Can You Take Or Bring a Cooler On a Plane? 2025

A cooler is a good way to keep your food fresh and cool while on your trip, but can you bring a cooler on a plane?

Here is the short answer.

Yes, you can bring a cooler on a plane and through the security checkpoint without any restrictions. The TSA does not regulate the type, size, or weight of the cooler. Even if the TSA allows them in carry-on baggage, you still need to make sure that the cooler has the right size and weight for your airline.

This post covers everything you need to know about taking coolers on a plane carry-on and checked bags, in both domestic and international flights.

Let’s get right into it.

Taking a Cooler Through The TSA Checkpoint

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has no restrictions on taking coolers through the security checkpoint, so they don’t have any problem when you take your cooler through the screening area.

Here is what the TSA says:

Jodi asked if she could bring her 45-liter cooler on the plane.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed that coolers are allowed through the security checkpoint and in both carry-on and checked baggage.

What Size Cooler Can You Bring On a Plane?

You can bring a cooler in carry-on baggage, but it must comply with the airline’s size requirements.

Most coolers are large, bulky, and usually won’t fit as cabin baggage. Medium coolers are easier to transport than super-sized ones (and lighter, too).

For example, if you are traveling with United Airlines, your cooler should be 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches to be counted as a carry-on piece.

If you are traveling with a small one measuring 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches, it will easily fit under the seat in front of you.

What Size Cooler Can You Check On a Plane?

Most airlines measure the size of checked baggage by combining the length, width, and height of the item or suitcase.

For example, if you are traveling on United Airlines, your cooler must be no more than 62 linear inches, meaning the total size combined must not exceed 62 inches.

Even if it exceeds this size, you can still check it, but you will pay additional charges.

Can You Check a Cooler of Meat On a Plane?

Yes. If your cooler is within the airline’s checked luggage requirements, you are good to go and can place your meat or other food inside the cooler.

Ice, solid items, or frozen food are completely allowed on most airlines. However, they may be subject to additional screening at the security checkpoint, so make sure not to include any prohibited food or liquids.

Can You Take a Yeti Cooler on a Plane?

Yes, you can take your YETI cooler (like the one in the image above) in checked baggage. Most YETI coolers are too large to be transported as cabin baggage (21 x 16 x 15.5 inches).

Also, YETIs are more expensive, and you don’t want to risk damage by placing your valuable item at the mercy of rushed luggage handlers.

Can You Check a Styrofoam Cooler?

Styrofoam coolers are prone to damage and mishandling, so most airlines—including United do not allow them as checked baggage.

However, you can check a cooler with dry ice or an empty cooler.

A wheeled cooler will greatly help transport your items and speed up your boarding process and trip overall.

One of the biggest benefits of using a wheeled cooler is that it can help with heavy or fragile items.

You can use it just like a hard-sided suitcase, and you don’t need to worry about your perishable items during your journey.

Can You Fly With a Soft Cooler?

A soft-sided cooler is another great option because it is lightweight, and you can fly with it as carry-on or checked baggage on most airlines, as long as it meets size requirements.

You can take solid food inside the cooler in carry-on luggage, but liquids must follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule. In checked baggage, you can take any amount you need.

The Best Coolers to Use as a Checked Bag

If you already have your cooler, you only need to check its size and compare it with your airline’s checked baggage limits (in the table above).

But if you are looking for a new cooler for your next trip, you will need a substantial cooler that can be checked in the cargo hold and withstand the toughest hits during transportation.

We have the Ultra Cooler at home, measuring 58.5 inches linear, so it is compliant with almost all airlines.

At only 10 pounds, it is lightweight and holds ice for up to 5 days.

The best type of cooler is the one that matches your needs both when you fly and when you arrive at your destination.

Don’t invest in something that won’t fit your needs.

Final Thoughts

That being said, coolers are allowed on planes as carry-on or checked baggage.

Just keep in mind the size and weight limits of your airlines, so compare your color with your amine carry-on or checked luggage size and weight.

Also you need to keep the TSA liquid rules in mind, if you have any liquids or gels inside your cooler.

I hope this helps.

Happy travels.

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Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.