Will A Can Of Coke Explode On A Plane?

Will A Can Of Coke Explode On A Plane? All carbonated beverages are acceptable to bring in checked bags, but even if they are packaged carefully, there is a good chance that they will explode inside your bag due to air pressure changes. You will have to throw away your soda before security when it comes to your carry-on because bottles and cans are larger than 3.4 ounces.

In this article, we discuss what are the things you can bring in an airplane especially focusing on beverages. So stick around until the end to find out what you’ve been looking for. 

Table of Contents

• Why don’t soda cans explode on airplanes?
• Can you take soda cans on a plane?
• Can you take canned drinks in checked baggage?
• How to pack carbonated drinks in luggage?
• Will pop cans explode on an airplane?
• Do pressurized environments, such as airplanes, have any effect on carbonated beverages?
  • How does this affect our carbonated beverage, then?
• How to bring a coke in an airplane safely?
• Why am I unable to bring a can of soda I purchased in the departure area on a plane?
• Can I pack wine bottles in my checked bag?
• Some related FAQs. 

Why don’t soda cans explode on airplanes?

Same cause why airplanes themselves don’t blow up. Air pressure inside an airliner is significantly higher than outside at cruise altitude. 

The exact altitude depends on the airliner; some are pressurized at different “altitude” equivalents, but generally speaking, the air inside an airliner feels like it is at an altitude of 5–8,000 feet.

The airliner’s hull is (more than) strong enough to withstand the pressure created by the air inside the aircraft trying to escape.

Similar to this, a soda can has the strength to resist the high-pressure liquid that is trying to escape. Either at sea level or 8,000 feet above it.

8,000 feet is a lot of height, but not THAT much. In Mile High Denver or at Rockies ski resorts, soda cans don’t blow up.

Can you take soda cans on a plane?

In general, you are allowed to bring soda cans on a plane in your carry-on or checked baggage, as long as the cans are not pressurized and do not exceed the airline’s liquid restrictions. If the soda can is larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), it must be placed in your checked baggage.

However, it is always a good idea to check with your airline for their specific policies and regulations regarding liquids and beverages. Additionally, it is important to note that some airports may have additional security measures in place, which may impact what you can bring through security and onto the plane.

Can you take canned drinks in checked baggage?

All carbonated beverages are acceptable to bring in checked bags, but even if they are packaged carefully, there is a good chance that they will explode inside your bag due to air pressure changes. 

You will have to throw away your soda before security when it comes to your carry-on because bottles and cans are larger than 3.4 ounces.

The cargo hold would have to completely lose pressurization and the soda would have to be exposed to this sudden change in pressure for a real explosion to occur, even though there is a chance that pressure changes there will damage a soda can and give the carbon dioxide a chance to expand quickly.

How to pack carbonated drinks in luggage?

If you want to pack carbonated drinks in your luggage, there are a few things to keep in mind to prevent them from leaking or exploding:

1. Choose plastic bottles: Plastic bottles are generally more flexible and less likely to break or burst under pressure compared to glass bottles or cans. If possible, choose plastic bottles over other packaging options.
2. Wrap each bottle: Wrap each bottle in a plastic bag or wrap to provide an extra layer of protection against leakage.
3. Secure the bottles: Make sure the bottles are tightly sealed and placed in a plastic bag or wrapped individually before being packed in your luggage.
4. Pack them carefully: When packing the bottles in your luggage, place them in the middle of the bag or in a designated bottle carrier to prevent them from moving around and potentially breaking during transport.
5. Be mindful of airline restrictions: Remember to check the airline’s restrictions on liquids and beverages to avoid any issues during security checks or at the gate.

It is also important to note that it is generally safer to transport carbonated drinks in your checked baggage rather than in your carry-on, as changes in air pressure during the flight can cause the bottles to expand and potentially burst.

Will pop cans explode on an airplane?

It is possible for pop cans to explode on an airplane due to changes in air pressure during the flight. As the airplane ascends and descends, the air pressure inside the cabin changes, which can cause gases in the pop cans to expand or contract. If the can is already damaged, punctured or has been shaken, it can be more susceptible to bursting or leaking.

To prevent any potential explosions or leaks, it is recommended to pack carbonated drinks in plastic bottles instead of cans. Plastic bottles are more flexible and less likely to break or burst under pressure compared to cans. If you do choose to pack cans, make sure they are well-packaged and tightly sealed to minimize the risk of leakage or damage.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to transport them in your checked luggage rather than your carry-on, as changes in air pressure can be more extreme in the cargo hold of the plane.

Do pressurized environments, such as airplanes, have any effect on carbonated beverages?

For the majority of us, the cabin pressure is actually significantly lower than the air pressure on the ground and is comparable to being at an altitude of 6–8000 feet above sea level. The majority of major cities are much nearer to the sea than this.

How does this affect our carbonated beverage, then?

This leads to a concept known as the partial pressure of the gas, which essentially measures how much gas is present in the liquid relative to the surrounding atmosphere. The gas will escape from the drink into the air if there is a high partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the beverage and low partial pressure in the atmosphere.

The gas will escape more quickly a lower the partial pressure in the atmosphere. Because of the relatively low cabin pressure in an airplane, the gas will escape more quickly, which causes a carbonated beverage to actually deflate more quickly.

How to bring a coke in an airplane safely?

You are permitted to pass the checkpoint with a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag. These can only be carried in travel-sized containers that weigh no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) each. 

The screening procedure is made easier by packing these items in the small bag and separating them from your carry-on luggage. Put items in checked luggage that are in containers bigger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters.

Why am I unable to bring a can of soda I purchased in the departure area on a plane?

Of course you can, provided there isn’t a security gate check. Basically, there won’t be a problem if you fly domestically anywhere. You cannot drink if you are flying into the US because many airports have extra security checks before the gate just for that flight.

Asking for “a can of ____” on an airplane will result in receiving a drink cup with ice and a full metal can. There is no fuss. On many airlines, you can also get ceramic-style plates and metal silverware. The edges are extremely jagged and sharp when those break.

I almost always bring food and beverages onboard airplanes. Before takeoff, we usually visit a restaurant to get some food and, most frequently, a GLASS bottle of Snapple. Everything travels on the plane. 

If you have a sentimental attachment to a metal can, you could also bring it through security; however, the can cannot contain any liquid. Sharp, hazardous liquid metal can be perfectly reasonable.

Can I pack wine bottles in my checked bag?

Pack that Napa Valley pinot noir with caution, of course. Even wines with high alcohol content, like vermouth and Madeira, have a cap of around 20%, so you are exempt from any alcohol content restrictions. 

Unfortunately, since mini wine bottles are at least one glass in size (and weigh much more than 3.4 ounces), you will have to purchase your wine from the flight attendant.

Some related FAQs.