My Blog

FitOrNoFit

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

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows Nintendo Switch consoles and games in both carry-on and checked bags.
    ✈️ Like laptops and tablets, you may need to remove the Switch from your bag at security.
    ⚠️ Carry-on is strongly recommended to avoid damage or theft in checked luggage.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and OLED models are allowed.
    • TSA may ask you to remove the console during screening.
    • Safer to keep in your carry-on, especially with game cartridges and accessories.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Allowed, but discouraged because of theft/damage and lithium battery concerns.
    • In-flight use:
    • Switch can be used in airplane mode.
    • Local multiplayer works fine without Wi-Fi.
    • Some airlines offer in-seat power, but bring a power bank (carry-on only) for longer flights.
    • Games & accessories: Game cartridges, controllers, and cases are allowed in both carry-on and checked.

    TSA Nintendo Switch Rules Summary

    ItemCarry-OnChecked
    Nintendo Switch console✅ Allowed✅ Allowed (not recommended)
    Game cartridges✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Controllers / accessories✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Spare batteries / power banks✅ Carry-on only❌ Not allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Battery rules: Power banks and spare batteries must always be in carry-on.
    • ✈️ Security checks: Be ready to remove the Switch at screening if asked.
    • ✈️ Gate-check risk: If your bag is gate-checked, remove your Switch before handing it over.
    • ✈️ International flights: Rules are nearly identical worldwide, but always keep the console with you.

    Sources

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

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows iPads and tablets in both carry-on and checked bags.
    ✈️ At security, tablets are treated like laptops — you’ll usually need to remove them and place them in a separate bin.
    ⚠️ Airlines allow tablets in airplane mode; streaming and charging rules vary by carrier.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • iPads, Kindles, Android tablets, and e-readers are allowed.
    • TSA often requires tablets to be removed from your bag during screening (unless you have TSA PreCheck).
    • Safer to keep tablets in carry-on to prevent theft or damage.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Allowed, but discouraged due to theft/damage risks and lithium battery safety concerns.
    • In-flight use:
    • Tablets may be used in airplane mode.
    • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can be re-enabled if the airline offers in-flight connectivity.
    • Some airlines have charging ports; bring a power bank (carry-on only) for backup.

    TSA Tablet Rules Summary

    Device TypeCarry-OnChecked
    iPad / Android tablet✅ Allowed✅ Allowed (not recommended)
    E-reader (Kindle, Nook)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Accessories (chargers, stylus, case)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Security delays: Like laptops, tablets must often be removed from bags.
    • ✈️ Checked risk: Electronics damage and theft are common in checked luggage.
    • ✈️ Battery rules: Spare batteries/power banks for tablets must go in carry-on.
    • ✈️ International flights: Most countries follow the same rules, but some regions have temporary electronics restrictions — check before travel.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring Headphones on a Plane? (Wired, Wireless & Bluetooth — TSA 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows both wired and wireless (Bluetooth) headphones in carry-on and checked bags.
    ✈️ You may need to remove large headphones at security for separate screening.
    ⚠️ Airlines allow Bluetooth use in-flight, but devices must be in airplane mode.

    Details

    • Wired headphones: Allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. No restrictions.
    • Wireless / Bluetooth headphones (AirPods, Bose, Beats, etc.):
    • Allowed in carry-on and checked.
    • Contain small lithium-ion batteries → best kept in carry-on.
    • At TSA security:
    • Small earbuds can usually stay in your bag.
    • Larger over-ear headphones may need to be removed and placed in a bin.
    • In-flight use:
    • Airlines allow Bluetooth headphones, but your phone/tablet must stay in airplane mode.
    • Some airlines may disable Bluetooth during taxi, takeoff, and landing — follow crew instructions.

    TSA Headphone Rules Summary

    TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Wired headphones✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Wireless/Bluetooth✅ Allowed✅ Allowed (not recommended due to batteries)
    Noise-canceling headphones✅ Allowed✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Battery care: Lithium batteries in wireless headphones should be in carry-on, not checked.
    • ✈️ Security screening: Be ready to remove large headphones if asked.
    • ✈️ Airline policies: Most allow Bluetooth in airplane mode, but always follow flight crew instructions.
    • ✈️ International flights: Some airlines may restrict Bluetooth use completely — rare, but possible.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring Baby Food on a Plane? (TSA Rules for Purees, Pouches & Snacks — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows baby food, purees, and pouches in carry-on, even in containers over 3.4 oz, as long as you declare them at security.
    ✈️ Snacks and solid foods for babies and toddlers are also permitted in both carry-on and checked bags.

