Several years ago when Pepsi Max was not yet available in the U.S., I grought 4 1.5 liter plastic bottles back from Norway. Only 2.5 bottles made it. I felt something dripping on my feet when I picked up the suitcase in customs at MSP.

So yes, I would say that sometimes carbonated beverages in plastic bottles don't always survive. Even though the cargo hold is pressurized, the pressure differential inside & outside the bottle is greater than at sea level, making them more likely to burst if bumped or jostled.

I've never had any incidents with glass bottles (e.g. wine).