Cosmetic bottles and other containers have leaked during a flight. What might cause this?

Question

pressure, change in pressure, physics

Answer 1

Pressure changes during the flight.  If you're going to fly again go on the Nalgene website and you can order leak proof bottles.  I have been flight attendant for over 20 years and this was the first product that I have found that does not leak.  They also sell kits with bottles that work with the TSA limitations.

Answer 2

Air pressure changes will cause this.  When you go up in the air, the air pressure is less.  The stuff in the bottles have more air pressure thus forcing the stuff the leak out of the bottle.  To avoid this, you need to equalize the pressure.  This is done by keeping the containers lids loose so air and exchange more easy without pressure building up and things going pop.  Also, if there is still leakage, it is still a good idea to keep your stuff in plastic bags so it doesn't get all over the place.

Answer 3

can't really improve on the other answers of pressurization other than add some random FYI stuff.

Most airplane cabins are pressurized to the equivalent of 8000 feet of altitude. So there will be a pressure change of the altitude of wherever you take off to 8000 feet and then back to wherever you land. This is especially significant when you take off from "low" areas, like Florida or other places close to sea level, because then the pressurization is even more dramatic then if you took off from, say, an airport at 2000 feet.

Answer 4

pressure changes is the right answer but maybe you should tighten the lids a little better

Answer 5

yes, it is the pressure.

If you don't want to buy expensive special containers, put the containers in a well sealed plastic bag. make sure the bag is a good bit larger than the contents so it has room to expand.