The issue of whether or not can you take soda on a plane in cans in your checked luggage comes up frequently when packing for a trip. After all, aluminum cans can easily be harmed or punctured if not cared for with proper protection.
Besides physical damage, there is pressure inside, and if this is exposed to extreme atmospheric pressure, the cans could split or explode. So, is it possible to take soft drinks in cans onto planes? There are certain things to know.
In our guide, you can learn what you need to know about taking drinks such as coca cola onto a plane in your checked bag. By the end, you’ll see you may be unable to stash it in your carry-on luggage; there are ways to do it safely in your checked bag. (Read Are Steel Toed Boots Allowed On Airplanes)
Can You Bring Soda Cans in Checked Luggage?
The short answer is yes, you can bring soda cans in your checked luggage. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your cans’ safe and secure transport.
Air Pressure and Exploding Cans
One of the main concerns when transporting soda cans on a commercial aircraft is the potential for the cans to explode because of the changes in air pressure on a long-haul flight. The internal pressure of a soda can is much higher than the air pressure in the cargo hold of an airplane, which can cause the can to rupture if not adequately packed.
This is especially true at higher altitudes where the pressure difference is greater. You will find that cans are served inside the passenger cabin without issue so it may take a complete depressurization of the hold before your can splits.
Proper Packing of Cans
To prevent cans from exploding in transit, it’s essential to pack them properly. This includes using unopened retail packaging or sealable plastic bags, such as Ziploc bags, to keep the cans secure. Additionally, it’s a good idea to use packing tape or other insulating material to keep the cans from shifting during transport.
When packing cans, it’s also essential to keep them separate from other items in your luggage, as the pressure from surrounding cargo can cause damage to the cans. This is especially true for items like glass bottles or cans of alcoholic beverages, which can be more susceptible to pressure damage.
First and foremost, it’s essential to pack your soda cans to protect them from damage adequately. The best way to do this is to place them inside a plastic bag, such as a Ziploc bag, and then seal the bag tightly. This helps prevent sudden pressure changes from causing the cans to explode. Additionally, you can add an insulation layer around the cans, such as bubble wrap, to protect them further.
It’s also essential to make sure that your cans are properly sealed before you pack them. Cans that are leaking or have been opened should not be placed in your checked luggage. This is because the pressure inside of the can may cause it to explode during flight. (Read Walkie Talkie For Travel Guide)
Limitations on Liquids in Checked Luggage
It’s important to note that there are limitations on the amount of liquids you can bring in your checked luggage. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states, “you are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids in your carry-on and checked bags.” This means that you will need to pack your soda cans accordingly.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that certain liquids are not allowed in either carry-on or checked baggage, such as alcoholic beverages above a certain alcohol content. So, checking with the airline and TSA guidelines before packing your cans is best.
While you can bring soda cans in your checked luggage, there are some restrictions on the amount of carbonated beverages you can transport.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a limit on the amount of liquids that can be brought in hand luggage, which includes soda cans, airplanes won’t let you carry full cans as they are too large, yet you won’t find such restrictions for cans or bottles in your checked baggage.
Should you purchase a mini bottle of wine, this would be too big for carry-on luggage, and you would have to buy your wine from the flight attendant should you want to drink.
Do Cans Explode On Planes?
Owing to pressure differences inside and outside soda cans, they can explode in checked luggage. However, properly packing cans prevents this. It’s also important to know that commercial aircraft cargo hold is pressurized to accommodate pressure change during flight.
To transport carbonated beverages safely, aircraft cargo holds are carefully pressurized. The hold’s pressure is slightly higher than the outside air, so seeing soda cans explode can be rare. In addition, the cargo hold pressure keeps carbon dioxide dissolved in the liquid, preventing drinks from falling flat.
Temperature Changes To Can Of Fizzy Drinks
The temperature might also alter your soda’s flight. Warmer temperatures increase fluid and weaken soda beverage surface tension. Soda foams more at higher temperatures, so a cargo hold warmed by the sun after hours of flight may leak and produce soda foam to spill over your cargo.
Despite pressure variations, chilly cargo holds will keep your soda longer. The beverage will stay in the can due to increased liquid surface tension. Most modern cargo compartments are temperature-controlled and may be modified from the main cabin.
