Originally Posted by ViperZ
The general rule is atmospheric pressure decreases by half for each 18,000-foot increase in altitude. So at 36,000 feet, the tire that was once at 110 psi at sea level could be high enough to blow it off the rim or pop a tube. Thats the Airline's concern.
Bologna! This is just another one of those bicycling myths that get repeated so often that many people believe them.
Air pressure at sea level is only around 15psi. So a tire that contained 110psi at sea level would contain 125psi in a pure vacuum. At 36,000 feet the internal tire pressure would still only be around 122psi. assuming the cargo compartment was unpressurized. But, since airlines routinely ship pets in cargo compartments, I assume the cargo compartments are both pressurized and heated just like the cabin.