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Author: GrowthPath Studio

  • Can You Bring a Surfboard on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows surfboards as checked luggage.
    ❌ Surfboards are not permitted as carry-on due to size.
    ⚠️ Airlines treat surfboards as oversized sports equipment and usually charge extra fees.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Not allowed — surfboards are too large to fit overhead or under seats.
    • Checked luggage:
    • TSA permits surfboards in checked bags.
    • Airlines have specific policies:
      • Many allow 1–2 surfboards per bag.
      • Fees vary widely ($75–$200 each way on most U.S. carriers).
    • Boards must be packed in a padded surfboard bag to prevent damage.
    • Airline rules:
    • Some airlines waive fees for surfboards on certain routes (e.g., to Hawaii).
    • Always check airline-specific size/weight limits.
    • International flights:
    • Most carriers allow surfboards but with strict size and weight caps.

    TSA Surfboard Rules Summary

    Surfboard TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Standard surfboard❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed (fees apply)
    Longboard surfboard❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed (oversize rules)
    Bodyboard / boogie board❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed (smaller but still oversize)

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Airline fees: Surfboards almost always incur extra charges.
    • ✈️ Packing required: Airlines require padded board bags — no loose boards accepted.
    • ✈️ Damage risk: Boards often return scratched or cracked if not properly padded.
    • ✈️ Route exceptions: Some airlines waive surfboard fees on surf-heavy routes.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Skateboard on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows skateboards in both carry-on and checked luggage.
    ⚠️ Airlines may treat skateboards as oversized items depending on size and weight.
    ✈️ Electric skateboards with lithium batteries have special restrictions.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Standard skateboards are allowed, but size limits vary by airline.
    • Most airlines allow them as carry-on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.
    • Longboards are often too large for cabin storage.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Skateboards can be checked, but risk damage — pack securely.
    • Electric skateboards:
    • Lithium battery rules apply:
      • Batteries ≤ 100 Wh → generally allowed in carry-on.
      • 101–160 Wh → limited to 2, airline approval required.
      • >160 Wh → prohibited.
    • Most airlines ban large e-skate batteries from both carry-on and checked.
    • International flights:
    • Rules are similar, but airlines may impose stricter carry-on size limits.

    TSA Skateboard Rules Summary

    Skateboard TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Standard skateboard✅ Allowed (size limits apply)✅ Allowed
    Longboard⚠️ Allowed (if fits overhead)✅ Allowed
    Electric skateboard⚠️ Allowed (battery ≤ 100 Wh)❌ Not allowed with spare batteries

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Airline size limits: TSA allows skateboards, but airlines may deny oversized boards.
    • ✈️ Damage risk: Checked skateboards can return cracked or warped — pack carefully.
    • ✈️ Electric boards: Most large e-skates are not allowed because of high-capacity batteries.
    • ✈️ Best practice: Carry regular skateboards onboard if small enough, check if oversized.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Drone on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows drones in both carry-on and checked luggage.
    ⚠️ Spare drone batteries must be in carry-on only (not checked).
    ✈️ Airlines may restrict battery size (100–160 Wh rules apply).

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Drones are permitted.
    • Most travelers carry drones in their personal item or backpack for safety.
    • Spare lithium-ion drone batteries (common with DJI drones) must stay in carry-on.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Drones are allowed in checked baggage.
    • Installed batteries are allowed, but spare batteries are prohibited.
    • Not recommended due to risk of damage or theft.
    • Battery rules:
    • Spare drone batteries ≤ 100 Wh → unlimited in carry-on.
    • 101–160 Wh → max 2, airline approval required.
    • >160 Wh → prohibited.
    • International flights:
    • Many countries regulate drones (some require permits, others ban them). Always check local drone laws.

    TSA Drone Rules Summary

    Drone ItemCarry-OnChecked
    Drone (with battery inside)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Spare batteries ≤ 100 Wh✅ Allowed❌ Not allowed
    Spare batteries 101–160 Wh✅ Allowed (max 2, airline approval)❌ Not allowed
    Spare batteries > 160 Wh❌ Not allowed❌ Not allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Spare battery rule: All spare lithium batteries must be carried in cabin.
    • ✈️ Security screening: Large drones may need to be removed for x-ray.
    • ✈️ Customs restrictions: Some countries ban or regulate drones heavily (e.g., Morocco, Cuba).
    • ✈️ Best practice: Carry your drone in a protective case in carry-on.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Power Bank on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows power banks and portable chargers, but they must be in carry-on luggage only.
    ❌ Power banks are not allowed in checked luggage due to fire risk.
    ⚠️ Airlines restrict very large batteries:

    • ≤ 100 Wh → unlimited.
    • 101–160 Wh → allowed with airline approval (max 2).
    • > 160 Wh → prohibited.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Power banks and external batteries ≤ 100 Wh are permitted with no limit.
    • Larger ones (101–160 Wh) require airline approval and are capped at 2 per passenger.
    • Over 160 Wh (industrial-size packs) are banned entirely.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Spare lithium batteries, including power banks, are not allowed in checked bags.
    • Installed vs spare batteries:
    • Power banks are treated as spare batteries.
    • Devices with built-in batteries (phones, laptops) are allowed in both checked and carry-on, but safer in carry-on.
    • International flights:
    • Most countries follow the same 100 Wh rule for lithium batteries.