The cargo hold walls are usually insulated for fire safety and to keep goods from freezing at cruising altitude or warming when at lower altitudes. Overall, cargo hold temperature and pressure changes rarely damage soda. However, failures might occur, so your soda or beer cans may leak periodically. (Read Can You Bring Flat Iron On Plane)
Why Don’t Soda Cans Explode On Airplanes?
At cruise altitude, the airliner air pressure inside of the airliner is much higher than outside. The actual altitude depends on the airliner, but most are pressurized around 5–8,000 feet, and the hull is built to prevent air inside from escaping.
A soda can withstand high-pressure liquid trying to escape. Eight thousand feet above sea level.
Can You Take Canned Drinks In Checked Baggage?
Carbonated beverages are allowed in checked luggage, but air pressure changes may cause them to explode.
Bottles and cans over 3.4 ounces must be thrown away before security. A real explosion would require the cargo hold to lose pressurization and the soda to be exposed to this sudden change in pressure, even though pressure changes may harm a soda can and allow carbon dioxide to expand swiftly.
How do pressurized areas affect a carbonated beverage?
The partial pressure of the gas measures how much gas is in the liquid relative to the surrounding atmosphere. The gas will escape into the air if the beverage has a high partial pressure of carbon dioxide and the ambient has a low partial pressure.
Lower atmospheric partial pressure speeds gas to escape. In an airplane’s low cabin pressure, gas escapes faster, thus making a carbonated beverage go flat and lose its fizz.
FAQs
How to bring coke on a plane?
You are permitted to pass through the checkpoint with a carry-on bag carrying one quart-sized bag filled with liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes. These must be carried in 3.4-ounce (100-milliliter) travel containers. Packing these items in a tiny bag and separating them from your carry-on luggage simplifies screening. Put large containers in checked luggage.
Can I carry a can of soda purchased in the departure area onto a plane?
Suppose there’s no security gate, yes. Domestic flights are fine. Many US airports have extra security checks before the gate, so you cannot drink. You can bring a sentimental metal that can pass security but cannot contain liquid. Sharp, dangerous liquid metal is reasonable.
This method is safest for packed cans safe for travel—pack cans inside a plastic bag with zipper seals (Ziploc). Use packing tape on the bag, and to reduce movement, nest the cans in the bag with soft goods like shirts or towels.
Can I bring drinks in my checked luggage?
Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are restricted to 5-liter bottles (1.3 gallons) per passenger in checked bags, and they must be in retail packaging that has not been opened. There are no restrictions on alcoholic beverages that contain 24% alcohol or less when they are checked.
Will a can of beer explode in my checked luggage?
Are beer cans in checked luggage exploding? No. Like the cabin, the cargo hold is pressurized. Because of air pressure, your beer cans won’t blow up.
Will Gatorade explode in checked luggage?
Except for hard alcohol, the TSA doesn’t enforce any liquid limits on checked luggage. The main worry for passengers packing liquids in checked baggage should be preparing these containers to prevent explosions.
How much soda can you put in a carry-on bag?
Carry-on bags of soda bottles or cans are permitted if they are less than 3.4 oz/100 ml.
Can you bring gel food on the plane?
Checked Bags: You may travel with solid food items (but not liquids or gels) in either your carry-on bags or your checked bag. Liquid food items or gel over 3.4 oz cannot be brought on board in your carry-on bags and should instead be packed in your checked bags. (Read Can Tsa Detect Disposable Vape Pen In Carry On)
Why put cans in Ziploc Bags?
The cans are placed in sealed Ziploc bags for two reasons. If a can leaks, it first safeguards the rest of your cargo. Second, if the cargo hold malfunctions in any manner, it creates a second pressurized seal that can protect the can or bottles from pressure damage.
Placing most soda cans in a Ziploc bag and enclosing them in bubble wrap or another insulating material should be safe. Combined with both techniques, there is little chance that your cans will sustain harm.
Furthermore, the rest of your clothing or luggage will be completely safe if a can leak in any event. Foam soda bottle packaging: a place where you may move your fizzy beverages from one place to another using a special beer, soda, or wine container.
These containers, which are the same size as standard luggage cases, are frequently filled with Styrofoam. Cans of soda or bottles of wine can be inserted into special openings in the Styrofoam that have been made in its mass to keep bottles safe and away from hard objects.
