Planning to take your gaming console to your next travel adventure? Things like these form a special attachment to us, and it wouldn’t be so nice not to be able to use them for a long time.
But the thing is…
Can you bring an Xbox on a plane? Will the Transportation Security Administration let you?
Let’s talk about all of the affecting factors and conditions, from carry-on to checked baggage, to make sure you make the most out of your trip!
Can You Bring An Xbox On A Plane Through A Carry On Bag?
Yes, you can. But, there are some cons to doing this. Unlike checked baggage, bringing a console on a carry-on will definitely tire you out since they are heavy and huge, they will take up most of the space in your bag.
Once you’re boarding, the security checkpoint would require you to remove it from your bag and place it in a separate bin along with your other electronics like your phone and watch. Airport security does this to ensure the devices don’t block the view of the X-ray machine during screening. So make sure you’re ready to avoid any difficulties.
Another would be that if your game console is huge, the airline may not be able to provide you with a bin big enough for it. When this happens, you will be forced to have your carry-on baggage as checked baggage instead.
To avoid this, you can remove your Xbox from the bag and bring it on the plane as an under-seat item instead. This may not be very safe or secure through, but it is always up to you.
Can You Bring A Console On A Plane Through A Checked Bag?
Yes, you may do this as well if it is what you prefer.
But, just like carry-ons, checked luggage also has its downsides.
We don’t suggest consoles on checked luggage since it will be out of your sight for a couple of hours — days even. This means that your Xbox and other valuable items may disappear through the process (either the airport staff lost it or it was stolen), and there is a chance you wouldn’t even be reimbursed for your checked baggage.
Another thing, airport staff may not be as careful as you would be when carrying and transporting your checked baggage. There is a huge tendency that your Xbox would receive damage, especially if you don’t wrap it in protective material.
How To Pack Your Game Console Properly
In this part, we’ll talk about three things: safety, accessibility, and security.
Regarding safety, a game console may be damaged throughout your flight. You’re going to want to pack them in a hard case/bag and wrap them with some bubble wrap to make them shockproof.
Accessibility is only important if you’re bringing them through carry-on luggage. It really doesn’t matter how much stuff is on top of your gaming system if it’s inside checked luggage.
Since the airport security checkpoint requires you to take out your electronic devices and place them in a bin for scanning, you want your console to be somewhere you can easily take it out from; you don’t want to hold up the line!
And lastly, since baggage theft isn’t rare, you’re going to want to have a lock and even a tracker on your checked luggage. For carry-on luggage, just make sure they don’t leave your sight. A lock would help too.
Risk Factors When Brining Your Xbox
Let’s start off with customs. Depending on the country you’re going to, the customs may have restrictions regarding bringing a video game console through carry-on or checked bags.
You may end up paying duty on the item, so it is important you bring your purchase receipt with you to avoid getting overcharged.
This is because the customs may be concerned that you will sell your game console to their citizens as a source of income.
Other things may not concern your airline or security but is still worth tackling, just like the voltage of your device. Some countries operate on a 220-volt, while others on a 110. So make sure to check it to avoid wasting space and weight on a console you wouldn’t be able to use anyway.
Outdoor Speak: In-your-face music is the best way to describe how loud explosions and sound effects could get if you are using special earphones while playing games on your console. What if you decide to use one of these while riding the plane? Read here to find out — Can You Use Airpods On A Plane.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What other game consoles can I bring on a plane?
You can pretty much bring any gaming consoles and even video game controllers in your checked bag and carry-on bag as long as they fit. That is because these items are marked as a passenger’s personal item
Make sure to follow the protocols and rules regarding weight, screening, and safety. You would also want to make sure these devices are packed securely to avoid damage and do your best to protect them against theft.
Can airport security confiscate my Xbox?
No, not really. Of course, unless it displays potential harm to others, as the screening machine might suggest. The most airport security can do is ask you to take it out for inspection. While this may not be necessary, it is their right to do what they think is best, so make sure to be ready for that.
If my gaming console is packed in hard carry-on bags, can I just run the bag through the screening machine?
Sadly, no. Although the machine could detect it, airport security would not allow it. Just like the usual protocol, all electronic devices must be taken out and placed in the bin for naked screening. You may be worried about having your video game consoles damaged, but you can always put them back on the carry-on bag immediately after screening.
What happens when airport security damages or breaks my console?
In unlucky circumstances like this, you will have a couple of things to secure. You can start by contacting TSA and walking them through the situation so they can assist you.
If the item was damaged during the screening process, then you could file a complaint with all the proof you can provide. Receipts, flight documents, estimates, and baggage tags are solid pieces of evidence.
On the other hand, you should immediately report the damage claim to the airline if it was damaged during transport or baggage claim.
Conclusion
To sum it up, you are allowed to bring your Xbox on a plane and any other game console in your checked bag and carry-on bag as a personal item.
Remember that we recommend bringing it in carry-on luggage instead of checked baggage so that you can secure it from damage and theft as long as it is properly packed.
You can always contact the airline or TSA for any clarification. Have a safe and pleasant flight!