Has anyone ever checked a cooler at the airport?

[Pooh99]

Please don't laugh if this is a silly question. ..I have flown maybe 3 times in my life. And it has been over 5 years ago since I have flown anywhere....

Is it possible to check our rolling cooler at the check in? I wouldn't put anything in it since it would not stay securely shut...

Thanks in advance...

 

[tinaluis]

We checked a regular cooler on a return flight from Orlando and used it to store our shoes. We had the shoes in a large bag but didn't seal the cooler so they could check what was inside first. After they inspected it, we sealed it with heavy duty packing tape. My only suggestion would be to get some packing tape so you can secure the handle, lid and wheels after they've inspected it.

 

[NotUrsula]

Get a luggage strap for it, run the luggage strap through the small handles and latch it on the side. That will hold it shut but still allow it to be freely inspected. I always pack bulky but no-big-deal-if-I-lose-it items like beach towels inside. You can also pack dry nonperishable foods inside, too, just be sure they are in their original packaging, or they could be tampered with.

The new "don't lock your bags" rule from TSA means that you should not tape it after the initial inspection. The original visual inspection you go through when you check it is done by the airline and is required to make sure that it contains no forbidden ice or other forbidden perishables that might spoil or leak onto other people's luggage in the hold. The TSA inspecition would be additional, and probably done down in the bagrooms.