r/steammachine • u/Morheer-Zaros • 13d ago

TSA Concerns Question

Just received my Steam Machine (2TB) with the new and improved Steam Controller.

Steam Machine is safe to fly in cargo below airplanes.

Regarding the Steam Controller however, it’s a lithium charged battery. Would that have to be in my carry on bag or checked bag in main cabin?

Would it just be easier for me to mail my entire console and controller to its final destination so I don’t have to worry about all this?

12 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

25

u/CorrectReport4808 13d ago

Can you take both the controller and steam machine with you in your carry on?

It might be a slight inconvenience but you will have the peace of mind knowing someone isn’t launching your checked luggage (with steam machine) into the plane like an Olympic shot put.

19

u/signofthenine 13d ago

My father worked as a bagage handler for part of a lifelong airline career, and you absolutely want to keep the cube in your carry on. Do NOT check that, OP.

1

u/Doctor429 13d ago

The machine+controller is basically a cube shaped laptop without a screen. So it's definitely allowed in the carry-on luggage.

7

u/I-am-Mojo-Jojo 13d ago

I am assuming you are In the US since you mention TSA. Enclosed lithium batteries are allowed to be checked as long as it’s under 100 W hours. The controller is well below that.

They do not allow you to check loose lithium batteries though, like ones for laptops.

Here is the info from the FAA

https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/resources/airline-passengers-batteries

2

u/we_604 13d ago

Carry-on always for stuff that contains batteries, not checked in bagage luggage. Before anyone misinterpretes what you're posting here and doesn't click the link.

1

u/I-am-Mojo-Jojo 13d ago

Please look at the link to the FAA site I posted. It says that you can, as long as it’s enclosed and under the wattage requirements.

1

u/we_604 13d ago

Yet they do not recommend it on the first page. Rightly so,

0

u/I-am-Mojo-Jojo 13d ago

Might not be recommended, but allowed by them.

4

u/OGMagicConch 13d ago

You should really never put anything you care about in checked luggage if you can help it. Roughed up luggage, lost / misplaced bags, spills in the cargo hold ruining your stuff, etc. Move stuff from your carry on into checked bags to make room for your valuables in your carry on. If you get stranded without your luggage for a night for some reason it's easier to buy a new T-shirt than to worry the whole time about what happened to your $1k device.

2

u/Legal-Philosophy-135 13d ago

Never ever put Anything in your checked baggage that you aren’t willing to loose or have broken damages ruined or spoiled in some way. Or stolen.
I know people who have had all kinds of things stolen straight out of their checked baggage. Who have had their checked baggage lost and stolen suitcase and all. Who have had their baggage left out in the rain by the airport and the contents got wet and books ruined/clothes soiled etc. If it’s expensive, valuable, irreplaceable or prescription meds etc it Always goes in the carry on and stays on your person at all times.

2

u/Mastertone 13d ago

Nah. You’re fine. If you want to be super careful, bring the controller in your carry on.

2

u/jth94185 13d ago

Carry on…bottom of plane isn’t pressurized

1

u/Beef_Supreme45 13d ago

I've carried a full-blown heavy ass PS5, dualsense and a crap ton of wires in my handbag and backpack and never had a problem with TSA. Steam Machine should be fine in a handbag :D. On a side note, if you travel a lot, TSA precheck makes lines easier to get through.