rest spaces for the cabin crew and pilots. These areas of the vehicle are often unbeknownst to aircraft passengers, and they can typically sleep up to six crew members at once along the center of the plane. More than that, there is even a pilot rest area that features up to two bunks toward the front of the aircraft.

Single Source Purchasing is a leading distributor of aerospace, defense, and electronic equipment. When you are in the market for baggage hold parts, along with other aircraft components, we are your go-to option. With more than 2 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find items available in our catalog, you will find what you need here at Single Source Purchasing. With a strict No China Sourcing policy, we only source parts from trusted global manufacturers, so you can rest assured what you receive from us is of the highest quality. Moreover, with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accreditation, you can trust in the caliber of our offerings. With an expansive supply chain network which stretches across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, we are able to expedite shipping times for our domestic and international customers alike. When you rapidly need aircraft products, be sure to get in contact with Single Source Purchasing, where we are ready to help 24/7x365!

1. smith wilson
2. Posted on December 8, 2022
aviation