The Type Of Drink You're Allowed To Pack In A Checked Bag But Really Shouldn't

No one wants to be the clueless traveler trying to take a full-sized drink through airport security. To make sure that's not you, it's a good idea to review TSA's liquid rules before traveling and keep large amounts of fluids out of your carry-on bag. Generally, if your liquid can't fit in a 3.4-ounce container and if all your liquids can't fit in a single quart-sized bag, then they must go in your checked luggage.

However, just because drinks are allowed in your checked bag doesn't mean they belong there, especially if they're carbonated. TSA allows soda and other fizzy beverages in checked luggage, as long as they contain no more than 70% alcohol (liquids with an alcohol content between 24% and 70% are limited to 5 liters per passenger, while liquids containing over 70% alcohol are prohibited). Unfortunately, that bottle of sparkling vino from your wine vacation in France's Bordeaux or the bottles of ramune you picked up in Japan might not fare well when left in your checked bag. Even though fizzy drinks (alcoholic or not) are generally permitted in your checked bag, there's one major reason you might want to rethink it: the potential for them to explode open.

If you've ever experienced annoying ear problems mid-flight, you've felt the effects of changing air pressure. Often, these changes aren't significant enough to cause problems, at least not in the cabin. However, the same can't always be said for the cargo hold. Air pressure in the cargo hold, where your checked luggage gets stored during the flight, is controlled on many — but not all — commercial planes. If your flight happens to have a non-pressurized baggage compartment, your fizzy drinks could explode, soiling everything in your suitcase (not to mention losing your delicious drink!). A phone call to your airline in advance can usually confirm whether your flight's luggage hold is pressurized and safe for carbonated liquids.

With that said, there's another concern to keep in mind when packing bubbly beverages: extreme heat. Soda cans are known to explode when exposed to high temperatures, even before you have a chance to pop them open for a drink. The carbon dioxide inside heats up, forcing the aluminum to expand until the can bursts open. Cans left on a hot tarmac or stowed inside a balmy cargo hold may be especially vulnerable to mid-flight explosions.

If you don't mind risking a drink explosion, go ahead and pack a few containers of carbonated liquid in your checked luggage. Just be sure to store them in your suitcase carefully to avoid damaging your other belongings. Zippered plastic bags are a good place to start, as they will help prevent any leaks from spilling onto your clothes and other items. Try using one plastic bag per container.

Then, take bubble wrap and cover the cans or bottles, using tape to secure it in place. This will add another barrier in case your fizzy drinks explode, while also offering a bit of cushioning. If your beverages come in glass bottles, take the same precautions you usually would when hauling wine home from vacation. Use protective sleeves, if available, and pad each bottle with clothes and other soft items. In addition, consider swapping a soft suitcase for a hard-side one to offer extra protection.

When you've arrived at your destination and you're ready to unpack, do so cautiously. Besides sticky fingers, you could also suffer cuts if your cans or bottles exploded in the air. Slip on some gloves if you have them, and slowly unwrap each container to keep your fingers intact.