Can I Bring Electronics on a Plane?

Published: 5 Oct 2025

Can I bring electronics on a plane? How about laptops, tablets, or gaming consoles? These gadgets are in many travelers’ bags, but TSA and airline policy can be baffling.

Electronic security checks are tougher than ever before. At checkpoints, laptops, tablets, and gaming devices have to be screened separately. Lithium batteries have specific restrictions, and certain airlines have additional guidelines for large electronics.

Packing smart and understanding TSA’s rules could save you time at security. In this guide, you will learn what electronics are permitted, how to pack them, security processes, and travel tips to keep you flying frustration-free. Let’s dive in!

TSA Rules for Bringing Electronics on a Plane

Most electronics can be taken on a plane by TSA, but you have to go through particular security processes to do it. If you’re traveling with a laptop, tablet, camera, or gaming console in tow, knowing the rules can help you save some time.

Carry-On Electronics

These contain lithium batteries, are fragile, or need easy access during travel.

Electronic Item	Explanation
Smartphone	Must stay in airplane mode; keep accessible.
Laptop	Required in carry-on for safety and screening.
Tablet	Treated like a laptop during security.
E-reader (Kindle)	Lithium batteries are not allowed in checked bags.
Smartwatch	Allowed; small battery, no restrictions.
Portable charger (Power bank)	Allowed, but can’t be used mid-flight.
Headphones	Wired or Bluetooth; used in-flight.
Bluetooth earbuds	Allowed; turn off Bluetooth at takeoff.
Portable gaming console (Nintendo Switch, etc.)	Must be in carry-on for safety.
DSLR Camera	Fragile and expensive—carry-on only.
Action camera (GoPro)	Carry-on to protect battery and lens.
Drone	Batteries must stay in carry-on.
Camera lenses	Fragile glass—carry-on only.
External hard drive	Protects data from shock damage.
USB flash drive	Tiny and easy to lose—keep close.
Portable speaker	Battery-powered; carry-on only.
Electric shaver	Compact, safe for carry-on.
Electric toothbrush	Keep in personal bag for convenience.
Fitness tracker	Worn or stored; no restrictions.
Smart glasses	Electronic accessory; carry-on safe.
GPS device	Allowed but can’t be used mid-flight.
MP3 player	Great for music; small and safe.
Portable projector	Lithium battery device; carry-on only.
Portable Wi-Fi hotspot	Turn off during flight; carry-on only.
Portable monitor	Fragile screen; carry-on recommended.
Smart pen	Electronic stylus; carry-on safe.
Wireless keyboard	Battery-operated; carry-on only.
Wireless mouse	Allowed; remove batteries if requested.
Baby monitor	Easy to lose or damage in checked bag.
CPAP machine	Medical device—must be with you.
Portable battery pack	Carry-on only due to lithium batteries.
Drone controller	Lithium batteries inside; carry-on only.
Tablet stylus	Keep with tablet to avoid loss.
External SSD	Protects sensitive data; carry-on only.
VR headset	Expensive and delicate.
Smart remote (for presentations)	Contains small battery; carry-on.
Digital camera charger	Safe in carry-on with batteries.
Laptop charger	Always keep with your laptop.
HDMI adapter	Small accessory for electronics.
Memory card reader	Tiny; best kept in personal bag.
Portable scanner	Compact; safe in hand luggage.
Handheld gaming device	Common for kids; carry-on only.
Smart translator device	Battery-powered; carry-on safe.
Power strip (travel size)	Allowed if compact.
Portable fan	Allowed; battery-powered models only.
USB hub	Allowed; keep with electronics.
Noise machine	Battery or USB powered; safe in cabin.
Digital notepad	Works like a tablet; carry-on only.
Smart lock (for luggage)	Contains battery; carry-on safe.
Portable mini printer	Compact, battery-powered.

Checked Luggage Electronics

These items don’t usually contain lithium batteries or are too bulky for carry-on.

Electronic Item	Explanation
Hair dryer	Allowed; may be bulky for carry-on.
Hair straightener (non-butane)	Safe for checked baggage.
Curling iron (without gas cartridge)	Allowed; remove any butane refills.
Electric razor trimmer	Can be packed safely.
Electric massager (corded)	Allowed; no lithium batteries.
Electric kettle (travel size)	Allowed; ensure cool before packing.
Coffee maker (small)	Allowed; no water or grounds inside.
Steam iron	Allowed if cool and dry.
Sewing machine (without battery)	Checked due to size.
Portable lamp (corded)	Safe if no battery.
Desktop computer tower	Too large for carry-on.
Computer keyboard (wired)	Non-battery item; checked allowed.
Computer mouse (wired)	Allowed; safe to check.
DVD player (non-portable)	Bulky; safe for checked luggage.
Home gaming console (PlayStation, Xbox)	Can be checked; pack with cushioning.
Speaker system (large)	Checked only; protect from impact.
Amplifier	Allowed; ensure proper padding.
Electric typewriter	Checked; large, no lithium batteries.
Printer (no battery)	Safe for checked luggage.
Fax machine	Checked; rarely carried onboard.
Router/modem (corded)	Allowed; non-battery.
External DVD drive	Safe for checked; padded recommended.
Car GPS (wired)	Allowed in checked bag.
Electronic calculator	Small but okay in checked.
Wired headphones	Safe to pack in checked bag.
Extension cord	Allowed; not powered.
Game controller (wired)	Allowed; safe to check.
Electronic keyboard (musical)	Allowed; bulky and fragile—pad carefully.
MIDI controller (without battery)	Allowed; checked if large.
Projector (corded)	Allowed; best packed securely.
Studio microphone (wired)	Safe if properly padded.
Electric hair clipper	Corded models fine for checked bags.
Vacuum cleaner (small travel)	Allowed; no lithium battery models.
Dehumidifier	Allowed if battery-free.
Air purifier (plug-in)	Allowed if no lithium battery.
Portable heater	Allowed if electric corded.
Dehumidifier sensor	Allowed; non-battery device.
Audio mixer	Allowed if padded.
Power inverter	Allowed if no battery inside.
Car charger adapter	Allowed; safe in checked luggage.
Old mobile phone (battery removed)	Allowed in checked if no battery.
Flashlight (without batteries)	Allowed in checked.
CCTV camera (wired)	Safe to check if well protected.
Clock radio	Allowed; no battery risk.
Cable modem	Allowed; non-battery device.
Satellite receiver	Checked; fragile electronics.
Desktop monitor	Allowed; pad carefully.
TV remote (no batteries)	Allowed; remove batteries first.
Digital thermometer (no battery)	Allowed; safe in checked luggage.
Electric blanket (corded)	Allowed; check airline rules for size.

Global Entry Security Screening Requirements

Laptops, tablets, and gaming consoles need to be taken out of bags and placed in a bin for screening.
Whether your bag already contains small electronics like smartphones, smartwatches, and earbuds can remain in your bag.
TSA PreCheck travelers receive expedited screening and do not have to take out their laptops.

Lithium Battery Restrictions

Lithium Batteries Devices over 100Wh may be troublesome and would need to be airline-approved.

Lithium batteries and power banks carry on, not checked bags.

So, if you’re traveling with a MacBook or PlayStation, you have to take it out at security, unlike a smartphone, which remains in your bag. Knowing these rules will guarantee a smooth security check and a pleasurable traveling experience!

Can You Pack Electronics in Checked Luggage?

You can pack electronics in checked luggage, but there are downsides. Airlines and security agencies advise you to carry valuable electronics in your carry-ons whenever possible.

Important Precautions

Protect your devices — Use a padded case for laptops, cameras, and tablets to help prevent damage.

Lithium battery restrictions – Batteries exceeding 100Wh are prohibited in checked baggage because they pose a fire danger. Take them out and place them in your carry-on.

Theft or loss risk – With checked bags being transferred at multiple handling points, you have a high risk of damage, loss, or play with your baggage.

