Are you a fan of board games? Do you find that you often want to play them when you’re traveling, but you’re not sure if you can bring them on an airplane?
The good news is that you can indeed bring board games on an airplane.
Just make sure that you’re not putting them into checked luggage as they might get damaged by airport staff.
Also, certain board games might increase the chance of facing a security check at border control.
However, there are several things you need to keep in mind in order to make sure that your experience is enjoyable and hassle-free.
In this blog post, we’ll give you a few tips on how to bring board games on an airplane so that you can have fun and stay safe while traveling.
The TSA’s Rules About Bringing Board Games on an Airplane
The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has a few rules about bringing board games on an airplane:
- All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be placed in a quart-sized baggie. This includes any game pieces that are liquid or gel-like, such as dice or markers.
- All loose items, such as small game pieces, must be placed in a clear plastic bag.
- All sharp objects must be placed in your checked luggage or carried in a sheath. This includes any game pieces that could be considered weapons, such as knives or swords.
- Larger items, such as boards or boxes, must be placed in checked luggage.
- All electronic items need to be placed in a bin for X-ray inspection. This includes any battery-operated game components, such as electronic dice or timers.
The bottom line is that you should check with the TSA before packing any board games in your carry-on or checked luggage to make sure you are following all of the rules and regulations.
Above all, though, always remember to check the official TSA website for what’s allowed to bring with you on an airplane and what isn’t.
The Best Board Games to Play on an Airplane
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best board games to play on an airplane:
- The first is the size of the game. It should be small enough to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
- The second is the number of players. The game should be able to be played with 2-4 people so you can find others on the plane to join in.
- And lastly, the game should be one that can be played relatively quickly, so it doesn’t take up your entire flight.
With those criteria in mind, here are our top 5 picks for the best board games to play on an airplane:
- Codenames – A great party game for 4-8 players that can be learned and played quickly.
- Sushi Go! – A card drafting game for 2-5 players that is easy to teach and only takes about 20 minutes to play.
- Love Letter – A quick, two-player card game with simple rules that can be learned in minutes.
- Boss Monster – A dungeon-building card game for 2-4 players that takes 30-60 minutes to play.
- Ticket to Ride – A classic train-themed board game for 2-5 players that take about 60 minutes to play.
Other great games that didn’t quite make our top 5 but are still great to play on an airplane include Dominion, Carcassonne, Splendor, and 7 Wonders.
How to Pack Your Board Games for Travel
Board games are definitely a great way to pass the time on a long flight, but they can also be a bit of a pain to pack.
Here are a few tips for packing your board games so that they make it through security and onto the plane without any problems:
- Make sure your games are small enough to fit in your carry-on bag. Most airlines have size restrictions for carry-on luggage, so you’ll need to be mindful of how much space your games take up.
- Consider bringing along some zip-top bags. These can be helpful for storing loose pieces or cards that might otherwise get lost in your luggage.
- Don’t forget to double-check that the game is complete. Nothing is worse than getting to your destination and realizing you’re missing key pieces.
- If possible, use a sturdy box or travel case. This will help protect your game from damage during transit.
- Pack each game in its own individual container. This will help keep pieces from getting lost or damaged during transit.
- Use packing materials like bubble wrap or foam peanuts to fill any empty spaces in the box. This will help prevent your games from shifting during transit.
- Make sure you get batteries! If your game requires batteries, make sure to pack them separately from the game itself so that they don’t get lost in the shuffle.
When planning a trip involving flying, it’s important to consider what you’re allowed to and what you aren’t allowed to bring with you on the plane.
This includes any items that you might want to keep yourself entertained during the flight, such as books, magazines, electronic devices, and board games.
Tips for Playing Board Games on an Airplane
Board games are a brilliant way to pass the time on an airplane, but you need to keep several things in mind when playing them:
- First, make sure the game you choose is small and lightweight, so it doesn’t take up an awful lot of space in your carry-on bag.
- Second, consider how loud the game is – some games require players to shout or clap, which can be disruptive to other passengers.
- Third, be aware of the time – some games can take several hours to play, so make sure you have enough time before your plane lands.
Finally, have fun!
Board games are a great way to connect with other passengers and make the most of your time in the air.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to bring board games on an airplane as long as they are small enough to fit in your carry-on luggage and do not have any sharp edges or pieces that could pose a safety hazard.
However, it is always best to check with the airline that you’re flying with before packing any items in your carry-on luggage to avoid any potential problems.
Finally, when playing board games on an airplane, be considerate of other passengers by keeping the noise level down and being aware of the time.
With these super helpful tips in mind, you’ll be able to have a great time playing board games on your next flight.
Have you ever played board games in an airplane or have you ever considered playing one?
Let us know by leaving your answer in the comments below!