Laundry pods have gotten super popular for travelers to bring on trips to wash their clothes. But some people wonder – could these pods explode because of pressure changes on a plane during a flight? Let’s look at the facts.
How Does Air Pressure Change on Planes?
When a plane climbs high in the sky, the air pressure inside the cabin drops compared to at sea level. There’s less air pushing down inside.
Usually during a flight the cabin pressure equals being around 8,000 feet in elevation. So it’s lower pressure than you’d normally experience standing on the ground.
Can Pressure Changes Make Pods Burst?
Laundry pod containers dissolve in water. They need to be sturdy while sitting in stores but eventually break down in the wash.
Even with lower airplane cabin pressure, the pods themselves likely won’t explode. The flexible plastic can handle some pressure changes without building up force inside.
What About Temperature Changes on Planes?
Temperatures also shift during flights to high altitudes. But laundry pods are designed to handle transport at freezing cold to over 100°F/40°C temps. So cabin temp changes probably won’t risk causing them to burst either.
Are Laundry Pods Durable Enough for Flights?
The companies making laundry pods know travelers want reassurance they won’t leak or break open accidentally.
Lots of testing makes sure pods can handle bumps, shocks and compression before use. Durable plastic shells and interior seals keep the concentrated detergent safely contained.
As a result, most prepackaged laundry pods are tough enough for plane trips. Routine luggage movement shouldn’t put their stability at risk.
Could Cabin Pressure Cause Slow Leaks?
Even if they don’t explode, maybe lower pressure leaks detergent slowly from the pods during flight?
Actually, simulation tests say this probably won’t happen either. Modern pod seals and pouches keep liquid loss minimal even at high-altitude pressure levels. No apparent leaking or oozing shown.
Read the Product Guidelines Too
While science suggests laundry pods should be fine for air travel, always check specific brands for cautions about flying too. And airlines or travel laws might restrict certain types of pods. Regional policies on liquids vary.
The Verdict? Safe for Airplanes
Tests show laundry detergent pods stay reliably intact under routine commercial flight conditions – changes in altitude, pressure, temps or motion don’t risk making them burst.
As long as you don’t mishandle your bags beyond normal wear & tear, pods should go from airport to hotel just fine. Science gives them the green light not to accidentally leak or explode mid-flight.
Laura has had an enthusiasm for laundry ever since she was a teenager experimenting with wash cycles. She went on study textile science in college before working in product testing.
Soon, Laura found friends and family constantly asking her laundry advice, realizing she had become an unofficial laundry guru. The questions kept coming in, so Laura decided to start sharing laundry tips online to help more people. The enthusiastic response led her start the blog “Laundry How”.
Now in her late thirties, Laura uses Laundry How to tackle all kinds of laundry topics – stains, fabric care, detergents, and more. She provides advice from both her studies and experience testing techniques out firsthand. Laura continues to grow an engaged community of laundry learners, feeling fulfilled empowering people to make laundry an easy, confidence-building ritual rather than a dreaded chore.