With air travel, there are numerous regulations and restrictions to ensure passenger safety and the smooth operation of flights. One question arises: Can you take fizzy drinks on a plane? The answer depends on a few factors, and it’s worth noting the guidelines set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA limits liquids in carry-on luggage to containers with a maximum capacity of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per item, which must fit in a quart-sized zip-lock bag.
This applies to various beverages, including soft drinks like soda cans. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be presented separately for inspection at the security checkpoint. One important reason behind these regulations is the pressure inside the passenger cabin of a commercial aircraft. As the aircraft ascends to high altitudes, the atmospheric pressure decreases, creating a significant pressure difference between the inside and outside of the cabin.
Carbonated beverages, like soda cans, contain carbon dioxide, which is highly pressurized inside soda cans or glass bottles. Under such conditions, the pressure changes can cause soda cans or carbonated beverage to explode because of the increased pressure. To prevent such incidents, it’s advised to pack soda cans and other carbonated drinks in checked luggage rather than carry-on bags.
However, it’s essential to consider the potential risks, as baggage handlers and aircraft cargo holds may also pressure changes during the flight. Properly securing the items with protective material, like bubble wrap or other packaging, is crucial to avoid damage.
In our guide, you can learn about carbonated drinks in bottles and aluminum cans on a plane. By the end, you’ll better understand how to take your pack of non-alcoholic beverages on the plane as part of your carry-on luggage. (Read Can I Bring Liquid Protein Shakes On A Plane)
Can You Take Canned Drinks On The Plane?
Traveling by air can often come with many questions regarding what items are allowed in your carry-on or whether checked luggage carries these drinks. One common query many travelers have is whether they can bring canned drinks on the plane.
Carry-On Restrictions and TSA Guidelines
You must know the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines for carrying canned drinks in your carry-on luggage. The TSA restricts the amount of liquids brought through airport security checkpoints.
According to their regulations, liquids should be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and placed in a quart-sized, clear plastic bag. This requirement applies to all beverages, including canned drinks.
The limitation on container size presents a challenge regarding bringing canned drinks into your carry-on. Unfortunately, packing soda cans that are standard size are larger than the allowed limit. Even the mini cans of soda on some flights usually exceed the size restrictions. Therefore, packing soda cans in your carry-on luggage through the security checkpoint isn’t possible.
Purchasing Drinks After Security
Fortunately, once you have cleared the airport security checkpoint, you can purchase drinks of any size at the airport. You can find various beverages at the different shops and kiosks available, including your favorite soda. You can enjoy your canned drinks without restrictions if you consume them at the airport or on the plane.
Checked Luggage and Carbonated Beverages
If you prefer to pack your canned drinks in your checked luggage, the good news is that there are no TSA restrictions on non-alcoholic beverages. However, there are a few factors to consider when packing soda, energy drinks, or carbonated drinks.
- First, be mindful of your airline’s checked baggage weight limits. Canned drinks can add significant weight to your checked bags weight. So, ensure you pack them accordingly and stay within the allowed weight range, or they may think you are carrying a bowling ball.
- Second, it’s vital to protect your canned drinks from potential damage caused by baggage handlers. Although the aircraft’s cargo hold is pressurized, rough handling can still cause beer or aerosol cans to be dented or punctured.
Consider wrapping your soda cans in bubble wrap or placing them in other protective material to minimize the risk. Placing the root beer or Coca-cola cans in a plastic bag can help prevent any liquid leakage. This could be should your aluminum soda cans explode in the aircraft cargo hold or the overhead bin as part of your hand luggage in the main cabin.
Should you bring soda in glass or plastic bottles, there is more risk of the glass bottles breaking than leaking inside the cargo hold as bags are loaded and unloaded. (Read Can I Bring An Iron On A Plane)
Safety Measures and Precautions
While the pressurized cabin and the aircraft cargo hold can prevent soda cans and plastic bottles from exploding because of extra pressure, it’s worth noting some precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. When opening a soda can during the flight, it is recommended to do so slowly. The pressure changes inside the cabin may make the contents fizzier, causing the soda to spray or spill if opened too quickly.
Last, remember that alcoholic beverages have different regulations. If you wish to bring alcohol on the plane, it is advisable to check with the specific airline for their policies and guidelines. Some airlines may allow you to bring TSA-approved mini wine bottles or other small-sized alcohol containers in your carry-on luggage or checked luggage. However, they must comply with the size and quantity restrictions imposed by the airline and relevant authorities.
The Truth About Cans Exploding on Planes
Have you ever wondered if cans can explode on planes?
Understanding the Physics
When an airplane reaches cruising altitude, the air pressure inside the cabin is significantly lower than at sea level. This decrease in pressure can affect certain items, including cans. Cans, typically made of aluminum or steel, withstand some internal pressure. They are hermetically sealed to keep their contents fresh and carbonated.
However, the high altitude pressure difference between the inside and outside of the can cause a potential issue should there be complete depressurization.
The Risks of Pressurized Containers
The decrease in cabin pressure during flight can lead to a buildup of pressure inside the can. As the plane ascends, the air pressure outside the can decrease while the pressure inside remains relatively constant. While most cans are designed with a safety margin to accommodate such changes, there is a limit to how much pressure they can withstand.
