If you are a person who likes to take game consoles on trips, then you are probably wondering whether you are allowed to take them through airport security.
Airports across the world have different rules and regulations about things you can take in your carry-on bag, so electronic items are always questionable.
Can you bring a ps5 on a plane?
So, does airport security allow consoles, and what kind of electronics can you take with you on board?
As a general rule, all airports allow carrying consoles with you when boarding a plane. The same way as you do with a laptop, you will have to put your game console in a separate bin when passing the airport security scanner. This rule applies to all electronics that are larger than a cellphone.
In this article, I will provide everything you need to know about taking consoles in your carry-on bag, and what you should expect at the airport security scanner.
Can You Bring Your Consoles In Carry-On Luggage?
When it comes to packing valuable electronics, the safest way would be to take them in your carry-on bag.
Electronics, such as laptops and game consoles are delicate, and they should be handled with care, especially when traveling by plane. Therefore, if you intend to take your game console with you on a trip, you will have more peace of mind if you have it with you at all times.
If you are wondering about the TSA rules on game consoles, then you can be sure that the Transport Security Administration allows these kinds of devices both in carry-on and checked luggage.
Therefore, according to this regulation, you can bring your PS4, PS5, Xbox, or even Atari 2600 when you travel by plane. However, since it is allowed to pack your console either in your hand luggage or checked bag, you might wonder what is the most convenient way to do that.
When it comes to this debatable question, the recommended way is to pack your console in your carry-on bag.
As I mentioned previously, electronics are delicate, and it would be most appropriate if you take them with you on a plane. As for airport security, you will just have to put your game console in a separate tray when passing through the scanner, the same way you do with your laptop or other electronics that are bigger than a cellphone.
- However, game consoles such as Xbox or PS5, are way bigger than a laptop or tablet, so it might seem inconvenient to carry them with you at all times through airports.
In addition, since you are usually allowed to take only one item as your carry-on luggage, it might be difficult to pack all your essentials with a big console alongside. It is true that your hand luggage will be heavier than usual, but this is less risky than putting your game console in a checked suitcase.
Here’s a useful YouTube video for tips when traveling with consoles.
This way you can make sure that your bag will not get thrown around since you are the only one who carries it. In other words, you will be sure at all times that your game console is in a safe place right by your side.
But, you have to take into consideration that you will need to board the plane early because if you get there last, you might be asked to check your hand luggage as there is no more space in the overhead bins.
If it comes to this, make sure that you ask to take your game console with you and put it under your seat on the plane.
This will probably be allowed by the cabin crew since you are carrying a delicate and expensive device. Also, if it comes to this, make sure that you have some additional bag or something similar, so you can put your console in it during the flight.
Should You Pack Your Game Console In Checked Luggage?
As I mentioned above, the TSA allows consoles in checked luggage as well.
However, you might have second thoughts about this option since it would be quite risky to have your sensitive device in a suitcase that will not be managed by you. Packing your game console in the checked bag might be a bad idea for several reasons.
Firstly, game consoles are delicate and fragile, and you are aware that checked luggage is not really handled with much care. This can lead to potential damage to your device.
Also, many times there have been missing valuables from checked bags, and this is not an uncommon occurrence when it comes to checked bags.
Lastly, your luggage might get lost by the airline, so you will end up losing many valuable things. In many cases, lost baggage is found after several days and then brought to you, but still, this might really spoil your trip.
Therefore, it is way less risky to have your game console along your side the whole time, even if it means that you have to carry a little bit heavier luggage through airports than usual.
In conclusion, the best way for packing your game console would be in a backpack that can be easily placed under your seat on the plane. It is allowed by the TSA, so you do not have anything to worry about, and you can have peace of mind during your flight.
And in case you are forced to check your hand luggage, make sure that you ask to take your game console with you on board.
FAQ
Can I Carry ps5 In Checked Luggage?
While it is technically possible to pack a PS5 in checked luggage, it is not recommended. Additionally, some airlines may prohibit carrying electronics in checked luggage due to safety concerns. It’s always best to check with your airline for specific rules and restrictions before traveling.
