Cooler info for Delta

[Capn Dan and Ruby]

Found this cool info on the Delta site! I may be behind the times, but this sounds really interesting:

Dry-ice packages in amounts of 5.5 lbs. (2.5 kg) or less is allowed when used to cool non-hazardous perishables in carry-on or checked baggage. The package must:
•meet carry-on baggage restrictions
•allow the release of carbon dioxide
•state on the package, "Dry Ice" or "Carbon Dioxide Solid"
•specify the net weight of the dry-ice material on the packaging
•include the contents being cooled, in writing, on the packaging

If possible, instead of dry ice, we encourage the use of gel packs or similar products to keep frozen perishable items fresh. For more information, you can download the Guidelines to Transport Dry Ice.

Wet-ice shipments are not allowed as carry-on baggage, checked baggage or cargo on Delta or Delta Connection® flights.

[LynnieGirl]

Hey Capn Dan,
I mentioned taking a cooler with Techni Ice in it months ago and was told by several people that the Techni Ice would be confiscated by the TSA so I never bought the ice packs. I was also told by an AA pilot that dry ice was prohibited. It's all so confusing! I found this on TSA's website but I have also sent them an email:

Frozen liquid items are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. If frozen liquid items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements.

If the frozen item 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.

Medically necessary liquids may be accompanied by ice packs, but we ask that you declare these items to a security officer for inspection.

You can pack frozen perishables in your carry-on or checked baggage in dry ice. The FAA limits you to five pounds of dry ice that is properly packaged (the package is vented).

The 3-1-1 rule for liquids, aerosols and gels in carry-ons is as follows: containers must be 3.4 ounces or less; stored in a 1 quart/liter zip-top bag; 1 zip-top bag per person. Larger amounts of non-medicinal liquids, gels, and aerosols must be placed in checked baggage.

If the liquid is considered a hazardous material that is permitted onboard an aircraft, it is still subject to the 3-1-1 limitations. Many questions arise on whether an item is hazardous material and what requirements must be met to take it on an aircraft. The Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) at 1-800-467-4922 or the aircraft operator on which you are flying can assist you with your questions concerning hazardous material.

Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane..

Someone had also asked about butter and I searched for it and it said it was approved for carry-on or checked baggage. IF I get a response I will let you know and if it says all is well, I will be taking several copies of the email with me. YAY! You're already on the left!

[Capn Dan and Ruby]

Good idea about printing the requirements. I seriously think I am going to pack dry ice as we have an overnight in Atlanta before we fly out. 5 lbs of dry ice is more than we ever use! I like the idea of labeling the cooler contents... it is just an extra level of disclosure for them. I wonder if properly vented means to slightly unzip the cooler?... I would think that the cooler is not air tight and vents naturally. Any way if they take it at the airport (the dry ice) nothing much is lost.

[LynnieGirl]

Just received this email from the TSA. Anyone traveling with a cooler may want to copy and print this to take with you, just in case:

Thank you for your e-mail regarding travel with ice and or gel packs.

Current Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations permit regular ice, frozen gel packs, and dry ice in checked baggage and carry-on bags. More specifically:

Checked Baggage: Regular ice and frozen gel packs in checked baggage are not restricted by TSA. When regular ice is transported, TSA recommends a cooler. For dry ice:

• TSA requires that its packaging permit the release of carbon dioxide gas;
• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) limits each piece of checked baggage to five pounds of dry ice;
• The FAA requires that each package of dry ice be marked “DRY ICE” or “CARBON DIOXIDE SOLID”; and
• The FAA requires that each package of dry ice be marked with the net weight of the dry ice or an indication that the amount of dry ice is five pounds or less.

Carry-On Bags: TSA allows frozen items (regular ice, gel packs, and food) at the screening checkpoint as long as they are solid and in a “frozen state” when presented for screening. If frozen items are partially melted or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, the ice liquid container must meet 3-1-1 requirements. For dry ice:

• TSA requires that its packaging permit the release of carbon dioxide gas;
• The FAA limits each piece of carry-on baggage to 4.4 pounds of dry ice;
• The FAA requires that each package of dry ice be marked “DRY ICE” or “CARBON DIOXIDE SOLID”; and
• The FAA requires that each package of dry ice be marked with the net weight of the dry ice or an indication that the amount of dry ice is 4.4 pounds or less.

We recommend passengers contact their airlines to inquire about any additional guidelines regarding travel with regular ice or dry ice. TSA enforces all FAA requirements pertaining to dry ice.


Passengers are allowed to travel with food through TSA checkpoints; however, all food must undergo x-ray screening. The only screening restriction on bringing food in carry-on baggage applies to foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols. These foods must be in containers 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit comfortably in a single, quart-size, clear plastic, resealable bag (the 3-1-1 rule). To save time, passengers should not bring food to the security checkpoint unless it is securely wrapped or in a spill-proof container. Unpeeled natural foods like fruit are acceptable.

When traveling with food, the following tips may be helpful:

• Single serving packages of condiments are allowed, but must follow the
3-1-1 rule.
• Spreadable items that are the consistency of peanut butter (including dips and cheese spreads) must follow the 3-1-1 rule. Hard cheese and other solid foods do not.
• Regular ice, frozen gel packs, and frozen items are allowed at the screening checkpoint as long as they are in a solid, “frozen state” when presented for screening. If frozen items are partially melted or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, the ice liquid container must meet 3-1-1 requirements.
• Solid foods that have been frozen must be securely wrapped.
• Generally, beverages brought from home or purchased before reaching the screening checkpoint must be discarded unless they follow the 3-1-1 rule.
• After undergoing TSA screening, individuals may bring beverages and other items purchased in the secured area onboard aircraft.

TSA does not recommend that passengers pack food items in their checked luggage. While the practice is not prohibited, some foods have properties that may cause baggage screening methods to alarm. Secondary screening is required to clear every alarm and this may require additional handling. Travelers who pack food in checked baggage do so with the understanding that this may cause delays for themselves or their baggage.

Please visit TSA’s Web site at http://www.tsa.gov for additional information. We continue to add new information and encourage you to check the Web site frequently for updated information.



We hope this information is helpful.

TSA Contact Center

[Capn Dan and Ruby]

Thanks that is great! Printed it!