    Details

    • Baby food (purees, jars, pouches): Exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule. You may bring larger containers or pouches in your carry-on.
    • Snacks (crackers, puffs, fruit, etc.): Treated as solid food → no liquid limits apply.
    • Juice / formula / breast milk: Also exempt from 3.4 oz rule; must be declared at security.
    • Checked luggage: Baby food and snacks are permitted but may spoil or break; carry-on is safer.
    • Cooling packs: Ice packs, gel packs, or frozen breast milk bags are allowed to keep food fresh; declare them if partially melted.

    TSA Baby Food Rules Summary

    ItemCarry-OnChecked
    Purees / jars / pouches (>3.4 oz)✅ Allowed (declare)✅ Allowed
    Snacks (solids)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Juice / milk / formula✅ Allowed (declare)✅ Allowed
    Cooling packs✅ Allowed✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Declare at security: Let TSA know you have baby food/purees over 3.4 oz.
    • ✈️ Testing: TSA may swab or test containers but will not require you to taste them.
    • ✈️ Traveling without your child: Parents may still bring baby food, formula, or breast milk even if the infant isn’t traveling with them.
    • ✈️ International flights: Most countries mirror the same exemptions, but check before departure.

    Sources

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

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows diaper bags on planes, and airlines typically allow one diaper bag per child for free, in addition to your standard carry-on and personal item.
    ✈️ Diaper bags may be gate-checked if oversized, but are generally treated as essential items, not counted against baggage limits.

    Details

    • TSA rules: Diaper bags are allowed through security with no size or weight restrictions. Liquids for infants (formula, breast milk, juice, baby food) are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule and may exceed 3.4 oz if declared.
    • Airline rules (U.S. carriers):
    • Most airlines allow one diaper bag per child for free, separate from your carry-on and personal item allowance.
    • This applies whether the child is traveling as a lap infant or in their own seat.
    • Contents: Diapers, wipes, creams, bottles, formula, and baby food are all permitted.
    • Storage: Diaper bags usually fit under the seat or in the overhead bin.

    Diaper Bag Rules Summary

    ItemCarry-OnCounted Toward Limit?Checked
    Diaper bag (1 per child)✅ Allowed❌ No — treated as free baby item✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ One per child: Airlines allow one free diaper bag per child, not per parent.
    • ✈️ Oversized bags: If your diaper bag is very large, it may need to be gate-checked.
    • ✈️ Liquids inside: Baby formula, breast milk, juice, and purees are allowed in larger quantities, but must be declared at security.
    • ✈️ International flights: Most foreign airlines have similar rules, but always double-check — especially with low-cost carriers.

    Sources

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

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. Airlines allow one car seat per child to be brought on board.
    ✈️ If you purchased a seat for your child, you may use an FAA-approved car seat in the cabin.
    ✅ If not using it in-flight, car seats can be gate-checked or checked for free.

    Details

    • TSA rules: Car seats are permitted through security. They must be screened, either by X-ray (if small) or manual inspection.
    • In the cabin:
    • If your child has a paid seat, you can install an FAA-approved car seat in that seat.
    • The car seat must have a label reading “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.”
    • Car seats are typically used in window seats, not aisles or exit rows.
    • Gate-check / counter check:
    • Airlines allow you to check a car seat for free at the ticket counter or gate.
    • If gate-checked, you’ll pick it up at the aircraft door after landing.
    • International flights: Most foreign carriers also allow car seats, but rules about cabin use can vary.

