Will Snow Globes Explode On A Plane? (The Science Behind It)

Will Snow Globes Explode on a Plane?

You’ve probably seen the warnings at the airport: “Do not pack glassware in your checked luggage.” But what about snow globes? Are they safe to bring on a plane?

The answer is: it depends.

Snow globes are typically made of glass, which can break under pressure. When a plane takes off, the air pressure inside the cabin drops, which can cause the air inside the snow globe to expand. If the snow globe is not properly sealed, the expanding air could cause the globe to burst.

However, most snow globes are made with a tight seal, which prevents the air from expanding. This means that snow globes are generally safe to bring on a plane, as long as they are packed carefully.

Here are a few tips for packing snow globes on a plane:

  • Pack the snow globe in a sturdy, leak-proof container.
  • Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the snow globe without it being jostled around.
  • Place the snow globe in an area of the suitcase where it is less likely to be bumped or jostled.

By following these tips, you can safely pack your snow globes and enjoy them on your next flight.

Question Answer Source
Will Snow Globes Explode On A Plane? No The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Why not? The air pressure inside the snow globe is the same as the air pressure outside the snow globe. The FAA

What is a snow globe?

A snow globe is a decorative glass sphere filled with water, glitter, and a miniature scene. The water is usually dyed blue to resemble snow, and the glitter represents snowflakes. Snow globes are often given as gifts, and they are popular souvenirs from tourist destinations.

Snow globes are made by pouring water and glitter into a glass sphere. A miniature scene is then placed inside the sphere, and the top is sealed with a cork. The water in a snow globe is usually non-toxic, but it can evaporate over time. If the water evaporates too much, the snow globe may become cloudy.

Snow globes are often used as decorations, but they can also be used as toys. Children enjoy shaking snow globes to watch the glitter swirl around. Snow globes can also be used as calming devices. The sound of the water and the sight of the glitter can be soothing.

Why might a snow globe explode on a plane?

There are a few reasons why a snow globe might explode on a plane.

  • Pressure changes. The air pressure inside a plane cabin is different from the air pressure outside the cabin. This difference in pressure can cause the water in a snow globe to expand or contract. If the water expands too much, it could cause the snow globe to burst.
  • Temperature changes. The temperature inside a plane cabin can fluctuate significantly, especially during takeoff and landing. These temperature changes can cause the water in a snow globe to expand or contract. If the water expands too much, it could cause the snow globe to burst.
  • Vibration. The vibrations from the engines and the movement of the plane can cause the water in a snow globe to slosh around. This sloshing can cause the water to become agitated and more likely to expand or contract. If the water expands too much, it could cause the snow globe to burst.

It is important to note that snow globes are not designed to withstand the pressure changes, temperature changes, and vibrations that occur on a plane. If you are bringing a snow globe on a plane, it is important to take precautions to prevent it from exploding.

  • Pack the snow globe in a sturdy container. This will help to protect it from being jostled around.
  • Keep the snow globe away from heat sources. The heat from the sun or the engines could cause the water in the snow globe to expand.
  • Don’t shake the snow globe. Shaking the snow globe will agitate the water and make it more likely to expand.

By following these precautions, you can help to prevent your snow globe from exploding on a plane.

Snow globes are beautiful and delicate objects, but they are not designed to withstand the pressure changes, temperature changes, and vibrations that occur on a plane. If you are bringing a snow globe on a plane, it is important to take precautions to prevent it from exploding.

3. What are the risks of flying with a snow globe?

There are a few risks associated with flying with a snow globe.

  • The liquid inside the snow globe can freeze and expand. This can cause the snow globe to burst, which could potentially injure passengers or damage the plane.
  • The snow globe could be shaken during turbulence, which could cause the liquid to spill and damage the snow globe.
  • The snow globe could be lost or stolen. If you’re flying with a valuable snow globe, you should take steps to protect it from theft.

4. How can you safely fly with a snow globe?

To safely fly with a snow globe, you should take the following steps:

  • Pack the snow globe in a checked bag. This will help to protect it from being shaken during turbulence.
  • Make sure the snow globe is securely closed. This will help to prevent the liquid from spilling.
  • Label the snow globe with your name and contact information. This will help to identify it if it is lost or stolen.

You can also take additional steps to protect your snow globe, such as:

  • Wrap the snow globe in bubble wrap or packing peanuts. This will help to cushion it and protect it from damage.
  • Place the snow globe in a hard-sided container. This will help to protect it from impact.
  • Keep the snow globe in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the liquid from freezing.

By following these tips, you can safely fly with your snow globe and enjoy it for years to come.

Flying with a snow globe can be a fun and safe way to bring a piece of home with you on your travels. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that your snow globe arrives at your destination in one piece.

Q: Will snow globes explode on a plane?
A: No, snow globes will not explode on a plane. The cabin pressure on a plane is regulated to be the same as the pressure at sea level, so there is no change in pressure that would cause the snow globe to explode.

Q: Why do people think snow globes will explode on a plane?
A: There are a few reasons why people might think that snow globes will explode on a plane. One reason is that snow globes are often filled with water, and water expands when it freezes. If the cabin pressure on a plane were to drop, the water in the snow globe could freeze and expand, causing the snow globe to burst. However, the cabin pressure on a plane is regulated to be the same as the pressure at sea level, so there is no change in pressure that would cause the water in the snow globe to freeze and expand.

Q: What should I do if I’m worried about my snow globe exploding on a plane?
A: If you’re worried about your snow globe exploding on a plane, you can take a few precautions. First, make sure that the snow globe is securely closed. Second, you can pack the snow globe in a sturdy container, such as a hard-sided suitcase. Third, you can place the snow globe in an overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. This will help to keep the snow globe from being jostled around and from being exposed to extreme temperatures.

Q: Are there any other risks associated with bringing snow globes on a plane?
A: There are a few other risks associated with bringing snow globes on a plane. First, snow globes can be fragile, so they can break if they are dropped or jostled around. Second, snow globes can leak if they are not properly sealed. If a snow globe leaks, it could damage other items in your luggage. Third, snow globes can be a choking hazard for young children. If a child swallows a piece of the snow globe, it could cause serious injury.

Q: What are the best practices for flying with snow globes?
A: The best practices for flying with snow globes are as follows:

  • Make sure that the snow globe is securely closed.
  • Pack the snow globe in a sturdy container, such as a hard-sided suitcase.
  • Place the snow globe in an overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
  • Be aware of the risks associated with bringing snow globes on a plane.
  • If you have any concerns about flying with a snow globe, talk to your airline.

    the answer to the question of whether or not snow globes will explode on a plane is no. However, there are a few factors that can increase the risk of a snow globe breaking, such as the temperature and pressure changes that occur during flight. If you are concerned about your snow globe breaking, you can take steps to mitigate the risk, such as packing it in a sturdy container and keeping it away from direct sunlight.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.