Last Updated: August 7, 2023
Can You Take An Xbox On A Plane? (And Other Game Consoles)
Are you an avid gamer traveling overseas and you’re wondering if you’re allowed to bring your Xbox with you? Then you’re in the right place because this detailed guide will answer all your questions!
The short answer is yes, you’re allowed to pack your Xbox in both carry-on and checked luggage. The longer answer will provide you with more details, such as rules for security and how to pack your console to protect it in flight. So, read on to learn everything you need to know about flying with an Xbox!
Table Of Contents Show All
Can You Bring An Xbox in Your Carry-On Bag?
Yes, you can bring an Xbox in your carry-on bag. However, keep in mind that it’s a pretty heavy console, and if there is a weight restriction for your carry-on, the Xbox might just take up all of it.
The Xbox game console weighs between 2-5 kilograms, depending on which model you have.
The Series S is the lightest out of the bunch weighing just 2 kilograms, while the Xbox Series X and Xbox One X both weigh around 4.5 kilos. The Xbox One S is also on the lighter side, weighing around 3 kilos.
And that’s just the weight of the console. Controllers, any additional external hard drives, and even the cables all add additional weight to your bag, so keep that in mind while you’re packing your carry-on.
Can You Bring An Xbox in Checked Luggage?
Yes, you are allowed to bring an Xbox in checked luggage, but that doesn’t mean you should. Keep in mind that baggage handlers are very rarely gentle with your luggage. Your checked suitcase will most likely get thrown around a lot, and that could seriously damage your favorite gaming console.
That being said, there are ways of packing game consoles that can protect them in transit. Use bubble wrap or a lot of clothes to maximize the impact resistance of the Xbox, so that even if your luggage gets thrown around, the Xbox doesn’t take a beating.
However, if you want to be absolutely certain that the Xbox won’t get damaged, packing it in one of your carry-on bags is the way to go. The console is least likely to get damaged in the overhead bin, so it’s better to avoid packing it in your checked luggage if at all possible.
Do You Need to Take Your Xbox Out at the Airport?
Yes, you need to take your Xbox out at the airport security checkpoint. The airport security treats it pretty much like laptops, so you will need to place it in a separate bin at security. This is so that the console doesn’t obstruct the view of the other items in your luggage.
Can You Bring Xbox Controllers on a Plane?
Yes, you can bring Xbox controllers on a plane. You can pack them in either your carry-on or checked bag, as long as you take out the batteries. Electronics with rechargeable batteries are not allowed in checked baggage, so if you have the Xbox Plug and Play kit, it will need to be packed in your carry-on.
Another thing to note here is that you have to take out the controllers at the security checkpoint. They’re electronic just like the console and your laptops, so they must be taken out of the carry-on luggage and placed in the plastic bin to pass through the scanner.
Can You Bring Xbox Game Discs on a Plane?
If you’re old school and you still own game discs as opposed to digital-only games, you’re probably wondering if you’re allowed to pack those in your luggage.
You can absolutely bring Xbox game discs on a plane, I would just advise you to take them out of their hard plastic packaging. An Xbox disc takes up very little space, but the disc case is pretty bulky. If you were to pack five discs in their original cases, it would take up a lot more space than just discs.
I’m not saying take out the discs and just throw them in your luggage – that would be inhumane. But you can put them in those little paper sleeves, or even clear plastic sleeves. Package them individually, so that they don’t get scratched and you’re good. That way, you can still bring all the games you want, and still, have plenty of space in your luggage. From what I understand, you don’t have to take out your discs at security checkpoints.
How to Pack An Xbox For A Flight
I wouldn’t recommend packing it in the original box, simply because that will take up too much space in your luggage. Instead, use your clothes to protect the console from impact. Wrap your clothes around it – the thicker the clothes, the better. Use your hoodies, sweaters, and anything thick and soft to protect your Xbox as much as possible.
Alternatively, you can just get a bunch of bubble wrap to protect the console. It’s insanely good at protecting fragile items from damage during transport, and it should do a pretty good job even if you’re packing the console in your checked luggage.
The main upside of bubble wrap is that it’s extremely lightweight, so it won’t add too much weight to your already heavy bag. But the downside is that it’s pretty bulky and it will take up quite a bit of space. So, if you have to pack clothes together with your console, use them to protect the electronic device. But if you’re fine using most of your bag for the Xbox, bubble wrap will do a slightly better job.
That’s if you’re packing an Xbox in your suitcase; if you’re packing it in a carry-on backpack, you might just be able to fit it in the laptop sleeve if there is one. My Xbox One S fits perfectly in the padded laptop compartment, and that’s where I would pack it if I were to fly somewhere with the console.
Can You Bring Other Game Consoles on A Plane?
Yes, you can bring your gaming consoles on a flight, preferably as carry-on.
The rules as the same for all video game consoles, whether you’ve got
- an Xbox
- a PlayStation
- a Nintendo Switch
or any other game console. Keep in mind that rechargeable batteries are NOT allowed in any checked luggage.
So, if you have one of those in your controller, you will have to take it out and place it in your carry-on bag.
For example, a Nintendo Switch Joy, which comes with integrated batteries, must be packed in your carry-on. The same goes for the newer DualShock controllers, which no longer have removable batteries.
About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
