Leaking Fluids During Flight

[unusualattitude]

During my last few flights, I've had fluids leak out of my toothpaste container and aftershave. On other flights, I've had other fluids leak out, even though I've tightened the caps. Does anyone have a solution to this? I'm thinking about trying to find a good store and buy empty containers that are leak proof or something. What do you guys do?

 

[pilotman2105]

I doubt that will help. My guess is that due to the decreased pressure experienced at higher altitudes, the pressure inside the various containers you have is higher than outside. Think of it kind of like a balloon. The containers are probably leaking for that reason.

Buying a different container or trying to seal the container moreso probably will not help your problem.

Personally, I've never had a problem like that and I travel the airlines fairly frequently. The obvious suggestion to avoid it would be to try not to seal whatever it is as tightly. However, that doesn't always work with things like shampoo, etc.

 

[capt_zman]

I use ziplocs in my travel case for toothpaste, shampoo, hair stuff, etc. Seems to work pretty well.

 

[Flying Illini]

I second the ziplocks as a backup. I've only had shampoo leak once but that was enough. EVERYTHING was coated! Since I started using ziplocks though, I haven't had any problems.

 

[jetexas]

Man, I thought you were gonna ask about Jet fuel or hydraulics. Toothpaste and aftershave leaking? just wrap everything liquid in ziplocs!

 

[avbug]

Carry small amounts of shampoo (if you'll be on the road for extended periods) in little travel bottles. Get the ones from the hotel and put your own shampoo in them. Squeeze the air out of them before you tighten the cap, and it won't ever be a problem.

Use the colgate runny toothpaste, the stuff in the clear bottles; you can get the air out of the bottle before the flight, and it won't leak, either.

Pressurized or unpressurized, I've never had a problem with any of those things leaking. Put them in a ziploc if you like, but you shouldn't have to.

For shaving cream, use gel, like Edge. You shouldn't ever have a problem there, either. I use the little mini travel ones, and always keep the cap on. For extra security, run a bit of clear tape around the joint between the cap and the can; that keeps the lid from falling off in your shaving kit and the button from being depressed.

Put something hard or firm like a soap box around your toothpaste or shampoo, so it doesn't get squeezed or crushed in luggage or under your gear, and you'll never have a problem. A little soap holder will fit both your shampoo and conditioner in one box, in separate little bottles; you can do the same thing with your toothpaste, and anything else you need to carry. Carry all the miniature items instead of full size...even with a leak, it won't go far because there isn't enough to make a mess.

 

[STL717]

Squeeze the container before you close it to remove some of the air. When the cabin altitude climbs and lowers the cabin pressure the remaining air in the container will have room to expand and not exceed the max differential of the container.

 

[tuna]

I second the ziplocks as a backup. I've only had shampoo leak once but that was enough. EVERYTHING was coated! Since I started using ziplocks though, I haven't had any problems.

I'll drink to that! (Of course some people drink to excess. I drink to anything! )
Ziplock bags are the only way to go. I learned that real fast after the first shampoo bottle leaked in my bag.