Cooler as checked luggage
 

Would a cooler (i.e., ice/food cooler) with only clothes in it pass for checked luggage on a domestic U.S. flight?

I was just thinking it would be easier to bring the cooler than to buy another one when I arrive at my destination.

Thanks.

I've seen coolers at luggage claim numerous times so I'd conclude the answer is broadly yes. Do understand 1) you might face limits/surcharges based on the dimensions of your cooler. Look up the policies of the airline(s) you're flying. And 2) seal the lid to the body with packing tape. Handles and latches can be knocked open during handling.

I've done it several times in the past, both domestic and international flights. Granted it's been six or seven years since I last did it, but it was never an issue. Sometimes the check-in agent wanted me to open it to prove it was not filled with ice, so I usually sealed it with duck or packing tape after I showed it to him (pretty fast task when you do it as many times as I did it).

I often travel with a soft sided cooler from https://www.aocoolers.com. I also use it as a grocery bag in the summer.

BTW don't completely discard the idea of buying a cooler once at your destination. I've done that a few times. Usually I buy one of those styrofoam coolers that's basically a throw-away after several days to a week of use; but that's enough for the trip. Last time I priced them, about two weeks ago, they were $8 at a grocery store. Recently on a trip I bought a Coleman "Playmate" cooler for about $15. Paying such prices may be easier than the costs or hassle of checking a cooler.

Half the checked "luggage" on some Hawai`i inter-island flights are coolers. :)

Lots of coolers coming from Alaska, too...

I was thinking about putting some clothing in it when I checked it in but I was thinking that there is a good chance that the lid would pop open even with tape on it.

Thanks for the help.

PAC NW has lots of coolers traveling around.

Run the tape all the way around in a band... both lengthwise and widthwise. Use duct tape. It should hold.

Isn't TSA allowed to open the cooler? I was afraid they would cut the duct tape then it wouldn't seal as well when they closed the lid. My skivvies would end up being scattered around the luggage carousel... :eek:

Ha ha! Thanks for my laugh of the morning!

Use a webbing strap around the cooler to hold the lid shut. Tape doesn't stick that well to some plastics and is less likely to after they've opened it.

I've flown internationally with a cooler full of equipment. Other people I was flying with had several coolers full of ice cores and didn't have to do anything special at check-in or customs.

We have done it many times when travelling to Destin. We tape it with duct tape, then use luggage straps as extra reinforcement. Remember to pack in more tape for when you return. Also write your name somewhere on the tape in case the tag comes off. We load ours with towels and sunscreen and still have a bit of room for personal items.

flying with fish
 

its the only way my snappers fly, domestic on PR.