Will Carbonated Drinks Explode on a Plane?

There is a common myth that carbonated drinks can explode on an airplane. However, this myth is largely based on misunderstandings about pressurization and what actually happens to carbonated beverages during flight. Let's explore the facts behind this concern.

Myth-Busting:

Yes and No: The Role of Cabin Pressure

Whether or not carbonated drinks will explode on a plane depends on the cabin's pressure. If the cabin is properly pressurized, such as on a commercial airline, the condition of the drinks remains stable. However, if the cabin loses pressure, the gas dissolved in the drinks (carbon dioxide) expands rapidly, causing the bottles to bulge and potentially even burst. This is a rare occurrence in commercial flights but can happen if emergency situations arise, like a decompression event.

Are Carbonated Drinks Safe During Flight?

To address the myth, it's important to note that most commercial airliners operate at a cabin pressure equivalent to an altitude of around 8,000 feet—about the same as the mountains in Mammoth Lakes, California, or Cooke City, Montana. At these altitudes, carbonated drinks are consumed without any risk of explosion.

For example, airlines like Alaska Airlines, which I frequently fly with, offer a variety of beverages, including several carbonated options. Their drink cart typically includes:

Cold beverages: Water, Seltzer, Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale Hot beverages: Starbucks Pike Place Roast Coffee, Teavana Royal English Breakfast Tea, Teavana Mint Majesty Herbal Tea Alcoholic beverages: Fremont Brewing Lush IPA, Kona Brewing Longboard Lager, Broken Earth Winery El Paso Red Blend, Canoe Ridge Vineyards Chardonnay, Jack Daniel's Whiskey, Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Tanqueray Gin, Tito's Vodka, Bailey's Irish Cream

Given that these airlines safely serve carbonated drinks at pressurized altitudes, it's clear that the myth of carbonated drinks exploding en masse is unfounded.

Historical Anecdotes Versus Reality

While it's true that there have been reports of carbonated drinks exploding in the past, these incidents are often associated with specific circumstances. Historically, older aircraft designs or incidents involving loss of cabin pressure have sometimes led to carbonated drinks expanding and bursting open. However, this is not a common occurrence on modern commercial aircraft, which are designed with robust structures and modern materials.

Modern Airliner Safety

Modern airplanes are meticulously designed and manufactured to ensure passenger safety. The cargo hold is pressurized and heated, similar to the main cabin. Despite the lower atmospheric pressure in the cargo hold, the overall pressure difference is not enough to cause carbonated drinks to explode. This is confirmed by various reports and experiences from frequent travelers.

Evidence from Personal Experience:
I have never personally experienced any issues with carbonated drinks on flights. In fact, I have consistently carried both carbonated and alcoholic beverages (including beer and wine) without any problems. These items typically remain safe and enjoyable during the entire flight.

There's no need to worry about your beloved carbonated drinks when traveling by air. Whether you're sipping on a cold soda or a fizzy alcoholic beverage, modern aviation technology ensures that these drinks remain stable and enjoyable during your journey.