Travelers Can Bring This Unexpected TSA-Approved Item For Extra Vacation Convenience

There is a list of odd things you probably had no idea you could bring through TSA, but foodies everywhere will rejoice when they find out one of them — a cooler. Believe it or not, you can pass through TSA with a cooler in tow as long as you follow a few simple rules.

You may be wondering why you'd want to bring a cooler in the first place, but it's surprisingly practical for several reasons. It's a convenient way to keep perishable food, frozen items, or even temperature-sensitive meds safe while you're traveling. From saving money on hotel room service (just grab food at the store) to stocking up on delicious souvenirs, a cooler might just be the perfect item to pack on your next trip.

According to TSA guidelines, you can bring a cooler as a checked item or as a carry-on, as long as any ice packs inside are completely frozen when it goes through screening — otherwise, it'll count as a liquid and break the infamous 3.4-ounce rule. If bringing the cooler as a carry-on item, it will still need to pass the same size rules and fit either in the overhead bin or below the seat. Whether you want to bring home fresh seafood after a trip to Baltimore (one of the best cities in America for seafood lovers) or artisanal cheeses from France, traveling with a cooler can make it happen.

If you're planning on bringing a cooler with you on your trip, aim for one that's lightweight, compact, and easy to carry. Be sure to thoroughly consult the TSA guidelines to make sure you're following all the rules. Ice packs need to stay completely frozen — but if you're worried they won't make it, consider using dry ice (this is especially great for longer trips, as it will stay cold for around 18-24 hours). However, be sure to check with your airline ahead of time to make sure it's permitted.

If you want to travel with food, check out our guide on bringing food through TSA first. A lot of foods, including fresh, cooked, and frozen foods, are allowed through, although some items might have special restrictions. Also, keep in mind that if you're traveling internationally, many countries have different restrictions on what kinds of food you might be allowed to bring into the country, so it's best to check customs information first.

From packing culinary souvenirs to keeping baby food cold or stocking up on drinks in your hotel room, a cooler is a pretty useful travel buddy. Just make sure it's well secured if you send it as checked luggage — something like these TSA-approved luggage straps will allow security agents to screen the contents and easily re-secure the cooler so you won't have to worry about mishaps.