Summary
- Southwest Airlines is working on finding a solution to exploding soda cans on its flights which have injured flight attendants.
- Record-breaking summer heat is exacerbating the problem as some beverages warm up as they wait to be loaded onto aircraft.
- The airline has a large presence in Las Vegas and Phoenix, which experience excessive heat.
Although there have been a plethora of headlines involving unruly passengers threatening other passengers and crew onboard in recent years, some Southwest Airlines flight attendants attending to their injuries have a different story to tell. Nearly two dozen crew members have been injured by exploding soda cans during flights in recent weeks.
Southwest is “aware of the issue” and is working on finding solutions. However, the conundrum is believed to be linked to how its flights are catered.
What’s going on?
It is no secret that when carbonated beverages are opened after being dropped or shaken with force, they will typically spill over. However, it rarely ever creates a cause for injury. Nonetheless, the cans on Southwest’s aircraft must have had immense pressure built up, as at least 20 flight attendants have been injured, according to The Washington Post.
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The airline said it is “in contact with the Federal Aviation Administration” regarding the mishap.
Aside from Southwest’s reputation for free checked bags and unassigned seating, the low-cost carrier is known for its complimentary beverage and snack service on most flights, which effectively places it a step above its ultra-low-cost carrier competitors, Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines. However, unlike the legacy airlines, Southwest does not offer meals or perishable foods onboard. Because of this, the Dallas-based airline does not use refrigerated vehicles to cater its flights, meaning beverages waiting to be loaded onto aircraft can experience extreme temperatures.
Photo: Joni Hanebutt | Shutterstock
A spokesperson for the airline confirmed the problem to Simple Flying on Friday.
“We’re aware of the issue and have been taking steps to keep onboard beverages cooler, especially in our airports experiencing extreme temperatures. It’s a cross-functional effort between our airport teams and those in the air.”
A sizzling Summer
Several cities across the country have felt summer sizzle this year. While heat is normal during these months, many states have seen the mercury soar with heat warnings and advisories prompted by extreme temperatures. Last month, some cities matched or broke records when a heat dome dominated the western part of the US. According to CNN, hundreds of cities in nearly every state, including Alaska and Hawaii, are on track for one of their 10-warmest summers on record. Around 100 cities have endured their hottest start to the season.
Photo: Nashville International Airport
Southwest notably has a significant presence at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Earlier this month, Sin City set an all-time heat record of 120 degrees. According to NBC News, the conditions were dangerous enough to close city pools.
“Airports where we have a large presence – such as Las Vegas, Phoenix and many in Texas – continue to receive record temperatures, with severe heat arriving earlier and persisting throughout the summer,” the spokesperson stated. “For the Safety of our Employees and Customers, we are taking education and mitigation measures on all heat-related hazards.”
Finding solutions
According to The Washington Post, Southwest is now directing its ground personnel to measure the temperature of soda cans before loading them onto aircraft. Flight attendants have also been instructed not to open any cans that look deformed or dented. Additionally, Southwest is reportedly testing some air-conditioned catering trucks for use at LAS.
Exploding soda cans have been an issue in the past, likely due to the change in pressurization inside aircraft. However, it has clearly become a problem for the airline this year. Southwest would not comment on how frequently it has occurred, nor disclose the extent of the flight attendants’ injuries.
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