Cooler as Check-In Baggage on SW

[taliategan]

Does SW allow coolers as check-in baggage? Are there any restrictions? The cooler I want to bring is a hard mid-size cooler probably about 12"x18"x18". I would like to pack some food items in the cooler, and secure with duct tape. I assume they scan these, as well as all baggage, before placing on plane. Thanks for any responses.

 

[NotUrsula]

Yes, you can check it, but the rule is no perishables and no ice. You should not tape it before you reach the airport, as the airline's rule is that the counter agent must visually inspect the interior to be sure that there is no ice inside. (Note that this is an AIRLINE rule, not a TSA rule. The airline can't x-ray bags, so they insist on visual inspection before they will accept it as a checked bag.)

We check our hard ice chest all the time when we go on beach trips. We fill it with towels and beach toys for the flight, then use it with ice on the beach while we are there. I don't tape mine shut, I use a buckled luggage strap, which is easier if TSA decides that they need to open it for an inspection after I turn it over.

 

[taliategan]

Thanks for the luggage strap suggestion. I knew that it the cooler would need to be opened, but I wanted to secure so that it did not open accidently. I am not plannig to pack it with ice or perishables, but only cereal, snacks, and other non-food items.

 

[CPT Tripss]

We always use a smaller (12x8x12?) soft sided cooler with a strap as carry on. It's perfect for meds, semi-fragile items, some food and misc stuff (as permitted by TSA). Fits well in the overhead or under the seat.

If we take food, it goes in the luggage.

 

[klmall]

We just did this on Southwest August 9th. After using the cooler we purchased out west we put some bulky camping items in it, duct taped it shut and checked it back to Baltimore. Worked out very well!