Wondering if you can take a PlayStation on a plane? You’re not alone – it’s a common concern for many gamers on the move. Rest assured, the TSA has greenlit the onboard presence of gaming consoles, but there are specific protocols to follow during security checks.
Yes, you can bring your PS5 on a plane. Your carry-on bag is the safest place for it. The TSA allows any game consoles in checked or carry-on luggage. Plan to remove the console during the security screening, and watch out for the PS5’s 9.3lb weight, which can cause extra checked-bag fees.
Let’s look at the TSA rules and the best practices for traveling with a gaming console so that you can have an easy and stress-free travel experience with your precious PS5 by your side. With a little planning, you’ll be on the other side of your trip firing up your game console in no time!
Key Info:
- The TSA allows game consoles in checked bags and carry-on luggage
- Using a carry-on bag is safer and cheaper, but plan to take it out at security like a laptop
- The PS5 weighs 9.3 lbs, which may cause you to get charged overweight bag fees
Can You Bring A Playstation On A Plane? – TSA Regulations for Gaming Consoles
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does allow you to take gaming systems on planes. Further, according to the TSA, you can bring your gaming console in either carry-on or checked baggage. We mention in our Ultimate PS5 Buyer’s guide that you may want to do this because you’re moving or heading to a big LAN party (haha). Other consoles like PS4s are allowed in checked baggage or checked bags as well.
You may bring your gaming console as a carry-on item, which means you can have it with you as you pass through the TSA security checkpoint. You can also have it in your checked luggage, which you drop off near the check-in desk.
The most convenient method for transporting your PlayStation, Xbox, or other gaming console on a plane is as a carry-on. If you bring your gaming console as a carry-on, the TSA will treat it similarly to a laptop.
You must put your PlayStation or Xbox in a bin for the X-ray check. This also means that any cords, controllers, or game discs must be disconnected from your system.
Because your gaming console is relatively large, it will probably be easier to place it in a container by itself and then separate your other items, such as cables and controllers.
What To Expect At TSA Precheck With a Game Console
If you have TSA Pre-Check, you may be allowed to keep your console in your backpack without having to remove all the cords.
Pre-check often only requires passing through a metal detector rather than the more intrusive full-body scanners. Pre-Check offers the following advantages:
- Shoes, belts, and light coats may be left on.
- Laptops can remain in bags.
- Liquids (3-1-1 Rule) can be kept in the bag.
It is conceivable that a TSA agent may want to inspect your system and possibly swab it for explosive traces. This will certainly be the situation if your ticket gets marked with a Secondary Security Screening Selection or SSSS.
What About Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch has a rechargeable battery in it, so, you should avoid putting it in your checked luggage if at all possible. Keep it in your carry-on and go through security, then take it out at the conveyor like your other electronics.
How to Navigate Airport Security With Your PS5
Here are some of the best ways to get through airport security with a PlayStation 5. For starters, it’s crucial that you can remove your console from your bag with ease.
As with a laptop, you will normally be forced to remove your console from your suitcase before placing it on the conveyor belt to be x-rayed. The TSA recommends you place your PlayStation 5 console in a separate container to be searched.
Keep in mind that If you don’t take out the console, staff may check your bag on the side. A busy checkpoint can slow down the screening.
With TSA PreCheck, staff seldom ask to check your gadgets. Make sure you pack your console so it’s easy to get out if needed.
Console In Carry-On Vs. Checked Luggage?
Choosing between carry-on and checked luggage can be a dilemma for many travelers, especially when transporting sensitive electronic devices like gaming consoles. The choice is essential, as it directly impacts your overall flight and travel experience.
If you’re a novice in air travel or even an adept traveler, deciding on the appropriate luggage type can sometimes be perplexing. You frequently weigh the pros and cons, considering factors like convenience, cost, and security. All these aspects are crucial in ensuring that your console reaches your destination safely and efficiently.
Understanding the pros and cons of each option will help you make a call here, and prevent any unexpected issues.
Pros of Carry-on Baggage
- Fast check-in – With no checked luggage, generally you can skip the ticket counter and get your boarding pass from self-check kiosks or apps on your phone.
- It’s less costly – You will not be charged for carry-on luggage (unless the airline also charges for carry-on).
