A method of protecting fuel hardware for a gas turbine engine in an aircraft is disclosed. The method may include determining a current altitude of the aircraft, and controlling a temperature of fuel for the gas turbine engine based at least in part on the current altitude. A thermal management system for a gas turbine engine in an aircraft is also disclosed. The thermal management system may include a sensor configured to detect a current altitude of the aircraft, and a controller in operative communication with the sensor. The controller may be configured to manage a fuel temperature for the gas turbine engine based at least in part on the current altitude detected by the sensor.