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Yeti/RTIC cooler as carry on

MikeW1710
Explorer C

I’m looking at using our soft side back pack cooler as a carry on so we’ll have it while on vacation in Florida. Only planning on packing a few changes of clothes or towels in it. Size wise, it’s smaller than then the diamension listed for carry on so we are good there. Question 1: Are you permitted to use a cooler for a carry on? Question 2: If we want to bring frozen fish back, can we and can it still be a carry on or does it have to be checked luggage?

2 REPLIES 2

Re: Yeti/RTIC cooler as carry on

dfwskier
Aviator A
Solution

@MikeW1710 wrote:

I’m looking at using our soft side back pack cooler as a carry on so we’ll have it while on vacation in Florida. Only planning on packing a few changes of clothes or towels in it. Size wise, it’s smaller than then the diamension listed for carry on so we are good there. Question 1: Are you permitted to use a cooler for a carry on? Question 2: If we want to bring frozen fish back, can we and can it still be a carry on or does it have to be checked luggage?


Yes you can use your cooler as a carry on as long as it meets the maximum carry on size dimensions: 10x16x24

 

Coming back with frozen fish get's more complicated. You will be dealing with a TSA carry on rule:

 

"Meat, seafood, vegetables and other non-liquid food items are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags. If the food is packed with ice or ice packs in a cooler or other container, the ice or ice packs must be completely frozen when brought through screening. If the ice or ice packs are partially melted and have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they will not be permitted.

 

If you decide to check it instead, here are the rules:

 

https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/baggage/special-luggage-pol.html#baggage_special_lug...

Re: Yeti/RTIC cooler as carry on

MikeW1710
Explorer C

Thank you!!!