Crisps on Aeroplanes

Jovis · Wed 12 Jan, 2011 20.39

I recently went to California - on an aeroplane, unusually. Before the flight, I bought a sandwich, drink and crisps from Boots using their wonderful meal deal. I ate the sandwich and drink but decided to leave the crisps for later, so popped them into my hand luggage.

On the plane, whilst rummaging round for some sort of gubbins, I was surprised to see that the crisp packet had expanded due to the cabin pressure. Surprised by not baffled, I hasten to add. Anyway, this set me thinking...

1) What would have happened if I had opened the bag on the plane? A boring nothing, as if at ground level, or a pop, or what?
2) How come airline crisps/drinks don't do the same? I had a thought that they might prick the crisps/nuts but what about cans of drink etc?

Sput · Wed 12 Jan, 2011 20.44

1. It would have let out some air. You might have popped it by squeezing on it of course.
2. They probably don't have very much air

dosxuk · Wed 12 Jan, 2011 22.49

The pressure difference isn't that great - if you have a resealable bottle, even a fizzy drink bottle, the increase in pressure doesn't cause the bottle to explode, just become slightly more firm.

Jovis · Sun 23 Jan, 2011 14.29

Ah, I guess these are fairly obvious, but they weren't to me at the time! Thanks.

Alexia · Sun 23 Jan, 2011 16.59

dosxuk wrote:The pressure difference isn't that great - if you have a resealable bottle, even a fizzy drink bottle, the increase in pressure doesn't cause the bottle to explode, just become slightly more firm.

Is this the same with breast implants? Do they become more firm?

westy 2 · Sun 23 Jan, 2011 17.04

Alexia wrote:
dosxuk wrote:The pressure difference isn't that great - if you have a resealable bottle, even a fizzy drink bottle, the increase in pressure doesn't cause the bottle to explode, just become slightly more firm.
Is this the same with breast implants? Do they become more firm?

Anyone thinking 'Jordan? That'll be interesting!'