Cooler as checked luggage?
Jun 25th, 2015, 01:25 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cooler as checked luggage?
We are flying to Billings and doing a road trip for a couple of weeks - sometimes in national park cabins with no coffee maker, no AC, . I realize I can buy all these items in Montana but I have thought about this...Could I check a small cooler with the following items: a small electric fan, a drip coffee maker, a flash light and anything else I can stuff in it? I can get the fan and coffee maker inside the cooler. I think it might be cheaper to check all of this as baggage. Would I be better off to buy all of these items and leave them there?
Jun 25th, 2015, 02:39 PM
#2
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I can see a potential problem finding a way to securely close the cooler. You could use duct or packing tape, but the airline has the right to open checked baggage and might just decide to do so, since it is an unusual item. You might be better off buying a used suitcase at charity shop for the fan, etc. and if need be take the cooler as a carry on. On the other hand, the appliances you mention are pretty cheap and won’t add much to the cost of your trip if you purchase and leave them behind.
Jun 26th, 2015, 02:26 AM
#5
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,983
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If the TSA opens up the cooler they will tape it shut. This is no different than packing a cardboard box, and you see some of those on every single flight. Flashlights with batteries are not on any banned cargo list. You will not be the first person to travel with a flashlight in checked luggage.
Jun 26th, 2015, 09:22 AM
#7
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,983
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
from the source...
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-informat...es-and-devices
The concern is large, loose lithium ion batteries (used in laptops), not lithium primary (eg disposable AA batteries).
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-informat...es-and-devices
The concern is large, loose lithium ion batteries (used in laptops), not lithium primary (eg disposable AA batteries).
Jun 28th, 2015, 08:15 AM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 17,801
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've never checked a cooler, but I've seen them checked, and I have checked a cardboard box often without issues. TSA has opened my boxes once or twice over the years and just taped them back up.
As for batteries, sheesh, people check small battery operated items, like alarm clocks, all the time! And I have checked bags containing small flashlights, so those, too, will be fine.
As for batteries, sheesh, people check small battery operated items, like alarm clocks, all the time! And I have checked bags containing small flashlights, so those, too, will be fine.
Jun 30th, 2015, 01:29 AM
#10
Watch the flights departing to or arriving from th enough pacific...you'd think the cooler is the only type of check in baggage! Many use duct tape to close them, although nylon webbing straps that go theough the handles as they circle the ice chest seem more sturdy.
Jul 2nd, 2015, 10:11 AM
#13
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,967
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"...I can check one "bag" for free and I suppose it will be the cooler..."
Keep in mind that if your airline allows 1 free bag and you are checking multiple bags the "lightest" one will be free, you'll pay the extra for the heavier ones.
Keep in mind that if your airline allows 1 free bag and you are checking multiple bags the "lightest" one will be free, you'll pay the extra for the heavier ones.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
lincasanova
Europe
18
Jul 12th, 2012 10:57 AM
joanne_a
Europe
26
May 20th, 2004 12:30 PM
