Why Toiletries Are Prone To Explode On Flights and How to Prevent It?

Imagine this: your Uber arrives promptly, traffic is a breeze, and you breeze through airport security with ease. You enjoy the luxury of the airport lounge, relax in a massage chair, and find your boarding gate just a short walk away. Your in-flight meal is surprisingly delicious, and your luggage is the first off the conveyor belt. But when you unpack, you're met with a mess—your shampoo, lotion, and other toiletries have exploded inside your suitcase. It’s a frustrating scenario many travelers face. Here’s why this happens and how to avoid it.

The culprit behind these mishaps is the change in air pressure as an aircraft ascends to cruising altitude. At 35,000 feet, the pressure inside the plane’s cabin is much lower than at sea level. While liquids are relatively stable, the air trapped inside your toiletry containers expands due to the lower pressure. This pressure difference can force the contents of the containers to leak or burst, creating a mess.

Tips to safeguard your toiletries

Use plastic bags: Place your toiletries inside a sealed plastic bag. This containment will help manage any leakage and prevent a major disaster in your suitcase.

Seal bottles properly: Before packing, unscrew the tops of your toiletry bottles, cover the openings with cling wrap, and then screw the caps back on tightly. This reduces the air inside the bottles, lessening the chance of leaks due to pressure changes.

Adhere to regulations: Follow BCAS guidelines by carrying only bottles of 100ml or less in your hand luggage. Larger containers should be packed in your checked baggage, regardless of the amount of liquid they contain.

By taking these precautions, you can avoid the mess and frustration of exploded toiletries on your next flight.