Packing a cooler for flight
 

Does anyone have any suggestions on checking a cooler full of food on a flight? Will duck tape be enough?

Everything has to be able to be opened. Luggage with locks could have the locks broken if it is picked for a random search. The same would be for something duct taped.

These days with all the changes in security especially as far as checked luggage is concerned and the fact that you are not allowed to lock your luggage, I think flying with a cooler would be more of a hassle than anything else. Having flown a couple of times so far in the last six months between MIA and the islands, I'd say pack light and the less luggage the better.

A recent travel newsletter I received indicated that transporting food is going to become difficult. Apparently, some foods have the same 'signature' as explosives - and are therefore will give you problems going through security. Particularly if you want to check it, but even if you want to use it as carryon. It might make a difference what you are trying to transport. <BR><BR>Check with your airline - they should be able to give you a more definitive answer.

GoAway - we took some cheese to Barbados last month and had the experience you described. The security agent tested the bag's contnts with the strips that detect explosives, but it was very matter of fact and not a problem in the end.

I've had people visit me in the Caribbean with coolers in the past few months, and they really had no problems. You just have to be sure to have extra tape with you in case you have to open the cooler for security reasons. Otherwise, our friends make certain the cooler is packed full with frozen items (half full coolers won't stay frozen). The items are still frozen when they arrive my house over 24 hours later at times.<BR><BR>Don't forget to also have a baggage tag on the cooler (with personal contact info) and you might want to write &quot;perishable&quot; on it, as well.<BR><BR>Good luck.<BR>

Depending on how much food you want to pack, what about using a cooler bag with a zip top?<BR>I have found wrapping the items in newspaper and then freezing helps. Plus I've even put the cooler bag, empty and collapsed, into the freezer overnight!<BR>The cooler can also be used on picnics, a bonus.

We use a zipped cooler bag - much easier. Also my husband freezes a big can of apple juice and uses it as the ice, then we have apple juice for when we arrive.