The extreme temperatures in the Western United States have caused significant issues for the airline, particularly in cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix, where temperatures have soared to record highs.
The intense heat has led to soda cans expanding and bursting due to the increased pressure inside the cans. This phenomenon occurs because the carbon dioxide in the soda becomes more active in high temperatures, causing the cans to warp and potentially explode.
Southwest Airlines has reported multiple incidents of soda cans exploding on their flights, leading to safety concerns. At least 20 flight attendants have been injured this summer due to these incidents, with some requiring medical attention. The airline has been particularly affected in areas experiencing extreme heat, such as Las Vegas, Phoenix, and parts of Texas.
Sources:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/exploding-soda-cans-southwest-flights-183136762.html
https://simpleflying.com/southwest-airlines-flight-attendants-injured-exploding-soda-cans/
https://www.foxweather.com/extreme-weather/southwest-soda-cans-explode-extreme-heat-west