Deicing Prevents Bitter Cold Temperatures from Freezing Your Travel Plans

Get out your winter coats – a blast of below-freezing temperatures is expected to hit the Triangle! Bitter cold temperatures require airlines to take extra steps to ensure snow, slush and ice don’t accumulate on aircraft. RDU works closely with our airline partners to ensure cold temperatures don’t freeze your travel plans.

You might have heard the term “deicing” from a pilot or flight attendant. Aircraft operating in winter conditions often require deicing to prepare for flight. To do this, airline staff spray deicing fluid, a mixture of glycol and water, on a plane’s wings and tail to prevent ice or snow from accumulating prior to take-off.

Airlines are in charge of deicing aircraft and purchase deicing fluid prior to winter’s arrival. RDU stores the fluid at the airport for safekeeping. On days when deicing aircraft is necessary, RDU identifies locations for your airline to conduct its deicing safely.

The next time you fly during cold weather take a look out the window and wave to the operators braving the cold to keep you safe and on schedule.