Intense Summer Heat Causing Soda Cans to Burst on Southwest Flights

Southwest Airlines confirmed incidents wherein soda cans burst due to the intense summer heat. Airline officials said that they are aware of soda cans rupturing while being opened. This resulted in both onboard messes and injuries among employees. 

This summer, around 20 employees were injured, including one that resulted in stitches. Southwest says that this also happened last year. However, there have been more incidents this year than last summer. 

The airline is already taking necessary steps to address the issue. Chris Perry, the airline spokesperson said “We’ve developed a mitigation plan to address it.”

Storage of Soda Cans

It’s possible that the incidents can be traced to how the airline stores and loads soda cans on their planes. Unlike other airlines, Southwest doesn’t stock perishable goods on board. It also means that it isn’t required to use air-conditioned trucks. In some instances, the airline uses  provisional trucks that expose beverages to outside temperatures. 

In an internal email sent to Southwest flight attendants obtained by the media with the title “Hot & Bursting Cans: Provisioning Procedural Changes,” the airline says that finding “viable solutions to bursting hot cans is our top priority.”

The email details a series of changes that the airline has made to address the problem. Changes include stocking fewer soda cans on provisional trucks. This step limits the time the cans are exposed to the heat. Plus, in hotter locations, cans are kept in coolers. Employees are also instructed to not open cans that are noticeably hot. 

Southwest is also not boarding soda cans that have a 98-degree temperature or higher. Instead, these beverages will be returned to the warehouse to cool down.  

Coordinating with Coca-Cola

Southwest is also coordinating with Coca-Cola to address the problem. Coca-Cola is considering the possibility of having 7.5-ounce soda cans than the traditional 12-ounce. Perry said, “We are investigating the issue and looking at changes to ensure safety for our employees and customers in the midst of extreme temperatures and climate change.”