Who has checked a cooler on Southwest?

[WDW4us2003]

I plan on taking a cooler on wheels filled with snacks. I am flying SWA out of Providence. I spoke with one person at SWA and she said that would be totally fine, as long as I didn't seal it until it was looked at when I checked my luggage. Has anyone had any experience with them??? I don't want any surprises!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

There should not be a problem, but, no dry ice can be used.

 

[poohstx]

I know I sat near a person with a cooler in the boarding area at MCO and a SWA staff member made them remove all the ice from the cooler before boarding....much to the detriment of the fresh fish in the cooler! Apparently the possibilty of tipping over and having the water spill was against airline policy. I would check again before going to the airport.

 

[WDW4us2003]

OOOps...I guess I didn't tell you that I didn't plan on taking cold items with ice in it, just fill it up with cookies, snacks, little cereals, etc, all dry things. It makes a nice carrier for dirty laundry on the way home!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by WDW4us2003
OOOps...I guess I didn't tell you that I didn't plan on taking cold items with ice in it, just fill it up with cookies, snacks, little cereals, etc, all dry things. It makes a nice carrier for dirty laundry on the way home!

The only problem I can see is if it does not have a lock or latch on it. Can you put a strap on it?

 

[NotUrsula]

I do it all the time, last time was just about a month ago.

We used to have it taped shut at baggage check, but they don't want you to do that anymore in case TSA needs to look inside later. Now they ask you to put a luggage strap or elastic band around it. (No regular bungy's; the hooks can catch on the sorting machinery.) The skycap or ticket clerk will still need to look inside to be sure there is no ice or dry ice. They can't take your word, they have to inspect it.

I usually type out a list of the contents on my computer, and tape it to the top of the cooler. We don't always put snacks inside, sometimes it is beach toys, etc. Be sure your snacks are factory sealed; since you can't seal the cooler, you don't want to deal with the possibility that someone might be rifling through your food.