    TSA Power Bank Rules Summary

    Power Bank SizeCarry-OnChecked
    Power bank ≤ 100 Wh✅ Allowed (no limit)❌ Not allowed
    Power bank 101–160 Wh✅ Allowed (max 2, airline approval)❌ Not allowed
    Power bank > 160 Wh❌ Not allowed❌ Not allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Checked luggage ban: TSA will confiscate power banks left in checked bags.
    • ✈️ Wh rating: Check the label — most consumer power banks are < 100 Wh.
    • ✈️ Airline approval: Needed for larger packs (101–160 Wh).
    • ✈️ Best practice: Carry 1–2 smaller power banks to avoid hassle.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Camera on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows cameras (DSLRs, mirrorless, GoPros, camcorders, point-and-shoot) in both carry-on and checked luggage.
    ⚠️ Large cameras may need to be removed at security for separate screening.
    ⚠️ Spare lithium batteries must be carried in carry-on only.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • All cameras are allowed, including DSLRs, mirrorless, compact cameras, and action cams (GoPros).
    • At TSA checkpoints, large DSLR/mirrorless cameras may need to be removed from bags for scanning.
    • Tripods and monopods ≤ 7 inches folded may be allowed in carry-on; larger ones must be checked.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Cameras are allowed but not recommended due to theft and damage risk.
    • Pack with padding if you must check expensive gear.
    • Accessories:
    • Lenses, flashes, memory cards, and chargers are permitted.
    • Spare lithium-ion batteries (camera batteries, GoPro batteries) must go in carry-on, never checked.
    • International flights:
    • Some airports may require you to power on your camera during screening.

    TSA Camera Rules Summary

    Camera Type / ItemCarry-OnChecked
    DSLR / mirrorless camera✅ Allowed (may need removal)✅ Allowed (not recommended)
    GoPro / action cam✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Camcorder / video camera✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Lenses / accessories✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Spare lithium batteries✅ Carry-on only❌ Not allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Security screening: Be ready to remove large cameras at TSA.
    • ✈️ Tripod rules: Small travel tripods usually allowed; larger ones may need to be checked.
    • ✈️ Battery rules: Spare camera batteries must always be in carry-on.
    • ✈️ Checked risk: Valuable camera gear is safer in carry-on to avoid theft.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Tablet or iPad on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows tablets and iPads in both carry-on and checked luggage.
    ⚠️ At security, tablets may need to be removed from your bag and placed in a separate bin (like laptops).
    ✅ Small tablets (Kindle, iPad Mini) often don’t require removal if below laptop size.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Tablets, iPads, and e-readers are allowed with no limits.
    • At TSA checkpoints, full-size tablets (like iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy Tab) often must be removed from your bag.
    • Small devices (iPad Mini, Kindle) usually can remain in your bag.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Tablets are permitted but not recommended:
      • Risk of theft or damage.
      • Lithium batteries pose a fire hazard if damaged.
    • Accessories:
    • Chargers, styluses (like Apple Pencil), keyboards, and cases are all permitted.
    • Spare lithium-ion batteries must be carried in carry-on only.
    • International flights:
    • Some countries may require passengers to power on tablets during screening.

    TSA Tablet Rules Summary

    Tablet / Device TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Full-size tablet (iPad Pro, Galaxy Tab)✅ Allowed (remove at screening)✅ Allowed (not recommended)
    Small tablet (Kindle, iPad Mini)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Tablet accessories✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Spare tablet batteries✅ Carry-on only❌ Not allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Security screening: Be ready to remove full-size tablets.
    • ✈️ Checked bag risk: Tablets in checked luggage may be stolen or damaged.
    • ✈️ Battery rules: Spare lithium batteries cannot go in checked bags.
    • ✈️ International checks: Some airports may require tablets to be powered on.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Laptop on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows laptops in both carry-on and checked luggage.
    ⚠️ In carry-on, laptops must be removed from your bag and placed in a separate bin at security (unless using TSA PreCheck or an approved laptop bag).
    ⚠️ In checked luggage, laptops are permitted but not recommended due to theft and battery risks.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Laptops are permitted with no limit on quantity.
    • At security, laptops must be taken out of bags and scanned separately unless you have TSA PreCheck or a “checkpoint-friendly” laptop case.
    • Accessories like chargers, mice, and external drives are allowed.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Laptops can be packed in checked bags, but it’s discouraged:
      • Risk of theft or mishandling.
      • Lithium-ion batteries pose fire risks if damaged.
    • Batteries:
    • Spare lithium batteries or power banks cannot go in checked luggage — they must be in carry-on.
    • International flights:
    • Some countries may require passengers to power on laptops during security checks.

