What Size Cooler Can You Check On a Plane (2023)?

AvatarByDale Richard Airplane Travel Tips And Etiquettes (Do's/Don'ts)

What Size Cooler Can You Check On A Plane?

Summer is in full swing, and that means it’s time to start planning your next vacation. If you’re flying, you may be wondering what size cooler you can check on a plane. The good news is that most airlines allow you to bring a cooler on board, as long as it meets certain size and weight requirements.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different size restrictions for coolers on planes, as well as some tips for packing your cooler so that it travels safely and securely. We’ll also provide a list of some of the best coolers for air travel.

So whether you’re planning a beach trip or a camping adventure, read on for all the information you need to know about bringing a cooler on your next flight!

Airline Size (inches) Weight (pounds)
American Airlines 22 x 14 x 9 50
Delta Airlines 24 x 16 x 10 50
United Airlines 24 x 15 x 10 50
Southwest Airlines 24 x 16 x 10 40

TSA Regulations for Carry-On Coolers

What size coolers are allowed in carry-on luggage?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows passengers to bring a cooler in their carry-on luggage as long as it meets the following requirements:

  • The cooler must be 3.4 inches high, 14 inches long, and 9.5 inches wide.
  • The cooler must be soft-sided and made of flexible material.
  • The cooler must not contain any liquids over 3.4 ounces.
  • The cooler must be placed in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

What items are prohibited in carry-on coolers?

The following items are prohibited in carry-on coolers:

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Firearms
  • Explosives
  • Sharp objects
  • Hazardous materials

How to pack a cooler for carry-on luggage

To pack a cooler for carry-on luggage, follow these steps:

1. Pack the cooler with ice packs or frozen water bottles.
2. Place food items in the cooler, making sure to leave enough space for the ice packs or frozen water bottles to expand.
3. Close the cooler and secure the lid with a tight seal.
4. Place the cooler in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

TSA Regulations for Checked Coolers

What size coolers are allowed in checked luggage?

The TSA allows passengers to bring a cooler in their checked luggage as long as it meets the following requirements:

  • The cooler must be 62 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 36 inches high.
  • The cooler must be rigid and made of hard material.
  • The cooler must not contain any liquids over 3.4 ounces.
  • The cooler must be placed in the checked baggage area.

What items are prohibited in checked coolers?

The following items are prohibited in checked coolers:

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Firearms
  • Explosives
  • Sharp objects
  • Hazardous materials

How to pack a cooler for checked luggage

To pack a cooler for checked luggage, follow these steps:

1. Pack the cooler with ice packs or frozen water bottles.
2. Place food items in the cooler, making sure to leave enough space for the ice packs or frozen water bottles to expand.
3. Close the cooler and secure the lid with a tight seal.
4. Place the cooler in the checked baggage area.

By following these guidelines, you can safely pack a cooler for your next flight. Be sure to check with the airline before your flight to confirm their specific requirements for carry-on and checked coolers.

What Size Cooler Can You Check On A Plane?

The size of cooler you can check on a plane depends on the airline you are flying with. Some airlines have a specific size limit, while others allow you to bring a cooler as long as it fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Here is a list of the size limits for some popular airlines:

  • American Airlines: Coolers must be able to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
  • Delta Air Lines: Coolers must be no larger than 16 x 11 x 6 inches and must be able to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
  • United Airlines: Coolers must be no larger than 14 x 9 x 5 inches and must be able to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
  • Southwest Airlines: Coolers must be no larger than 15 x 10 x 6 inches and must be able to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

If you are not sure about the size limit for your airline, it is best to check their website or call customer service.

Here are some tips for choosing the right size cooler for your trip:

  • Consider the amount of food and drinks you will need.
  • Make sure the cooler is big enough to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
  • Choose a cooler that is lightweight and easy to carry.

Here are some tips for packing your cooler efficiently:

  • Use ice packs or frozen water bottles to keep your food and drinks cold.
  • Pack your food and drinks in layers, with the heaviest items on the bottom and the lightest items on top.
  • Leave some space at the top of the cooler so that air can circulate and help to keep your food and drinks cold.

