You may want to bring a video game system on a plane, whether for fun at your destination, as a gift for someone, or for many other reasons.
But can you bring a Playstation on a plane?
The TSA allows you to bring full-sized video game consoles, including a PlayStation on a plane. You are allowed to bring your PlayStation in a checked bag or a carry-on bag.
Although you can bring your PlayStation in a checked bag or a carry-on bag, it will be safest in your carry-on bag. We will go over how to safely pack your PlayStation for carry-on and checked baggage in the next section.
A common item to bring with you on a plane when you bring a PlayStation is the video game discs. Learn more about how to bring and pack video game discs on a plane here.
How to Pack a Playstation for a Flight
You need to be careful when you pack a Playstation for travel since they are fragile.
The safest way to pack your PlayStation is to put it in its original packaging with all the protective layers. Or, if you no longer have the box, you can get a portable carrying case for your system.
Another option is to pack it yourself in a box or bag wrapped in soft items like bubble wrap or towels. You can also use your clothes to wrap up your PlayStation if you need to save space in your bag or don’t have other soft items available.
The TSA website gives tips on have to pack your fragile electronics like PlayStations and Xboxes:
Please carefully pack your electronics items and make sure all cords are wrapped. While you can pack expensive, fragile electronics items in checked or carry-on bags, we recommend packing them in your carry-on. For items you wish to carry on, you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.
If you pack your PlayStation in your checked bag, make sure it is wrapped as carefully as possible if your bag is tossed around by baggage handlers or shifts during the flight. If you can pack it in your carry-on bag, you can take good care of your PlayStation and bag during your entire journey and lower the risk of your PlayStation getting damaged.
But make sure your PlayStation is easily accessible if you pack it in your carry-on because you will need to remove it at security, as we will explain in the next section.
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Do you Have to Take your PlayStation out at Airport Security?
When you pass through airport security, you will need to remove your PlayStation from your carry-on bag, as you need to do with all electronics larger than a cell phone.
Your PlayStation needs to come out of your bag and go through the x-ray scanner in its own bin. Then, once it passes through the checkpoint, you can put your PlayStation in your bag, and you do not need to remove it again.
If you pack your PlayStation in a checked bag, you do not need to worry about removing your PlayStation when you drop off your bag at the gate.
Even though you can pack a PlayStation in a checked bag, you can’t put all electronics in checked bags. Anything with a lithium battery, like a rechargeable battery or a Nintendo Switch, must be packed in your carry-on bag.
Can I take a PlayStation on a Plane Bound for the UK?
Yes, you can take a PlayStation on a plane bound for the UK.
There was some confusion around bringing electronics on planes bound for the UK when their government enacted a ban in 2017. People flying into the UK from certain Middle Eastern countries were not allowed to bring electronics into aircraft cabins on their flights.
But, this rule was lifted in 2019, so there are no restrictions on bringing a PlayStation on a plane bound for the UK.