- Speedy arrivals – You don’t have to wait for your luggage to come off the baggage carousel when you get off the plane. You can go right through customs and out of the airport without having to wait for a bag.
- Easy packing – If you’re often changing destinations and hotels, a carry-on allows you to easily pack your items.
Cons of Carry-on Baggage
- Issues with overhead storage – Not all flights have enough overhead bin room to store everyone’s carry-on bags. This means yours may have to be checked.
- Children and carry-on luggage – If you’re traveling with children and using carry-on luggage, each child will probably have their own carry-on. That is a lot of stuff to track, and you may be better off checking in luggage.
- You’ll always be carrying it – Your carry-on bag will be with you the whole time, which can be tiring when you have long layovers or have to walk a long way to get to the next gate.
- Winter troubles – If you’re going to a particularly cold place, you probably won’t be able to fit all of your clothes into a carry-on bag.
- Slower security – If you don’t have a carry-on bag, you can proceed through security more quickly.
When should checked luggage be used? For serious travelers, checked baggage is the best option. It’s also the best option if you want additional packing room, particularly if you intend to return home with lots of souvenirs and gifts.
Pros of Checked Baggage
- No need for worries – You won’t have to worry about whether the airline determines that your carry-on is too large or if the overhead lockers are large enough. You also don’t need to be concerned about lost luggage, since incidences of missing bags have decreased significantly over the previous decade.
- You have more packing space – Checked-in luggage may carry up to a month’s worth of clothing, allowing you to bring a more comprehensive wardrobe.
- Bring anything you want – Would you like to bring an extra pair of shoes, extra clothing, or a clothes steamer? You have the space to do so with checked luggage.
- Ease of movement – Once checked in, you may walk around easily without lugging around a large suitcase. While you’ll certainly want a small carry-on for your basics and devices, lugging a tiny bag through the airport is considerably easier than pulling a huge carry-on.
Cons Of Checked Baggage
- Exorbitant baggage fees – Checked bags can add considerably to the cost of your journey.
- Issues with layovers – While many airlines have arrangements to transport checked luggage during layovers, some do not. This may entail checking your luggage, disembarking from the first leg of your trip, collecting your luggage, and then rechecking it with your new airline.
- Moving large bags is difficult – When traveling to and from airports, large check-in luggage is difficult to move. This difficulty can be mitigated by selecting lightweight baggage.
- Delayed baggage claims – After a long journey, the last thing most travelers want to do is wait at a baggage carousel for their bags.
Bringing a PS5 in Carry-On Luggage
If you want to bring your console as a carry-on, we recommend placing it in a backpack or bag with a sleeve or compartment large enough to hold the console snuggly.
The fit should be secure enough that the console does not bounce about in your luggage, but not so tight that it becomes difficult to remove.
Some individuals purchase specific bags for their consoles, such as this PS5 bag (on Amazon). While this is a great way to find a good match, publicizing the fact that you are carrying an expensive gaming system is not always a good idea. Thus, an inconspicuous PS5 bag is preferable.
Segregate all of your gaming goods before passing through security to ensure that you pass quickly and without holding up the queue. Avoid wrapping your cables around your console or using any other slow-moving storage approach.
Bringing a PS5 in Checked Luggage (if you Have To)
Again, you may bring your game console on a plane by checking it with checked luggage. This is not advised for a variety of reasons. With managing checked bags, baggage handlers are not the most elegant.
Therefore, if you want to bring your console in checked luggage, do your best to protect it with plenty of bubble wrap, foam, or something similar.
Another reason to avoid checked baggage is that your console could be stolen. While it is uncommon, goods do occasionally go missing after being dropped off by an aircraft.
And remember: checked bags aren’t free!
Checked Bag Prices By Airline
You’ll want to plan ahead if you’re seriously considering putting your PS5 (or other console) in your checked baggage. Most of the time, the checked bag limit is 50lbs, and the added PS5 console can weigh you down, and maybe trigger checked bag fees you aren’t expecting:
How Much Does the PS5 Weight?
The standard model weight 9.3 lbs, while the digital model weight 7.9 lbs.
And if you’re planning on traveling with it, that’s just enough to make a big difference on those checked bag weight limits.
