Test the open size
A compact case can unfold into a wide board or scatter many pieces. Check the playing area against a tray table or lap, and count what can roll away. Attached or well-contained components can simplify a journey when dropped parts are difficult to retrieve.
Choose an activity that can stop
Boarding, meals and transfers interrupt play. Look for a way to close or pause the task without losing its progress. A book or contained drawing activity may fit those interruptions differently from a game that needs a continuous shared session.
Prepare before leaving
Learn the rules, load required supplies and check current carrier restrictions for anything unusual in the bag. Do not assume a quiet label means no tapping or excited conversation. For a long trip, two different manageable activities can be more useful than one large kit.