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 Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| 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.