Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows board games, card games, and travel games in both carry-on and checked bags.
✈️ Games with lots of pieces may be inspected more closely at security.
⚠️ Electronic board games must follow battery rules.
Details
- Carry-on:
- Board games (Monopoly, Catan, Scrabble, Uno, etc.) are permitted.
- Loose game pieces may trigger extra screening, especially dice or metal tokens.
- Card decks are unrestricted.
- Electronic games with batteries must follow TSA’s lithium battery guidelines.
- Checked luggage:
- Board games are allowed in any amount.
- Pack carefully to avoid box crushing or lost pieces.
- Travel versions:
- Compact travel games are ideal for in-flight entertainment.
- International flights:
- No special restrictions, but new, sealed board games may be flagged as merchandise.
TSA Board Game Rules Summary
| Game Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Classic board games (boxed) | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Card games (Uno, Poker) | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Loose dice / tokens | ✅ Allowed (may be inspected) | ✅ Allowed |
| Electronic board games | ✅ Allowed (battery rules) | ✅ Allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ X-ray confusion: Dense game boxes may be opened for inspection.
- ✈️ Battery-powered games: Spare lithium batteries must go in carry-on, not checked.
- ✈️ Mess risk: Loose pieces can scatter if boxes open — tape or zip-bag them.
- ✈️ Best practice: Bring compact travel-size versions to play in-flight.