Safety Measures and Regulations
To ensure the safety of passengers, regulations aim to minimize the risk of accidents or incidents caused by exploding cans. Passengers may bring cans on board, provided they comply with specific guidelines.
Airlines typically require that carbonated beverages are purchased after the airport security checkpoint to ensure they have not been tampered with. Cans should be packed in the carry-on side-on luggage to minimize the risk of damage during transit. (Read Can I Bring Starbucks On A Plane)
Factors Affecting Can Stability
While bringing cans on planes is safe, a few factors affect their stability during the flight.
Here are some key considerations:
- Altitude: The higher the altitude, the lower the air pressure. Therefore, the risk of cans experiencing pressure differentials and potential expansion increases as the plane climbs.
- Carbonation: Carbonated beverages contain dissolved carbon dioxide gas, contributing to their fizzy nature. The higher the carbonation level, the more potential for pressure buildup inside the can.
- Damage or Weakness: Cans dented, damaged, or weakened because of manufacturing defects may be more susceptible to rupture or leakage.
Mitigating the Risks
To mitigate the risks associated with cans on planes, passengers can take certain precautions:
- Choose Wisely: Choose cans with lower carbonation levels when possible.
- Inspect Cans: Avoid beer cans with visible damage, dents, or signs of weakness.
- Pack Carefully: Place cans in a sturdy and secure part of the pack in your carry-on luggage.
- Open Cans Carefully: If you open a can during the flight, do so slowly and cautiously. The decrease in cabin pressure can cause a sudden release of pressure when the can is opened, leading to spillage.
Can You Bring Unopened Drinks Through TSA?
One query is whether unopened drinks can be brought through the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) screening process.
TSA Regulations and the 3-1-1 Rule
The TSA has specific regulations to ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft. With unopened drinks, there are a few key considerations. According to the TSA, unopened drinks are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage. However, there are restrictions regarding the quantity and packaging of these beverages.
For drinks intended for carry-on bags, TSA enforces the 3-1-1 rule. This means that each container of liquid, including unopened drinks, must not exceed 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in volume, can pass beyond the airport security line. All containers must be placed in a single quart-sized, clear plastic bag. Each passenger is allowed only one such quart-sized bag. Note: Baby formula, breast milk, or other liquids for babies fall outside of these regulations.
Exceptions for Duty-Free Purchases
Different rules apply if you purchase unopened drinks, like soda or other beverages, from duty-free shops at the airport or from the airline. Duty-free purchases are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on luggage. You can carry these unopened drinks separately; they do not need to be stored in a quart-sized bag.
Unopened Drinks in Checked Baggage
Unlike carry-on bags, there are no specific restrictions on the quantity or size of unopened drinks in checked baggage. You can transport them without limitations, even if they exceed the 3.4-ounce limit. So, if you have a twelve-pack of soda or other unopened beverages, pack them in your checked luggage.
It’s worth noting that while unopened drinks are allowed, some prohibited items should not be included in carry-on or checked baggage. (Read Can You Take Pencils On A Plane)
Concerns about Soda Cans and Cabin Pressure
One common concern among travelers is whether soda cans explode. These are carbonated and pressurized and can explode with cabin pressure changes. Commercial aircraft withstand the pressure differences encountered during flight.
The cabin pressure is regulated, and the cargo holds, where checked baggage is stored, are also pressurized. This means the pressure inside the cabin and cargo hold remains relatively stable, minimizing the risk of cans exploding.
Tips for Packing Unopened Drinks
To ensure your unopened drinks make it in hand luggage to your destination intact, here are some useful tips for mini wine bottles and packing them:
- Place unopened drinks in a sealed, sturdy plastic bag, like a zip-lock bag, to contain any potential leaks or spills all over your clothes.
- If packing in checked luggage, consider wrapping the drinks in clothes or bubble wrap for protection.
- Keep unopened drinks separate from fragile items, or items may be quickly damaged.
- If traveling with a large quantity of unopened drinks, using a cooler can provide an additional layer of protection.
Following these packing tips, you can safeguard your belongings and minimize any potential inconvenience caused by leaks or spills.
Bringing Alcohol and Drinks on a Plane
Duty-Free Alcohol and Liquids
One option to enjoy your favorite spirits during a flight is to purchase duty-free alcohol. Many airports offer duty-free shops where you can buy alcoholic beverages to bring on board.
Note: These purchases are typically sealed in a tamper-evident bag, which should remain unopened until you reach your destination.
Bringing Your Own Alcohol
If you prefer to bring your own alcohol, there are specific guidelines. Most airlines permit passengers to bring small amounts of alcohol, like mini bottles or travel-sized containers, as part of their carry-on luggage. However, it’s essential to adhere to the airline’s policies regarding liquids, which often require containers to be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a clear, quart-sized plastic bag.
It’s worth mentioning that consuming personal alcohol during the flight is typically not allowed. Airlines have their own alcoholic beverage and service, and drinking; personal alcohol may violate their policies or even local regulations.
Most often, you can only drink alcohol served by a flight attendant.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
While alcohol is a popular choice, it’s essential not to overlook the wide array of non-alcoholic beverages available on most flights. Airlines usually provide complimentary soft drinks, juices, water, and tea or coffee during the flight. They may offer a selection of alcoholic beverages for purchase.
