Want to travel? Can you bring an Oculus Quest 2 on a plane?
Understandably, you’re going to have a bunch of questions regarding this, as the policy on what you can carry on board your flight seems to change every month.
Yes, you can bring your Oculus Quest 2 on a plane. You must bring it as a carry-on, declare it to the TSA officer at the security checkpoint, and refrain from using it during takeoff or landing.
Let’s find out more about this!
Can You Bring an Oculus Quest 2 on a Plane
In this guide, we will answer all these questions so you’ll know the exact steps to bring a VR headset like the Oculus Quest 2.
We’ll give you some tips and tricks on how you’ll be able to escape the boredom of a long flight.
TSA Guidelines and Security Checks
One of the first things you must know when traveling is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines.
They have set up policies for electronic devices you’re allowed to bring on board.
Here are some things you need to know about electronic devices like the Oculus Quest 2:
- You must take out your VR headset and place it in a separate bin for X-ray scanning.
- If you have TSA PreCheck, there’s no need to remove it from your bag.
- Request a private screening if you don’t want others to see your VR headset.
Note: Some airports have different procedures or requirements for electronic devices, so checking them before you travel is a good idea.
Carry-On vs Checked Baggage
There are two different ways to pack your Oculus Quest 2 headset when flying in a plane.
You can stash it in your checked baggage or put it in your carry-on.
There are pros and cons to both options, so let’s compare them:
Carry-On Luggage | Checked Baggage |
Keep an eye on your Oculus Quest 2 | Don’t have to worry about taking it out of your bag at the security checkpoint |
Prevent it from getting lost, stolen, or damaged by baggage handlers | Pack more accessories for your Oculus Quest 2 without worrying about weight |
Allow you to use your Oculus Quest 2 during the flight | Risk losing your headset |
Take it out of the bag at the security checkpoint unless you have TSA PreCheck | Get it damaged from rough handling and extreme temperatures and pressures in the cargo hold |
Find space for it in the overhead compartment to store | You can’t use your Oculus Quest 2 during the flight |
As you can see, there’s really no definitive way to pack your VR headset during the flight.
Ultimately, it depends on your preferences, travel situation, and risk tolerance.
Tip: We recommend that you pack it in your carry-on bag, giving you more control and flexibility over your device.
Limitations of Bringing an Oculus Quest 2 on a Plane
While you’re generally allowed to bring your Oculus Quest 2 on board your flight, there are some limitations that you need to be aware of.
After all, a VR headset is a totally different device compared to a phone, tablet, or laptop.
Here are some of the limitations that you need to be aware of:
- You won’t have much space to move your head and hands on a plane.
- You will need to set up the Guardian boundary system or deactivate it.
- You may get motion sickness while using VR on a plane.
- You might annoy curious passengers or crew members on the flight.
- You need to be mindful of the comfort and safety of others during the flight.
Benefits of Bringing an Oculus Quest 2 on a Plane
Despite the limitations and challenges of bringing an Oculus Quest 2 on a plane, there are also a few benefits that you’ll enjoy.
For one, you’ll get to bring the content you want to watch, which is already a big plus.
- Provide you with endless entertainment options, from games to movies and VR apps.
- It gives you a sense of immersion, especially while traveling on a plane for hours.
- Allows you to work on projects and tasks using apps like Virtual Desktop.
Drawbacks of Bringing Your Oculus Quest 2 on a Plane
While there are several benefits to bringing and using an Oculus Quest 2 on your flight, there are also drawbacks.
Here are some of them:
- The Oculus Quest 2 is not compact and will add weight to your luggage.
- The added accessories, controllers, and headphones will add to the weight.
- It’s not cheap or risk-free and can be a valuable target for thieves or hackers.
- It requires an internet connection, so using in-flight for long periods is not ideal.
Now that you know the benefits and drawbacks of bringing your Oculus Quest 2 on your flight, you can make that decision.
If ever you decide to bring your device, we have tips and recommendations to make your experience as smooth as possible.
The Best Way to Pack and Bring Your Oculus Quest 2 for a Flight
Can you bring Oculus Quest 2 on a plane? Now that you’ve decided to carry it let’s look at the best way to pack it.
As an electronic device that costs quite a bit, it’s understandable that you want to take good care of it.
Here are the best tips and recommendations:
- Use a hard carrying case for your Oculus Quest 2 and its accessories.
- Protect your VR headset’s lenses from scratches and dust with a lens cover.
- If you are using the headset in-flight, use a strap or headband to secure it.
Preparing for Security Checks
Before you board the plane, you will go through security checks at the airport.
It is one of the first hurdles you want to overcome to bring your Oculus Quest 2 on the plane successfully.
Here’s how to prepare for it:
- Before you leave for the airport, check the TSA guidelines.
- Once at the screening area, remove your headset from your bag or carrying case.
- Protect your headset by placing the lens cover and wrapping it in a cloth or towel.
Tip: Be prepared to explain your Oculus Quest 2 VR headset to the TSA agent, as they may need to become more familiar with the device.
In-Flight Use
Once you’re onboard the plane with your VR headset, you might be eager to use it immediately.
However, there are a few things that you need to consider before you pull it out of its case and put it over your head.
- You need to turn off your Oculus Quest 2 during takeoff and landing.
- Some VR content causes motion sickness or discomfort.
- Avoid VR content that involves a lot of movement, like racing games or simulators.
- Don’t watch content that is scary or violent.
- Don’t use your VR headset for an extended period.
- Use headphones or earbuds for privacy.
Note: Be considerate of others and respect their comfort and safety while using your Oculus Quest 2 to pass the time during the flight.
International Travel
If you’re traveling internationally, there are a few additional things you need to take into account.
Here are some of them:
- Check with customs if you need to declare your Oculus Quest 2 and its accessories.
- Check the voltage and plug type of the country you’re going to.
- Some countries will have a different network, so ensure your headset is compatible.
Tips on Getting the Most Out of Your Oculus Quest 2 on a Plane
Depending on your destination, it can be between a few hours to nearly a day that you will be in an airplane.
There are several ways to get the most out of your Oculus Quest 2, especially if you’re on an extremely long flight.
Here are some tips and tricks to follow:
- To save time and bandwidth, download your VR content before your flight.
- Lower your brightness settings so as not to disturb other passengers.
- Disable features such as hand tracking and voice commands to save battery.
- Take breaks in between to avoid eye strain and fatigue.
Note: If you’re going to use your VR headset in flight, enjoy the experience so you don’t get bored during the flight, but make sure not to disturb other passengers.
Conclusion
Can you bring an Oculus Quest 2 on a plane? Yes, and for the most part, you won’t run into any issues bringing it and using it while you’re up in the sky.
Do not use it during takeoff and landing, and be considerate of other passengers.
If you want to know more about Oculus Quest 2 and other VR headsets, visit our blog!
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues.