Traveling with playing cards of high value, like Pokémon cards, can be a nerve-racking experience, especially when you’re taking a plane. It’s important they don’t sustain any amount of damage and stay safe until you reach your destination.
So, can you bring Pokémon cards on a plane? Yes, it’s possible. But, there are some problems and issues in doing this. You should first evaluate how much value you place on the cards before attempting to bring them on a plane. That said, you have some options available.
The main thing to keep in mind is ensuring their safety throughout the course of the trip. This means if you can take a few precautions, you should be able to travel with them without incurring much damage. But, also be equally aware that you cannot guarantee their safety 100%.
Is It Okay to Bring Pokémon Cards on a Plane?
Although you can bring Pokémon cards on an airplane, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. First, interaction with airport security is inevitable and this comes with its own set of concerns. Not only could an agent mishandle the cards, there are also some x-ray scanners that will pick up densely packed cards in a box and it triggers the alarm.
This will hold you up at the airport because it’s likely you will have to undergo a search. It’s not unheard of for people to miss their flights due to a search. So, at this point, you have a couple of options to think about before attempting to board the plane.
Opting for Carry-on or Check-in
If all you’re bringing is a single carry on, then it’s best to keep your cards out of your backpack while in line for the scanner. Simply put them into the tray for scanning and present them to the agents as needed.
But, if you’re going away for a long period of time or you have to bring a lot cards with you, it may be best to pack them into a suitcase. Here, though, you’ll have to weigh the risks versus the benefits.
Checked-in luggage is often not handled with care. They get tossed around, shoved, shifted and thrown. This is not the best way to keep valuable cards safe on a plane. However, there are tips and techniques for packing them into a suitcase for the ultimate in protection.
Shipping
In the event you’re nervous about safety, consider shipping them to your destination so they arrive when you do. Many hotels will accept packages for you or you could ask the people you’re staying with to see if it’s okay to ship them there.
But, depending on the number of cards, shipping and insurance may prove to be quite expensive. So, before you travel anywhere with your Pokémon cards, evaluate what’s possible and practical while ensuring the cards stay safe.
What’s the Best Way to Pack Pokémon Cards?
When traveling by plane, it’s important to pack your Pokémon cards in a safe and effective way. Whether bringing them onto the plane with you or putting them into a suitcase, you want to minimize the amount of damage they can possibly sustain.
Anticipate Damage
Remember, you not only want to pack for the things you can anticipate but also for the potential damage you can’t. This means you want to put them into a sturdy box, like a shoebox, where they fit tightly inside.
Use a Box
Pack as many cards into the box as possible and test to see if they move or shift by shaking the box around a little bit. If the cards wiggle around at all, they will sustain damage during travel. So, if there are any gaps, fill them with something to prevent any amount of shifting.
Also, it may be a good idea to encase the box in bubble wrap or soft clothing to act as a shock absorber. This will guarantee safety even further. Likewise, when using a suitcase, keep the box either at the center surrounded by softer items or at the top of the case.
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How Do You Keep Pokémon Cards Safe From Airport Security?
In the case you’re bringing the cards onto the plane with you, you’re going to have to go through airport security first. It may be a good idea to buy fast-track check-in to make things a little less stressful.
The agent assigned to this post should be more reasonable and relaxed. This will make it easier to explain the box and what’s inside along with how valuable they are to you. You’ll be able to do this without having the pressure of a huge queue of people behind you.
Regardless, always tell the guards how valuable the cards are to you and be kind when asking them to be careful with them. Ensure you make them easy for the guards to access. Having them out will signal to the agent to inspect them separately.
Final Thoughts
So, yes, you can travel on a plane with Pokémon cards. This is totally legal to do. But, airport security will be something you have to factor into the process. You can carry them onto the plane with you, but you have to expect airport security to handle them.
If you don’t like that idea, you have a couple other options to try. You can put them in a suitcase, but there’s no guarantee they’ll be treated with care. You could ship them to your destination but the costs may be more than is practical to pay for.
So while it’s feasible to bring the cards on a plane, you want to think about a few things. The logistics of packing, how valuable the cards are to you and what you can reasonably handle will all come into the equation. The most important part is to ensure their safety while minimizing damage as much as possible.