Coleman Cooler as checked luggage?

[KLRI]

Has anyone ever checked an empty cooler through as luggage when flying to Disney? We're flying down and will be staying for 9 nights at the Wilderness Lodge. I would rather not pay $10.00/ day to rent a refrigerator if a cooler would do just as well. Also, I wouldn't bother with the cooler if I knew for certain that I would be able to buy a styrofoam one on our grocery stop, but am worried that the store might be out of them. I am going to check our airline's rules on luggage, but I wondered if any of you had done this before. Thanks.

 

[tinaluis]

We flew with a cooler back home to Chicago from WDW that we'd purchased in Orlando. We put all of our shoes in a plastic bag and then placed them in the cooler but we didn't seal it until they'd had a chance to see what was in there. It was treated as just another piece of luggage. I would suggest that you either tape it closed or tie it closed after they've had a chance to inspect it, though, so the lid doesn't get separated or cracked off. We also taped down the handles (not sure if yours has handles).

 

[Tink03477]

KLRI, I checked a cooler at the airport from Boston to Ft. Myers. It was before 9/11 so it was already taped up and nobody questioned it. I had food in it. Non-perishable of course. If you're going to check a cooler you might as well put some munchies in there, poptarts, Nutrigrain bars, food that won't fall apart and won't weigh too much. On the way back, put Souvenirs in there, that won't break unless wrapped really well. It's a good idea!
Kim

 

[peg2001]

Yes, we checked a cooler about a month after 9/11. We already had it taped up so they asked if we had ice or perishables in it. We didn't, we just packed our toiletries in it.

It must be a hard sided cooler and if you have ice or perishables, there are certain rules on how you have to pack it (double bagged, etc.)

If it is empty or packed only with dry goods, you will be fine.

Peggy

 

[KLRI]

Thank you for your responses! I knew that if anyone had an answer to my question, it would be the people on the Dis. I was planning to leave it empty on the way down to minimize any security issues and to fill it with souvenirs or miscellaneous items on the way back. Thanks!

 

[Luv2Roam]

Just keep in mind any weight restictions. Depending on your cooler, it could be heavy when full.