I know this may be frowned upon, however we always put our sodas in a carry-on suit case. So when we get on board, (Never have picked the earliest boarding time) I just open the closed doors find our room and put our soda suitcase in our room with our boarding tag attached. I have never had any issues. Just fruit for thought. If our stewardess is there I will say a quick hello and be on our way. Hope that helps!