Top Ways To Safely Pack and Bring Your PS5 on a Flight
The most secure method to transport the PS5 is to pack it securely in your carry-on bag or a specific PlayStation 5 travel case. You may bring your PlayStation 5 through the TSA security checkpoint. If possible, avoid checking the PS5 in your checked luggage.
Use the Original Box
Consider packing your console in its original box if you still have it. This will help keep it safe in your baggage. For this purpose, the PS5’s packaging is ideal. If you recently acquired a console and still have the box, you may desire to keep the box for future travels.
This is the quickest and most secure way to package up your console. The console can then be slid into your bag, but only if it is in its original packing.
The box should not be taped shut if you are traveling and intend to put the console in your carry-on luggage.
TSA security checkpoints typically ask you to remove your console from its packaging. If you have TSA PreCheck, no one will force you to remove your device, although this is not always the case.
Use Your Suitcase
You can also place your console directly into the suitcase. This is the riskiest method because it might leave your console vulnerable to harm, especially if you’re in the air. While using this technique, you should place soft things on both sides of your console. Clothing, towels, and other textiles can provide padding.
If you’re just traveling on the road, then this option makes more sense. But to avoid damaging the suitcase, you’ll need to take extra precautions and pack it securely.
Use a Specific Travel Bag
If you don’t have the original packaging, a cardboard box of a similar size may work just as well as a replacement. The console should be placed in a box and wrapped on all sides to keep it safe.
You can also use air pillows for support since they are more ecologically friendly and do not create a mess when discarded, as foam does. If you are traveling and wish to transport your console in your carry-on bag, it is unnecessary to seal the console box.
The Top Air Travel Bag for Your PS5
The Topaty PS5 Storage Suitcase (on Amazon) is the best travel bag for your PS5. As one of the first cases created particularly for the PS5, the Topaty Storage Bag is great for individuals in need of a large, sturdy hard case.
It is scratch-resistant, shockproof, dust-proof, and even water-resistant because it is made of sturdy yet luxurious EVA hard foam.
Size and Quality of the Build
This case is shaped like a suitcase and measures 15.3′′ x 17.7′′ x 5.5″. It has a zippered enclosure around three of the sides and a hinged fold to expose the main area. On top is a supple leather-wrapped grip that seems suitable for the job.
If you look closely, each side features an integrated metal eyelet for attaching the accompanying shoulder strap. The strap itself features an excessively large pad and adjustable points for reducing or extending the strap as desired.
Overall, it appears to be well constructed, robust on all fronts and outfitted with ample protection to provide peace of mind.
Internal Parts
Inside the case, a hard-shell foam is covered in a soft nylon fabric in the same form as the PS5 console. Again, two additional pockets are perfect for holding two controllers. Two built-in velcro straps hold the console and controlled compartments.
A zippered enclosure may be seen on the inner lid. The AC adapter, USB cables, headphones, and a few games or other peripherals may all be stored here. It’s not the roomiest, so you’re unlikely to fit more than a few games.
The primary disadvantage of the Toptay storage luggage is its small inside pocket. It’s acceptable, but things get very cramped when all the equipment is crammed in.
There is a minor problem with the grey fabric material used on the outside: It looks fantastic and feels luxurious, but lacks the toughness necessary to resist stains and ripping.
FAQ: Flying With a PS5
Can you bring a PS5 on a plane?
The TSA allows you to bring a Sony PS5 console on an airline as a carry-on or checked bag. If you’re taking it on a plane, treat it like a laptop.
Is the PS5’s battery lithium?
The PS5 controller has a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery. This is especially important to be aware of when traveling. You must observe all lithium-ion battery safety rules.
How do I keep my PS5 safe while traveling?
The PS5 is best packed in a carry-on bag or a specialized PlayStation 5 travel case. You may bring your PS5 through TSA screening. If possible, avoid checking the PS5.
What about your Xbox or PS4 or Nintendo Switch?
The good news is that the TSA doesn’t care what kind of video game console your have. Xboxes and PS4s will be treated the same as PS5s. A Nintendo Switch will be handled slightly differently because it has a battery built-in. Because of the Switch’s battery, it shouldn’t be stored in checked baggage.