Airline Question re: carry-on fridge

[laurie31]

I'm asking this on behalf of a friend, who has checked her airlines website and TSA, and can't get an answer.

Anyone out there work for an airline and know for sure?

Here's her question:
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I am bringing a small portable mini fridge. (don't worry, HIGHLY portable.) It will fit in my suitcase, but it's an expensive sucker and I don't put anything in checked luggage I can't afford to lose.

If I put it in my carry on, will it be a nightmare? Or should I put it in it's own small tote bag?

I know this seems silly, but this is an expensive sucker and I don't want anything getting screwed up. I can't find the answer at NWA or the TSA site and I called NWA and they said ask at the airport. I don't want to wait until 5:45am to find out.

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anyone out there know an answer? TIA!!!

 

[barkley]

if it has any food or liquids in it (or ice that may melt) i doubt they will allow it on (i've seen people with tiny coolers get them turned away at the gate). if it is empty, will fit into a carry-on suitcase (that fits in the overhead bin) it should be o.k.

check with the actual airline website-most have very detailed information about what they individualy will allow as luggage (carry on or other)-and how much carry on you're allowed.

it sounds like it's pretty small if it fits into a tote bag-if she wants a cheaper alternative (that she would'nt have to worry about losing) target and walmart carry a sunbeam "thermo electric cooler/warmer"-it holds about a 6 packs of soda or comparably sized items. it plugs into a cigarette lighter as well as a standard outlet. mine cost $19.99, and it can be switched to the warmer mode and keep hot items hot.

 

[bicker]

There's also some concern about transporting compressed gas.

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

I'm going to copy this thread over to the Transportation Board and leave a copy here on Community. Maybe someone over on Transportation has had some experience with this.

I've never heard this brought up over there. My first thought is to call the airline (which you said she did) or TSA (and for that she'll probably have to wait until Monday).

Another possibility -- go to the airport in person with the item, find the office for the airline and for TSA, and ask whoever's in charge. If they say yes, I would get their card so that if someone says no, your friend can say "well, this person said yes".

Even another possibility -- flyertalk.com has a message board where many frequent flyers post and I believe many airline employees as well. This might be something to ask over there.

In any event, let us know what you find out.

 

[safetymom]

How big are we talking? I agree about asking on www.flyertalk.com There will be a forum for your airline, someone should be able to help.

 

[rparmfamily]

How big are we talking? I agree about asking on www.flyertalk.com There will be a forum for your airline, someone should be able to help.

I can see the reactions now if that question is asked on FT as it might be a first.

Rex