What happens to a crisps packet on an airplane?

Crisps packets, or potato chip bags, expand on an airplane due to the change in air pressure.

- Air Pressure: The air pressure inside an airplane is much lower compared to the ground level, causing the air inside the crisp packet to expand.

- Volume Increase: As the air expands, it occupies more space, resulting in the crisp packet becoming noticeably bigger.

- Effect on Contents: The expansion of the air can crush the crisps inside the packet, affecting their shape and texture.

- Risk of Bursting: In some cases, the expansion of air inside the packet can cause it to burst or tear open if the packaging is not strong enough to withstand the pressure difference.

- Recommendations: To avoid a messy surprise, you can either consume your crisps before the change in air pressure occurs, or you can carefully open a small corner of the packet to allow the air to escape gradually, preventing a sudden burst.

It's worth noting that the extent to which a crisp packet expands can vary based on the altitude reached by the airplane and the strength of the packet's construction.