    TSA Laptop Rules Summary

    Laptop TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Standard laptop✅ Allowed (remove at screening)✅ Allowed (not recommended)
    Gaming laptop✅ Allowed (same rules)✅ Allowed
    Laptop accessories✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Spare laptop batteries✅ Carry-on only❌ Not allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Security checkpoint: Always be ready to remove laptops from your bag.
    • ✈️ Checked bag risk: Theft and damage make it risky to check a laptop.
    • ✈️ Battery restrictions: Spare batteries and power banks must stay in carry-on.
    • ✈️ International travel: Be prepared to power on your device if requested.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Video Game Console on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows video game consoles (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, handhelds) in both carry-on and checked luggage.
    ⚠️ Large consoles must be removed from bags during security screening, similar to laptops.
    ✅ Handheld consoles are easiest to carry in your personal item.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • All consoles are permitted.
    • Handhelds like the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, or 3DS can stay in your bag during screening.
    • Larger consoles (Xbox, PS5, PlayStation, etc.) must often be removed from carry-ons at security for separate scanning.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Consoles can be checked, but risk theft or damage.
    • Best practice: keep expensive electronics in carry-on.
    • Accessories:
    • Controllers, games, chargers, and cables are all permitted.
    • Spare lithium batteries (for handhelds, controllers) must go in carry-on.
    • International flights:
    • Customs may inspect new consoles or large quantities of games if they appear to be for resale.

    TSA Video Game Console Rules Summary

    Console TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Handheld console (Switch, Steam Deck, 3DS)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Large console (PS5, Xbox, PlayStation)✅ Allowed (remove at screening)✅ Allowed
    Games, discs, cartridges✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Controllers & chargers✅ Allowed✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Security screening: Be ready to remove large consoles like laptops.
    • ✈️ Checked luggage risk: Consoles are theft-prone → safer in carry-on.
    • ✈️ Battery rules: Spare lithium batteries (controllers, handhelds) must be in carry-on.
    • ✈️ International travel: New consoles in sealed boxes may be taxed as imports.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Rubik’s Cube on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows Rubik’s cubes and other handheld puzzles in both carry-on and checked luggage.
    ✈️ They are treated as toys and have no restrictions.
    ⚠️ Large collections of cubes may be inspected at security.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Rubik’s cubes, speed cubes, and similar twisty puzzles are permitted.
    • TSA does not restrict the number of cubes you bring.
    • Dense shapes may sometimes be pulled for manual inspection.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Rubik’s cubes are allowed.
    • Safer to keep valuable or competition-grade cubes in carry-on to prevent loss/damage.
    • International flights:
    • No restrictions worldwide — Rubik’s cubes are universally considered toys.

    TSA Rubik’s Cube Rules Summary

    Puzzle TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Standard Rubik’s cube✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Speed cube / competition cube✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Other twisty puzzles✅ Allowed✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ X-ray appearance: Cubes can look dense on x-ray → sometimes inspected.
    • ✈️ Collector cubes: Keep rare or high-value cubes in carry-on.
    • ✈️ Noise in-flight: Speed cubes can be loud — consider etiquette if solving on a plane.
    • ✈️ Best practice: Travel with 1–2 cubes in carry-on for entertainment.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Puzzle on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows puzzles in both carry-on and checked luggage.
    ✈️ Jigsaw puzzles, travel puzzles, and brain teasers are all permitted.
    ⚠️ Large or dense puzzle boxes may be inspected at security.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Jigsaw puzzles, crossword books, Sudoku, and handheld puzzles (Rubik’s cubes, brain teasers) are all allowed.
    • TSA may open and inspect puzzle boxes if they appear dense on x-ray.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Any type of puzzle can be packed.
    • Risk: jigsaw pieces may scatter if the box opens — secure with tape or zip bags.
    • Electronic puzzles/games:
    • Allowed, but battery rules apply if powered by lithium batteries.
    • International flights:
    • No special restrictions, though large boxed puzzles may be inspected at customs if new.

    TSA Puzzle Rules Summary

    Puzzle TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Jigsaw puzzle (boxed)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Travel puzzle set✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Rubik’s cube / brain teaser✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Electronic puzzle✅ Allowed (battery rules)✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Dense items: Puzzle boxes may appear as solid blocks on x-ray and get inspected.
    • ✈️ Loose pieces: Jigsaw puzzles can spill — secure them in bags inside the box.
    • ✈️ Best practice: Bring compact travel puzzles or handheld cubes for in-flight entertainment.
    • ✈️ Valuable sets: Keep rare collector puzzles in carry-on to avoid damage.

    Sources