We always bring a cooler as carry-on wherever we travel. I put a duffle/gym bag at the bottom then put some clothes in a plastic bag (garbage bag) place on top then if TSA wants to look inside they can. If travel in USA when we land and rent a car for a road trip I just take the duffle out fill it with the plastic bag of clothes/shoes or whatever then stop at a wall.mart for ice, water, veggies, cheese etc and fill the cooler.

If using ti at SXM you could freeze food fill it and check it.