Soda cans burst on Southwest flights due to extreme heat : NPR

Extremely hot summer temperatures across the US have caused problems at cruising altitudes, leading to overheated drinks exploding in mid-air on several Southwest Airlines flights.

Many of the airports where Southwest has a large presence already include Phoenix, Las Vegas, Austin, Dallas, Houston and Sacramento. Temperature record breaking This year, heat wave Caused by climate change.

Southwest confirmed to NPR that some cans have warped due to the heat and some have exploded when opened — and that it has been telling employees about the problem since the spring — but stressed that no incidents involving passengers have been reported.

“We are aware of this issue and are taking steps to keep drinks cold on board, especially at airports that experience extreme temperatures,” spokesman Chris Perry said in a statement.

This summer, about 20 flight attendants were injured by exploding cans, including one who required stitches. According to CBS NewsTWU Local 556, the union that represents Southwest’s flight attendants, did not respond to NPR’s request for comment.

“For the safety of our employees and customers, we are taking steps to educate and mitigate all heat-related hazards,” Perry added.

The issue appears to be unique to Southwest Airlines, which handles in-flight beverages differently than other airlines.

The airline doesn’t serve meals on flights, so it resupplies itself and doesn’t sell perishables. It’s currently testing trucks with air-conditioned cargo spaces in Phoenix and Las Vegas.

It also instructs airport staff to use digital thermometers to check the temperature of cans before loading them onto each plane, and not to carry cans that have a temperature above 98 degrees Fahrenheit.

After takeoff, the airline will instruct flight attendants (who take passenger orders and deliver drinks rather than pushing beverage carts down the aisle) not to open cans that are misshapen or hot to the touch, and will instead offer passengers replacements and apologies.

Of course, climate change poses more problems for travelers than limited beverage options. Weather events will intensify Like a flood or a storm Make it difficult to fly an airplane and again Causes of flight turbulence.