Think Twice Before Bringing This Popular Type Of Reusable Water Bottle On A Plane
There's one place that might be almost as dry as the Sahara Desert: an airplane cabin. And just as it's essential to find water in the desert, it's important to have H2O on hand when taking a long flight. In fact, Physiotherapist Yasmin Badiani told Marie Claire that it's common for men to lose 68 fluid ounces of water and for women to lose around 54 fluid ounces during a 10-hour flight.
The easiest way to stay hydrated is by bringing a reusable water bottle on the plane and filling it before boarding. But be warned: Some water bottles aren't as flier-friendly as you might expect. A TikToker who goes by @lifted_pdx explained in a viral video what happened when she used a water bottle with a straw mid-flight.
The content creator showed off the bottle in question, outfitted with a collapsible straw opening that's easy to drink from. "However, what I did not account for was water pressure," she revealed. The result: The spout sprayed water on "like 15 people" when the TikToker attempted to take a sip. Consider the video a PSA and think twice before packing a bottle with a suction straw. (Yes, that includes children's sippy cups too.)
Why straw bottles can get messy on planes
The first time a water bottle sprays its contents on a flight can come as a shock — and an embarrassment. However, there's a scientific explanation for the geyser effect. TikTok creator and chemist, @chem.thug, makes science-related videos and posted a clip about the phenomenon explaining how the pressure changes as you ascend higher in the air. At higher altitudes, the air pressure is lower than it was when you filled your water bottle on the ground, affecting how the molecules in the bottle behave. The higher you go, the more room the molecules have to move around inside the container. Once the bottle is opened, the molecules will shift to accommodate the pressure inside the plane cabin.
If your bottle doesn't have a straw, the gas will diffuse calmly once the lid is opened, triggering a sound similar to when you open a bottle of soda. With a straw top, however, the air trying to escape the bottle will push through the small opening, taking any water along with it. As a result, the water you intended to drink during your flight can end up on your face, the cabin ceiling, and even your seatmate.
How to avoid getting soaked on your next flight
Considering that air pressure changes can cause bottled water to spray, one easy trick to avoid the problem is to wait until you're in the air before filling your bottle. Sure, those airport water fountains are convenient, and it's nice to already have water available when you board your flight, but most flight attendants are happy to top up your bottle once the plane gets cruising. However, if you're flying with a budget airline, they may charge you for water.
Another simple hack to avoid spraying your neighbor is to release any pressure before you start drinking. For bottles with suction straws, this means twisting open the entire lid before flipping the straw up. The molecules will have more space to escape the bottle without making a mess. You can also open the straw mechanism as soon as you board the plane so the molecules have time to equalize before you take a drink.
Finally, consider swapping your straw-type bottle for one without a spout. Using a container with a wide mouth will ensure you don't accidentally take a shower during your flight, and you'll be able to drink lots of water while flying whenever you start feeling parched.