Soda Cans Burst on Southwest Flights

Record-breaking summer temperatures across the United States have led to unexpected challenges for Southwest Airlines, with reports of overheated beverages bursting midair. Airports in cities like Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Austin have been particularly affected, as extreme heat waves, attributed to climate change, have intensified. Southwest Airlines confirmed that some cans have warped and burst upon opening, although they emphasized that no incidents involving customers have been reported. The airline has been proactive in addressing the issue, with a spokesperson stating that measures have been implemented to keep onboard beverages cooler, especially in regions experiencing extreme heat. However, the situation has resulted in injuries to approximately 20 flight attendants this summer, including one incident requiring stitches. The Transport Workers Union Local 556, representing the flight attendants, has been collaborating with Southwest management to develop a comprehensive plan to mitigate the risks associated with exploding cans. New strategies include the use of refrigerated trailers for storage and air-conditioned trucks for deliveries. The union's safety team and Southwest management will monitor the effectiveness of these measures on a monthly basis to ensure compliance with the established timeline. The issue appears to be unique to Southwest, as the airline manages its own beverage provisioning differently than competitors. To further combat the problem, Southwest is testing air-conditioned cargo trucks and instructing airport teams to check can temperatures before loading. Flight attendants have also been advised to avoid opening any cans that appear misshapen or hot, offering alternatives to passengers instead.