How to Go Through Airport Security With Your Switch
The best and easiest way to navigate airport security with your Switch is by placing the console along with all of its components, such as the JoyCons, Pro Controllers, AC adapter etc. inside a carrying case.
We recommend using a carrying case because you can place and keep your Switch and all of its components in one place without having to take each component out to be screened.
You will have to take the carrying case and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening, though.
This carrying case is the most popular one for people who have flown with their Switch before.
How to Pack Your Switch in Your Checked Bag
While we recommend packing your Switch in your carry-on, as your bag can get lost, stolen, or damaged, if you really want to pack it in your checked bag, we again recommend using a carrying case designed specifically for the Switch.
If you don’t have or don’t want to buy a carrying case, make sure that you pack it in some kind of case and place the Switch and all of its components wrapped in soft items, like clothes or towels, in the middle of your suitcase.
Watch Out for Airline Regulations
While the TSA do not have a limit for how many electronic devices you can bring on a plane, airlines do.
Airline polices can differ significantly, though.
American Airlines, for example, state that you can bring “two portable electronic devices” on a flight.
Delta, on the other hand, state that you are allowed to bring 15 portable electronic devices.
Airlines do not actively check how many electronic devices you are traveling with, so you’re unlikely to run into any issues, but it’s something we thought would be worth mentioning.
Bringing Your Switch When Flying Internationally
You’ll find that even if you are flying internationally, the same rules will apply.
So handheld consoles like the Switch can be packed in both your carry-on and checked bags.
You Can Play Your Nintendo Switch on the Plane
Thankfully, you can play your Nintendo Switch on the plane to make those long flights more bearable
The caveat is that, like all electronic devices, your Switch must be in Airplane Mode throughout the duration of the flight, though you can connect to the plane’s Wi-Fi if you want to.
Don’t worry. You’ll still be able to play your Switch offline when you’re not connected to the internet.
Generally, you can also enable Bluetooth on your Switch during the flight, except during take-off and landing.
Bring a Power Bank for Charging
If you have a long flight coming up or forgot to charge your Switch, we suggest bringing a power bank, as the TSA allow these through airport security.
Generally, the best Switch games to play on the plane are your favorite games that you can see yourself playing for a long time without getting bored.
Better yet are those games that don’t require too much concentration, are low-stress, and aren’t very mechanical, given the environment of flying on a plane.
So games like Animal Crossing, Civilization 6, Stardew Valley, Zelda, or any of the Mario titles would be best.
Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.
Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.
Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).
