Southwest Flight Attendants Injured by Exploding Soda Cans: Here’s Why

It’s not quite the “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,” but it’s enough to make passengers and flight attendants wary the next time they reach for a fizzy drink on a Southwest Airlines flight. According to a recent report by the New York Post, at least 20 flight attendants have been injured by exploding soda cans since 2021, leading to calls for a safety review.

The Cause of the Explosions

The culprit behind these miniature in-flight explosions? A phenomenon known as “can fatigue.”

Cans, particularly those containing carbonated beverages, are designed to withstand a certain amount of internal pressure. This pressure can fluctuate due to various factors, including:

Changes in altitude: As an aircraft ascends or descends, the cabin pressure changes, which can cause the pressure inside the can to increase or decrease.
Temperature variations: Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can also affect the pressure inside a can.
Handling: Rough handling or dropping a can can weaken its structural integrity, making it more susceptible to bursting.

When the internal pressure exceeds the can’s ability to contain it, the result can be a sudden, forceful rupture, often accompanied by a loud bang and a spray of sticky soda.

The Impact on Flight Attendants

While an exploding soda can might seem like a minor inconvenience, for the flight attendants on the receiving end of these incidents, the consequences can be far from trivial. The New York Post article highlights several cases where flight attendants have sustained injuries, some quite serious, as a result of these exploding cans, including:

Burns: The pressurized soda can burst with enough force to cause both chemical and thermal burns.
Lacerations: Sharp metal fragments from the exploding can can inflict cuts.
Eye injuries: The sudden spray of soda can irritate or even injure the eyes.
Concussions: In some instances, the force of the explosion has been strong enough to cause concussions.

These injuries can result in pain, discomfort, time off work, and in some cases, long-term health issues.

Calls for Action and Safety Concerns

The Transport Workers Union, which represents Southwest Airlines’ flight attendants, has raised concerns about these incidents and urged the airline to take steps to address the issue. They have called for a thorough safety review and are pushing for several measures to be implemented, including:

Improved training: Providing flight attendants with more comprehensive training on how to handle and serve carbonated beverages safely during flights.
Can design modifications: Exploring the possibility of using cans with improved pressure resistance or alternative packaging for carbonated drinks served on flights.
Warning labels: Placing clearer warning labels on cans, highlighting the potential risks associated with pressure changes during air travel.

Passenger Safety and Awareness

While the focus of this issue has primarily been on the safety of flight attendants, it’s important to remember that passengers are also potentially at risk from exploding soda cans. Here are a few tips for passengers to minimize the risk:

Handle cans with care: Avoid shaking or dropping cans, especially during takeoff and landing when cabin pressure changes are most significant.
Be mindful of temperature: Don’t leave cans in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Report any damage: If you notice a can that appears damaged or bulging, report it to a flight attendant immediately.
Consider alternatives: Opting for non-carbonated drinks or waiting until after the flight to enjoy a soda can reduce the risk of an in-flight explosion.

Conclusion

The issue of exploding soda cans on Southwest Airlines flights is a stark reminder that even seemingly mundane items can pose potential hazards in the air. While the risk of injury is relatively low, the consequences can be significant for those affected. By raising awareness, implementing commonsense safety measures, and exploring potential solutions, airlines and passengers can work together to make air travel a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.