Pro Tip

If you have to check electronics, bubble wrap them, then put them inside a hardshell suitcase for added safety. For easy access during your flight, always keep essential devices like phones, chargers, and power banks in your carry-on.

How to Pack Electronics for Air Travel

The proper way to pack electronics in a plane can help you prevent damage, security issues, and tangled messes. Follow these straightforward tricks to keep your gadgets secure and organized.

Best Packing Practices

Use carry-on bags: Expensive or fragile devices that may include laptops, cameras, tablets, etc., should always be carried in your carry-on to avoid damage or theft.
Cable and charger organizer: A travel organizer for your cords keeps everything from tangling, making them easy to find.
Protect screens and devices: Padded sleeves, laptop cases, or hard-shell covers help prevent cracks and scratches.
Power banks must stay in a carry-on – Lithium batteries in checked bags are prohibited by TSA as a fire hazard.

Example

A traveler using a DSLR camera, for instance, should learn how to store it properly in a padded camera bag, and how to get memory cards dedicated to keeping them in a dry case, to prevent loss or damage.

Smart packing will help your electronics stay safe and ready for use during a flight!

Using Electronics During the Flight

Most airlines permit passengers to use electronics on a plane, but there are guidelines to follow. Being informed about when and how you’re allowed to use your devices makes your flight smoother.

What’s Allowed?

Phones, tablets, and e-readers — These can be used once the plane has taken off if the devices are switched to airplane mode.
Laptops – These are usable at floating on the flight, but some airlines will ask you to store your laptop during takeoff and landing.
Bluetooth devices — Wireless headphones, keyboards, and mice are typically permitted, though some airlines may ban their use.
No cellular calls — There is a ban on cellular calls on most airlines, which also limits the use of Bluetooth connections for security and passenger comfort.

Pro Tip

Pack noise-canceling headphones so that you can drown out the sounds of other passengers and have a more peaceful flight. They make flying so much more comfortable — whether I’m watching movies or working!

Traveling Internationally with Electronics

Internationally, the rules regarding electronics on a plane may vary from country to country. To stay on the right side of the law, check the rules ahead of your trip.

What to Consider

Security policy: Some places (and countries) screen laptops and larger devices more strictly. You might have to take it out of your bag for a check.
Power adapters and voltage converters: Electrical outlets and voltage standards differ. If visiting the U.K. or if you’re traveling around Europe or Asia, you will likely need a universal adapter to charge your devices.
Laptop bans on specific flights: As part of security measures, some countries ban carry-on laptops on flights. Always consult airline and government rules.
Customs declarations: If you are carrying expensive electronics, a few countries ask you to declare it at customs or you may have to pay import taxes.

Example

For instance, a traveler flying to the U.K. will require a Type G plug adapter to recharge their laptop or phone.

By taking a little time to plan, you can ease a hassle-free trip ahead without the headaches of electronic devices!

Final Remarks

Traveling with electronics on a plane is manageable as long as you observe TSA regulations. Most devices are permitted, but laptops, tablets, and gaming consoles must be screened for security. Pack them in a way that prevents it from getting broken.

Avoid leaving valuable electronics in checked bags to lessen the chance of delays or loss. To stay organized and untangled, use a padded case to protect your gear and a cute pouch to keep your cords in check. If you will be traveling internationally, find out what kind of power adapter you’ll need (and whether they allow items like self-driving suitcases through customs).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a gaming console on a plane?

Yes! Gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or Xbox can be packed in carry-on or checked luggage. However, at security checkpoints, you must remove them from your bag for screening.

Are power banks allowed on planes?

Yes, but only in carry-on bags. Lithium-ion power banks are not allowed in checked luggage due to fire risks. If your power bank exceeds 100Wh, check with your airline for approval.

Can I use my laptop during the flight?

Yes! You can use your laptop in airplane mode after takeoff. However, during takeoff and landing, you may be required to stow it in the seat pocket or overhead bin.