Southwest Airlines Spends Millions to Address Safety Risk of Exploding Soda Cans

Southwest Airlines faced a surprising safety risk of exploding soda cans due to high temperatures on transport trucks and planes. Close to two dozen flight attendants sustained injuries in 2024, while no passengers were hurt. The airline spent millions to resolve the issue by using refrigerated trucks and retraining staff.

Southwest Airlines has been grappling with an unexpected safety issue: exploding soda cans due to high temperatures on transport trucks and planes. In 2024, nearly two dozen flight attendants sustained injuries, though no passengers were hurt. The airline has invested millions to mitigate this risk by implementing refrigerated trucks and retraining staff.

The problem emerged as average global temperatures rise, making summer heat waves more frequent and intense. Jake Stoddard, a Southwest employee, described the issue: "Once it got up to 105, 110, you started hearing the cans. Before you even saw 'em, you could hear 'em deforming" [1].

Southwest, with hubs in Phoenix and Las Vegas, two of the nation's hottest cities, faced a unique challenge. Exploding cans, though seemingly comical, posed a serious safety risk at 30,000 feet [1]. The airline's response included purchasing 60 refrigerated food and beverage trucks for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport. These trucks not only keep cans below 80 degrees but also serve as cooling stations for outdoor workers [1].

In addition to the trucks, Southwest has begun using temperature guns to monitor can temperatures. The airline has also retrained staff to handle the new safety measures. These efforts aim to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of both employees and passengers [1].

Southwest's proactive approach to this emerging issue highlights the airline's commitment to safety and innovation in the face of climate change. As temperatures continue to rise, such measures will become increasingly important for the aviation industry, which is already grappling with weather-related delays, rising seas, and more severe in-flight turbulence [1].

References:
[1] https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/southwest-airlines-invests-millions-effort-004000558.html
[2] https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Travel/southwest-airlines-extra-space-policy/story?id=124981944