Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows playing cards in both carry-on and checked luggage.
✈️ Standard decks, collectible cards, and trading cards are all permitted.
⚠️ Large collections may be inspected more closely at security.
Details
- Carry-on:
- Standard decks of cards (poker, Uno, Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, etc.) are allowed.
- TSA does not restrict quantity.
- Dense stacks of trading cards may be pulled aside for manual inspection.
- Checked luggage:
- Playing cards are also permitted.
- Risk: valuable collectible cards should stay in carry-on for safety.
- Entertainment use:
- Great option for in-flight games with family and friends.
- International flights:
- No restrictions, but sealed booster boxes may be flagged as merchandise by customs.
TSA Playing Card Rules Summary
| Card Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Standard playing cards | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Uno / card games | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Collectible / trading cards | ✅ Allowed (may be inspected) | ✅ Allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ X-ray confusion: Dense card decks can appear as solid blocks and trigger bag checks.
- ✈️ Valuables: Rare or collectible cards are safer in carry-on than checked luggage.
- ✈️ Customs: Large sealed shipments of trading cards may look like commercial imports.
- ✈️ Best practice: Keep cards organized in small travel boxes or sleeves.