    Car Seat Rules Summary

    ItemCarry-On / Cabin UseGate-CheckTicket Counter Check
    FAA-approved car seat✅ Allowed if seat purchased✅ Free✅ Free
    Non-approved car seat❌ Not allowed for use✅ Free✅ Free

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Seat purchased = cabin use: You must buy a ticket for your child if you want to use a car seat on board. Lap infants cannot use car seats in seats you don’t pay for.
    • ✈️ Label required: Without the FAA approval sticker, flight attendants may refuse the car seat.
    • ✈️ Size matters: If the car seat is too wide for the airplane seat, you may be required to gate-check it.
    • ✈️ Protect when checking: Use a padded car seat bag to prevent damage if you check or gate-check.

    Sources

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

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes, you can bring a stroller when flying. Airlines allow strollers to be checked for free at the gate or ticket counter.
    ✈️ Small foldable strollers may sometimes fit in overhead bins, but most must be gate-checked.
    ✅ TSA does not restrict strollers — they simply go through security screening.

    Details

    • TSA rules: Strollers are allowed through checkpoints. They must be screened, often by X-ray or manual inspection.
    • Airline rules (U.S. carriers):
    • Most airlines allow you to bring 1 stroller per child for free.
    • You can check it at the ticket counter (goes with checked baggage) or gate-check it (retrieved plane-side after landing).
    • Foldable / compact strollers: Some lightweight travel strollers may fit in the overhead bin. Check dimensions with your airline before attempting this.
    • Large strollers / joggers: Too big for the cabin — must be gate-checked or checked at the counter.
    • Car seats: Treated separately — you may bring them if you purchased a seat for your child, or gate-check them if not in use.

    Stroller Rules Summary

    ItemCarry-OnGate-CheckTicket Counter Check
    Small foldable stroller✅ If it fits overhead✅ Allowed (free)✅ Allowed (free)
    Standard stroller❌ Too large✅ Allowed (free)✅ Allowed (free)
    Jogger / oversized❌ Too large✅ Allowed (free)✅ Allowed (free)

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Tag it early: If gate-checking, visit the gate desk before boarding to get a stroller tag.
    • ✈️ Overhead bin space: Even if a stroller technically fits, crew may require you to gate-check if bins are full.
    • ✈️ International flights: Most non-U.S. airlines also allow strollers for free, but policies on size and gate-checking vary.
    • ✈️ Protect from damage: Use a stroller bag or cover when checking to prevent scratches.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring Baby Formula on a Plane? (TSA Rules for Formula, Breast Milk & Juice — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows baby formula, breast milk, and juice for infants or toddlers in reasonable quantities over 3.4 oz in your carry-on.
    ✈️ These items are exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule, but you must declare them at security for separate screening.
    ✅ Ice packs, gel packs, and cooling accessories for formula are also allowed.

    Details

    • Formula & breast milk:
    • Exempt from the 3.4 oz liquid limit.
    • You may bring larger bottles, bags, or containers in your carry-on.
    • TSA officers may test or screen them separately.
    • Juice for infants/toddlers: Same exemption applies — allowed in larger than 3.4 oz.
    • Cooling accessories: Ice packs, gel packs, and freezer packs are allowed to keep milk/formula cold.
    • If partially melted at screening, declare them for inspection.
    • Checked luggage: Formula and breast milk are also permitted, but carry-on is safer in case of delays or lost luggage.

    TSA Baby Formula Rules Summary

    ItemCarry-OnChecked
    Baby formula (powder/liquid)✅ Allowed, >3.4 oz (declare)✅ Allowed
    Breast milk✅ Allowed, >3.4 oz (declare)✅ Allowed
    Juice for child✅ Allowed, >3.4 oz (declare)✅ Allowed
    Ice packs/gel packs✅ Allowed (even partially melted if declared)✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Declare at security: Tell TSA officers you have formula, breast milk, or juice over 3.4 oz before screening.
    • ✈️ Testing: Officers may test liquids for explosives but cannot ask you to taste them.
    • ✈️ Traveling without your child: Parents can still bring breast milk/formula even if the infant isn’t traveling with them.
    • ✈️ International flights: Most countries follow similar exemptions, but check local regulations before travel.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring Batteries on a Plane? (AA, AAA, Lithium & Power Banks — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes, most batteries are allowed on planes, but rules vary by type:

    • AA/AAA & other dry-cell batteries: Allowed in carry-on and checked.
    • Lithium-ion (rechargeable) & lithium metal (non-rechargeable): Allowed in carry-on, prohibited in checked as spares.
    • Power banks: Carry-on only, must be ≤100 Wh (or up to 160 Wh with airline approval).

