Can i bring nintendo switch on a plane 2022

Seeing you here leads me to believe that you’re not too keen on using the in-flight entertainment options, which is why you’ve decided to bring your Nintendo Switch along with you.

But now, the question arises—can you bring a Nintendo Switch on a plane? And, more importantly, can you use it?

Fortunately, you can bring a Nintendo Switch along with you on a plane in your carry-on and use it too.  However, you won’t be able to play online games on your console, unless connected to the plane’s WIFI. So, it’s best to download or update your games before boarding your plane.

Also, bear in mind that some airlines may ask you to stow away your Switch during takeoff and landing for safety reasons.

Now that you know that it’s possible for you to take your Switch along with you, let’s look at things you can do to make your travel (with your Switch) as smooth as possible.

What Are the Guidelines Related to Switch on a flight?

You should be allowed to use gaming consoles such as the Switch mid-flight without any interruption.

However, in regards to using them even during takeoff and landing, the regulations often vary according to the airlines. 

So, for more information about such matters, it’s better to contact the specific airline you’re flying with.

How to Get Through Security With Your Switch

According to airport security protocols, devices bigger than a cell phone must be kept in a separate container for security checks.

This means that full-sized gaming consoles, laptops, tablets, and portable gaming devices such as the Switch must be put into the security tray during security checks.

How to Get Your Switch to Last the Entire Duration of the Flight

If you’re on a long flight from New York to Singapore (18 hours 40 minutes) and planning to play non-stop, it’d be almost impossible for you to get your Switch battery to last without recharge. 

So, what are your options?

Well, many recommend carrying a docking kit along with you. 

I, for one, am against this idea as the Switch normally doesn’t quite jive with third-party docking kits and Nintendo hasn’t released a docking kit of its own.

Fortunately, there are a few options you can try.

You can either carry a USB C cable that will plug into any of the planes’ USB ports or get a battery pack that uses a USB C cable. 

You can also charge your Switch by plugging it into your laptop. Additionally, you can even consider getting a larger battery for your Switch.

However, with a larger battery, you need to keep in mind to screen it in security.

To ensure your battery lasts as long as possible, I’d recommend you play simpler, less power-consuming games. 

Also, remember to turn off your Switch in-between playing times.

What Should You Keep in Mind When Using Your Nintendo Switch?

There are a few things you should keep in mind when using your Nintendo Switch.

First of all, I’d recommend you carry a good pair of headphones so that you don’t miss out on the excellent sound experience of the game you’re playing.

Additionally, not only will a good headset drown out the noise of your neighboring passengers, but it’ll also enable you to become a more responsible flyer as your headset will restrict the noise produced by your console, thereby, allowing your fellow passengers to enjoy the flight that they, too, paid for.

You must also remember to put your Switch in airplane mode or flight mode. 

Doing so blocks all incoming calls and prevents your console from connecting to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.

The airlines require you to do this because cell phone and Wi-Fi signals can often interfere with airplane GPS (navigation systems) and put your flight at risk.

If the airline offers Wi-Fi, they’ll allow you to connect to it once the plane reaches a cruising altitude.

If there’s no Wi-Fi available, you’ll have to use your Switch only in handheld mode. 

You won’t be able to play on the tabletop mode as the mode only works on a Wi-Fi connection.

Conclusion

Before concluding this piece, let me leave you with a quick recap.

So, yes, you’re allowed to bring small portable game consoles like the Nintendo Switch on a plane and use them.

Just ensure that your Switch is in flight mode during usage. Also, remember to take a USB C cord or battery charger with you to re-charge your Switch during long flights.

And, to enjoy your Switch games to their full potential, I’d recommend carrying a pair of headphones.

When you travel, you’ll want to bring something to do on your flight, like a book to read or a game to play. A handheld video game system, like a Nintendo Switch, is perfect for playing on a plane. 

But can you bring a Switch on a plane?

Yes, you can bring a Nintendo Switch on a plane, but it must go in your carry-on bag, not in your checked bag. 

According to the TSA website, all video game consoles can go on planes. But, all Nintendo Switches have a lithium battery, and the TSA requires that lithium batteries go in carry-on bags only. 

Here is a Tweet from @AskTSA on Twitter regarding Switches:

Game consoles are allowed in carry-on bags. Please note, it must be removed from its packaging and sent into the X-ray for screening. 

So, you need to remove it from your luggage and from any box, bag, or carrying case that it’s in during the security screening. If you have any other questions about flying with your Switch or other electronic devices, you can Tweet at AskTSA on Twitter.

This article will explain more about the battery sizes and requirements set by the TSA, how to pack your Nintendo Switch for a flight, and whether or not you can fly with a Switch on a flight to the UK.

How to Pack a Nintendo Switch OLED for a Flight

The Nintendo Switch OLED is the newest version of the Switch with a larger screen, more internal storage, and slightly bigger dimensions than the standard version.

The Nintendo Switch OLED and other versions of the Switch have a lithium battery, so you must bring it with you on the plane, either in your carry-on bag or as your personal item. 

Lithium batteries are prone to catch fire if they are damaged or short-circuit, so they need to be kept where you can keep an eye on them during the flight, not in your checked bags under the plane. 

The TSA has different regulations for batteries depending on if they have more or less than 100 watt-hours. All Switch devices have a battery with less than 20 watt-hours, which is well under the TSA’s regulations. 

Here is what the TSA says about lithium batteries, which covers Switches: 

Spare (uninstalled) lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only… Lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries are limited to a rating of 100 watt-hours (Wh) per battery. These limits allow for nearly all types of lithium batteries used by the average person in their electronic devices.

This instruction covers spare lithium metal and spare rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for personal electronics such as cameras, cell phones, laptop computers, tablets, watches, calculators, etc.

In addition to Nintendo Switches, you can bring other video game systems, like an Xbox, on a plane and video game discs for those systems.

Do you Have to Take your Nintendo Switch out at Airport Security?

Yes, all electronics larger than your phone, so laptops, tablets, and video game systems, including Switches, must be removed at the TSA security checkpoint.

You will have to take your Switch out of your bag and place it in its own bin through the security scanner when you go through airport security. So, make sure your Switch is easily accessible in your bag when you arrive at the airport. 

Your Nintendo Switch is fragile, so it is better to pack it in your carry-on bag anyway to keep it with you for your entire journey. You still want to use other protective measures like a carrying case in case the Switch shifts in your bag. 

And, make sure you charge your Switch before you go to the airport in case you can’t find a place to charge it at the airport or on the plane. Or, bring a portable charger that you can plug your Switch into no matter where you are.

Finally, make sure you have games that you can play offline, and make sure you turn on the Switches airplane or flight mode as you do with your phone and other electronics. 

You can also use these packing techniques for a Switch Lite or an OLED Switch. Just make sure you have the right case for your Switch as they are different sizes because you want to make sure your Switch is secure in its case.

Once you pass through security, you will no longer have to remove your Switch from your bag unless you want to play it on the plane.

If you want to bring anything else with a lithium battery on a plane, or even a smaller electronic device like a phone, you need to know the TSA rules.

Can I take a Switch on a plane bound for the UK?

Yes, you can take a Switch on a plane bound for the UK, and there are currently no restrictions for bringing a Switch on a plane from any country to the UK.

There was some confusion about whether or not Switches were allowed on planes flying to the UK when the government placed a ban on bringing devices larger than a smartphone on flights from six countries in the Middle East in 2017. 

However, the UK government did not include switches in the ban, just laptops and tablets. And, the ban was lifted in 2019, so you can bring and use your Switch in the cabin of a plane going to the UK regardless of where it is coming from.

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