Choosing the items to put in your carry-on bag and checked luggage is daunting for every traveler. But is it allowed to put iPads in checked luggage?

Yes, iPads and Tablets are allowed in checked luggage and on planes. It will be classified as a Personal Electronic Device(PED). You can take it in a carry-on and checked baggage.

In this article, I will cover everything you need to know if you bring your iPad with you on the plane. Why do you need to put it in airplane mode? How to do it? What can you do on your iPad while it’s in airplane mode and more…

Can I put iPad in Checked Luggage?

Can I put iPad in Checked Luggage?

Yes, it is allowed to put iPads in checked luggage. However, it is recommended by airline companies to keep electronic devices(and other valuable items and fragile items) in your carry-on luggage to minimize the risk of damaging your belongings.

The security checkup

security check ipad

Every electronic device will be checked and scanned before onboarding.

Place an iPad in a separate bin, and don’t cover it with other things from your luggage. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows you to keep your device in a protective case during the screening process, ensuring its safety. Since TSA operates in the United States only, the rules might be different when traveling internationally.

How To Put iPad in Airplane Mode

Airplane mode is a must when traveling with the plane. The fastest way to put your iPad in airplane mode is with the Control Center. Here’s how to do it:

  • Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen (locked or unlocked).
  • Tap on the gray airplane button at the top of the menu.
  • Your iPad will enable airplane mode.

Why Do You Need To Enable Airplane Mode on Planes?

Electronic devices emit signals that may interfere with the airplane’s communication and navigation systems. While modern airplanes are well-shielded for communication disruptions, it’s still necessary to activate airplane mode on all electronic devices for security reasons.

Uninterrupted communication is crucial for flight crews. Airplane Mode helps prevent interference, ensuring clear and reliable communication between the cockpit and air traffic control.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States mandates the use of Airplane Mode during takeoff and landing. Passengers are required to comply with these regulations to ensure everyone’s safety.

How Does Airplane Mode Work?

When you enable airplane mode, your phone or tablet is no longer capable of connecting to Wi-Fi, Cellular Networks, or Bluetooth. This helps ensure that your device doesn’t send or receive signals that could potentially interfere with the airplane’s communication and navigation systems.

Activities for iPads in Airplane Mode

You can’t access the internet while your iPad is in airplane mode. That’s why I recommend downloading games, ebooks, apps, movies, music, TV shows, etc., beforehand.

  • Watch a Movie or a TV-Show
  • Read an eBook
  • Listen to Music
  • Listen to a Podcast
  • Organize & clean your iPad
  • Play Offline Games
  • Do some Drawing

Games To Play in Airplane Mode

The enjoyment and intensity of the game can make you lose track of time, leading to the feeling that time is passing faster than it actually is. This is something we all want during our flights, so here are some great games to play while your iPad is in airplane mode.

Candy Crush Saga

Candy Crush Saga is a popular puzzle game that can be played in offline mode(airplane mode).

It stands as one of the most popular mobile games ever, and it has millions of players all over the world. The objective is to switch and match candies, solving puzzles with quick thinking and strategic moves. The game offers a variety of challenges, including Target Score, Clear the Jelly, Collect the Ingredients, and Order Mode.

Players can enjoy thousands of levels in the Candy Kingdom, with new additions every two weeks.

Download on App Store

Sudoku Number Game

The Sudoku app provides a vast collection of classic sudoku puzzles to help users keep their minds active. The game allows players to choose their preferred difficulty level, ranging from easy to expert, providing a personalized challenge.

Download on App Store

Monument Valley 2

Monument Valley 2 is an enchanting puzzle game. It invites players to guide a mother and her child through a mesmerizing journey of magical architecture. The game features illusionary pathways and delightful puzzles that unveil the secrets of Sacred Geometry.

Download on App Store

Asphalt 9

Asphalt 9: Legends is a thrilling car racing game available exclusively on the App Store.

Players can collect and customize over 200 hypercars from prestigious manufacturers like Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini. The game allows users to upgrade their cars, choose custom colors, add carbon parts, and more for a fully personalized racing experience.

Download on App Store

Angry Birds 2

Angry Birds 2, the world’s premier bird-flinging, pig-popping game, invites players to wield the slingshot and launch birds at the piggies’ towers, toppling them to safeguard the precious eggs.

Players can strategically choose their birds, take on multi-stage levels, and confront formidable Boss Pigs. Daily challenges provide quick rewards, and leveling up birds with feathers enhances their scoring power, allowing players to build the ultimate flock.

Download on App Store

FAQ

Are iPads allowed during takeoff?

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration, it is okay to use small electronic devices such as phones and tablets throughout the flight. Therefore, they are allowed during takeoff, but you have to put them in airplane mode.

Can I use Bluetooth on planes?

Yes, you can use Bluetooth devices such as headphones or earbuds during a flight. These gadgets are short-range and won’t cause any communication interference. However, you might be asked to turn them off during the takeoff and landing.

Is airplane mode useful when I am not on a plane?

Yes, you can use airplane mode even if you are not traveling anywhere. If your kids often play with the iPad, switching on the airplane mode will prevent them from accidentally calling your contacts or making purchases online.
They will still have plenty of things to do, such as enjoy offline games, read books, draw, or even take photos.
It’s useful to enable airplane mode to eliminate distractions.

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ernests embutnieks wolfoftablet
Founder & Chief Editor | +37122300405 | ernests@wolfoftablet.com | + posts

I'm a writer and editor in iPads & Android Tablets, Windows Tablet section. I'm passionate about technology, especially about tablets. I'm on a mission to assist people in discovering their ideal tablets. In addition, I'm dedicated to producing helpful how-to guides and sharing top-notch tips and tricks. In my early carrier I founded and became and editor at worldoftablet and have been a guest author at many other tech blogs. In wolfoftablet I'm focusing on iPads, Tablets, Apple Pencil, Apps, Reviews, Buyers Guides and Tablet Accessories. In free time I like to play games on my PS5 or iOS.