Ice chest

[Canucklehead]

I wouldn't rely on wood screws to hold in plastic; I drilled holes all the way through the insulation and used nuts and bolts. I also got a couple of web belts from Academy (similar to weight belts but lighter weight) and put them around it, and I duct taped the buckles shut to keep them from popping open in transit. I've used the same chest with the same rigging on Cozumel trips for the past six or seven years with no mishaps.

I'm surprised that you haven't had any hassles over the multiple levels of rigging that you use to seal your ice chest, considering the airport security situation. I'm sure they're not as diligent on stuff going out of the country, but I've had bags opened by TSA on the way into the country. You'd think it would be especially interesting if you had scuba gear in the chest. I don't think too many TSA folks would be able to tell that a pony bottle wasn't something to be concerned about.

 

[ggunn]

I'm surprised that you haven't had any hassles over the multiple levels of rigging that you use to seal your ice chest, considering the airport security situation. I'm sure they're not as diligent on stuff going out of the country, but I've had bags opened by TSA on the way into the country. You'd think it would be especially interesting if you had scuba gear in the chest. I don't think too many TSA folks would be able to tell that a pony bottle wasn't something to be concerned about.

My rigging is not that complex - it's just a hasp and a couple of web belts. I used to just duct tape it securely, but that was before 911. Anyway, I've never had the slightest hassle from Continental; all they ask is if I have dry ice in it, which I don't. Our last trip (in May) there were 7 of us, and we had 5 of these coolers amongst us; nobody had a prob. None of us had a pony bottle, though.

Leaving Coz, I had to open my cooler and the rest of our luggage for inspection, but everyone on the plane had to go through that.

 

[diveborg]

I know this is off topic but just wanted to let Gordon know excellent job on the travelogue, going to Coz for the first time and appreciate the insights...

I'd also like to say thanks for the informative travelogue, and now I have to go shopping for a wheeled ice check. Exactly what kind do you have?

 

[ggunn]

I'd also like to say thanks for the informative travelogue, and now I have to go shopping for a wheeled ice check. Exactly what kind do you have?

I believe it's an Igloo, and there are two sizes. The longer one fits my fins.

Oh, and there's one other thing I forgot to mention => I carry a roll of duct tape in my carryon (don't leave home without it!), and when I get to the counter to check the cooler, I get it out and tape the pull handle down to the body of the cooler. If you don't do that it could get broken off in transit.

Thanks for the feedback on my travelogue. There are a couple of points that are old info, but I will be updating it soon.

 

[sddiver]

Which airport do you live near??? They might as well let you on board with handcuffs. That's what the TSA guy told me when they took mine away.

Rich

 

[Hawkeye Mark]

When I was there in May, we went down to Chedral to buy a styrofoam ice chest along with drinks, snacks. They did not have any for sale that day. Said they were out. Only had igloo type coolers.

 

[ggunn]

Which airport do you live near??? They might as well let you on board with handcuffs. That's what the TSA guy told me when they took mine away.

Rich

Austin, TX. Last year they took mine away at the gate, but I had more in checked baggage (like I said, I never leave home without it), so no prob; the only time I need it in transit is at baggage check in. This year they did a hand check as always (regs), pulled my roll of tape out and looked at it, and put it back. Same thing in the Coz airport.

If they took absolutely everything away from us that could be used as a weapon, restraints, or tool to take the plane apart in flight, we'd have to check everything and fly in the nude. Um, come to think of it... ;^)