Here are some tips for keeping your cooler cold during your trip:

  • Pack your cooler in a shady spot on the plane.
  • Avoid opening the cooler as much as possible.
  • If you need to open the cooler, do it quickly and close it tightly as soon as you are finished.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your food and drinks stay cold and fresh during your trip.

Tips for Traveling with a Cooler

In addition to choosing the right size cooler and packing it efficiently, there are a few other things you can do to make traveling with a cooler easier and more successful.

Here are some tips for traveling with a cooler:

  • Label your cooler. This will help you to identify your cooler quickly at the baggage claim or in the airport security line.
  • Pack your cooler in a sturdy bag. This will help to protect your cooler from damage during transport.
  • Keep your cooler cold. Use ice packs or frozen water bottles to keep your food and drinks cold.
  • Pack your cooler in a shady spot on the plane. This will help to keep your food and drinks from getting warm.
  • Avoid opening the cooler as much as possible. This will help to keep your food and drinks cold.
  • If you need to open the cooler, do it quickly and close it tightly as soon as you are finished.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your food and drinks stay cold and fresh during your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling with a Cooler

Can I bring a cooler on a plane?

Yes, you can bring a cooler on a plane as long as it meets the size requirements of the airline you are flying with.

What can I put in a cooler on a plane?

You can put any food or drinks in a cooler on a plane as long as they are allowed by the TSA. For more information, please see the TSA’s website.

How do I check a cooler on a plane?

To check a cooler on a plane, you will need to pack it in a sturdy bag and check it with your luggage. Make sure to label your cooler so that you can identify it easily at the baggage claim.

Here are some additional tips for checking a cooler on a plane:

  • Pack your cooler in a sturdy bag that is large enough to fit all of your food and drinks.
  • Label your cooler so that you can identify it easily at the baggage claim.
  • Keep your cooler cold by using ice packs or frozen water bottles.
  • Pack your cooler in a shady spot on the plane.
  • Avoid opening the

    What size cooler can you check on a plane?

The size of cooler that you can check on a plane varies depending on the airline. However, most airlines have a maximum size of 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). Some airlines may also have a weight limit for checked coolers, so be sure to check with your airline before you travel.

What items can I pack in my cooler?

You can pack any non-liquid food items in your cooler, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and breads. You can also pack drinks, such as water, soda, and juice, as long as they are in sealed containers.

Can I pack ice in my cooler?

Yes, you can pack ice in your cooler. However, be sure to pack it in a separate, sealed container so that it doesn’t leak. You can also pack dry ice in your cooler, but be sure to follow the airline’s guidelines for packing dry ice.

How do I check my cooler at the airport?

When you check your cooler at the airport, you will need to present it to the check-in agent. The agent will weigh your cooler and check to make sure that it meets the airline’s size and weight requirements. You will then need to attach a baggage tag to your cooler and place it in the checked baggage area.

What happens if my cooler is lost or damaged during my flight?

If your cooler is lost or damaged during your flight, you can file a claim with the airline. The airline will investigate the claim and, if it is found to be valid, will reimburse you for the cost of the cooler.

What are some tips for packing a cooler for a plane trip?

Here are a few tips for packing a cooler for a plane trip:

  • Pack your cooler in layers. Start with the heaviest items at the bottom, then add the lighter items on top. This will help to keep your cooler organized and prevent the items from shifting around.
  • Use packing cubes to keep your food items organized. This will make it easier to find what you’re looking for and prevent the items from getting crushed.
  • Pack ice packs or frozen water bottles to keep your food cold. You can also use dry ice, but be sure to follow the airline’s guidelines for packing dry ice.
  • Label your cooler with your name and contact information. This will help to identify your cooler if it gets lost or damaged.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your cooler arrives at your destination safely and in good condition.

the size of cooler you can check on a plane depends on the airline and the flight. However, most airlines allow you to check a cooler that is no larger than 24 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 10 inches high. You should also check the airline’s policy on liquids, as you may be limited in the amount of liquids you can bring in your cooler. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are able to bring your cooler on your next flight without any problems.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • The size of cooler you can check on a plane depends on the airline and the flight.
  • Most airlines allow you to check a cooler that is no larger than 24 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 10 inches high.
  • You should also check the airline’s policy on liquids, as you may be limited in the amount of liquids you can bring in your cooler.
  • By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are able to bring your cooler on your next flight without any problems.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.