USVI-On-Line

Finally registered after months of lurking! Two weeks until our second trip. We hoped to bring some frozen food as carry-on (tryng to feed 3 kids economically). I cannot find for sure whether FROZEN freezer packs - like the kind to keep items in a cooler cold - are allowed on as carry-on. Thanks! Maybe I will post again - since now I am brave!!

I don't know the answer but good for you for being brave. Welcome.
I'm thinking that the frozen pack was once liquid therefore not allowed but I'm not sure.

I justed the hard, sealed type in November and they held up the x-ray process. TSA ran my small (lunch sized) cooler thru twice then emptied it to inspect it. (it was food for our toddler) No one specifically said anything about the packs but I won't use them again.

In February, we were advised NOT TO USE THEM in our carry-on bags by American Airlines at JFK in NY. We packed them along with our frozen foods in several kids-type soft-sided lunch boxes in our suitcases and all the frozen foods held up fine. I personally carried on a medium sized soft sided lunch box packed tightly with 8 frozrn steaks and no ice of any kind. No probems except they did not defrost even in time for dinner.

I work in the meat industry and therefore travel with meat on planes frequently...I've always carried on freezer packs without a problem, as long as they are frozen. Once they start to thaw, they are considered to be a gel and you can't carry them on.

However, a couple days ago the TSA released new info on terror threats...it was reported that someone emptied freezer packs and filled them with clay in some kind of test run (in checked baggage). I haven't flown during the past few days, so I don't know what would happen now. The TSA is saying that they have't made any changes in security measures though.

Jeez.... Sounds like the terrorists are monitoring this forum. Traveling is getting harder and harder, its demoralizing, but that's probably the goal.