    Details

    • Dry-cell batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V): Allowed in both carry-on and checked. No quantity limit for personal use.
    • Lithium-ion (rechargeable, like for laptops/phones):
    • Allowed in carry-on, either installed in devices or as spares.
    • Spare lithium batteries are not allowed in checked luggage.
    • Lithium metal (non-rechargeable, like camera batteries):
    • Allowed in carry-on.
    • Limited to 2 grams lithium content per battery.
    • Power banks / external chargers:
    • Carry-on only.
    • Must be ≤100 Wh.
    • 101–160 Wh allowed with airline approval (usually max 2 spares).
    • >160 Wh prohibited.

    TSA & FAA Battery Rules Summary

    Battery TypeCarry-OnChecked
    AA, AAA, C, D, 9V✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Lithium-ion (installed)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Lithium-ion (spare)✅ Allowed❌ Not allowed
    Lithium metal (spare)✅ Allowed (≤2 g)❌ Not allowed
    Power bank ≤100 Wh✅ Allowed❌ Not allowed
    Power bank 101–160 Wh✅ Allowed (airline approval, max 2)❌ Not allowed
    Batteries >160 Wh❌ Not allowed❌ Not allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Spare lithium batteries: Always in carry-on — never in checked.
    • ✈️ Terminal protection: Tape over battery terminals or keep in retail packaging to avoid short circuits.
    • ✈️ Power banks in smart luggage: Must be removable; otherwise bag may be refused at check-in.
    • ✈️ Wh vs mAh confusion: Convert using (mAh ÷ 1000) × voltage (usually 3.7 V). Example: 20,000 mAh ≈ 74 Wh → carry-on OK.
    • ✈️ International rules: Most countries follow IATA guidance (same limits), but always check your airline’s site.

    Sources

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

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes, you can bring alcohol on a plane, but rules depend on alcohol content, bottle size, and where you bought it.

    • In carry-on, alcohol must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule (≤ 3.4 oz bottles) unless it’s duty-free.
    • Duty-free alcohol is allowed in sealed bags if purchased after security.
    • In checked bags, alcohol is allowed up to 5 liters per passenger for bottles between 24–70% ABV.

    Details

    • Carry-on (non-duty-free): Only bottles ≤ 3.4 oz (100 ml) inside your quart-sized liquids bag. Larger bottles bought before security must go in checked.
    • Duty-free purchases: Alcohol bought after security is allowed, even in larger bottles (e.g., 750 ml / 1 L), but must remain sealed in tamper-evident duty-free bags with the receipt until you reach your destination.
    • Checked luggage:
    • ≤ 24% ABV (beer, wine, low-alcohol drinks): No FAA quantity limit.
    • 24–70% ABV (liquor, spirits): Limited to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger, bottles must be unopened retail packaging.
    • > 70% ABV (overproof alcohol, grain alcohol): Prohibited in both carry-on and checked.

    TSA & FAA Alcohol Rules Summary

    Alcohol TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Mini bottles (≤ 3.4 oz)✅ Allowed in quart bag✅ Allowed
    Duty-free liquor✅ Allowed (sealed bag)✅ Allowed
    Beer & wine (≤ 24% ABV)❌ Only duty-free allowed✅ Unlimited
    Liquor 24–70% ABV❌ Only duty-free allowed✅ Up to 5 L per person
    Over 70% ABV❌ Not allowed❌ Not allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Drinking your own alcohol is illegal: FAA rules prohibit consuming personal alcohol on board, even if it’s duty-free or minis. Only flight attendants may serve alcohol.
    • ✈️ Duty-free connections: If connecting flights require rescreening (especially international to domestic), your duty-free alcohol may be confiscated if > 3.4 oz and not in a sealed STEB (tamper-evident bag).
    • ✈️ Spillage risks: Pack carefully in checked luggage — use padded sleeves or plastic bags to prevent leaks.
    • ✈️ Overproof banned: Anything above 70% ABV (like Everclear 190 proof) is not permitted on planes at all.

    Sources