Can You Bring Pepper Spray in Your Carry-On? Here’s the Answer

Can You Bring Pepper Spray on a Plane? Is it legal? The answer will depend upon the airlines you are traveling with and the place you are traveling to. Let’s get into the details for more clarification.

Prevention is better than cure; the quote is perfect for this situation, as we are going to describe the self-defense strategies one can carry while traveling on a plane. No one wants to spoil their trip while thinking about any mishap or emergency, but it is still human nature to get anxious while traveling to a new place. Besides that, it’s better to carry some protective tools for safety with you to avoid any harm. One such example is ‘pepper spray’. It is portable and simple to carry in a handbag.

Can You Bring Pepper Spray on a Plane?

As a precautionary measure, one should be ready to tackle any emergency, and if traveling to a new city, do proper research about the city and thereafter start packing. One of the easiest things to carry and keep handy is pepper spray. Not to mention that it is the most commonly used self-defense tool for everyone’s safety.

However, not every airline allows the use of pepper spray on international or domestic flights. According to the rules of the TSA, pepper spray is not allowed in the plane. Nevertheless, certain airlines permit pepper spray in checked luggage only. So, you can keep it in your checked luggage. That is why we recommend you go through the policies and rules of the airlines you are traveling with. Apart from that, the TSA has established some rules for self-defense sprays that are not allowed on airplanes.

Rules to carry pepper spray on flight:

• The TSA allows only 4-ounce containers of pepper spray on plane in checked luggage, and the purpose should be to prevent accidental situations only.
• It should not be easily accessible to everyone, opening your luggage for checking.
• Self-defense sprays that have more than 2% mass tear gas (CS or CN) are strictly prohibited in checked luggage.

Why is pepper spray restricted on flights?

The use of pepper spray on plane is restricted for many reasons, but the foremost one is that it can be used as a weapon other than a self-defense tool. In addition to being naturally flammable, the spray’s hazardous fumes can cause respiratory problems, and its liquid form can damage electrical equipment. These factors render it unlawful and enforce all applicable limitations.

Pepper spray affects metal detectors.

The use of pepper spray sets off metal detectors. Hence, always check the list to remember what belongs in carry-on luggage and what belongs in checked luggage. For more information, you can directly contact the transportation and security administration.

Is it illegal to carry pepper spray?

The answer will depend upon various factors that are influenced by the state you reside in and the place you’re visiting. Some states have minimal restrictions, while others require the proper license of the dealer from whom you are purchasing it. Therefore, always check the laws of your state before buying or carrying pepper spray.

However, for self-defense it is allowed to carry pepper spray, and the carrier should be over  18 years of age. Some restrictions, according to different states, are briefly explained below:

• Only 2 ounces of canister are allowed in Florida.
• In Michigan only 1.5 ounces is allowed.

Do all airlines allow pepper spray on flights?

No, all airlines won’t allow you to carry pepper spray on plane. While some allow only checked baggage, others restrict that as well. If you are planning to travel and packing spray in your bags, then go through the guidelines of the airlines thoroughly and then plan the trip accordingly. Some of the airlines and their restrictions are briefed below:

• Delta airlines strictly restrict the pepper spray or bear spray on flights.
• In United airlines also, pepper spray is not permitted, not in checked baggage too.
• American airlines restrict pepper spray in carry-on as well as checked baggage.
• Hawaiian airlines allow passengers to carry spray in checked baggage as per the TSA’s regulations.
• In Jet blue airliners, any kind of self-defense tool, especially sprays, are not allowed due to security reasons.

Other types of self-defense tools passengers can carry on planes are:

If your main concern while traveling is safety and the restrictions on certain items make you nervous, you can wear jewelry or a watch, which can also serve as a safety tool.

These jewelry items can be utilized to track your location; you can contact your trusted contacts in case of emergencies and even the police. They have life saving features that can reduce your anxiety before boarding the flight.

While packing, check the traveling checklist for pepper spray:

• Does the spray canister meet the TSA’s regulations?
• Does my airline allow pepper spray in checked baggage?
• If traveling to Canada- is it legal to carry pepper spray at my final destination?
• How to protect myself without pepper spray?

Conclusion

To conclude, we can sum it all up by saying that before carrying pepper spray or any other self-defense tool on a flight; you must go through the guidelines of the airlines and follow the TSA’s regulations too.

If your airlines allow pepper spray on plane in checked baggage, then read all the rules of the TSA and pack accordingly. It should be for self-defense only. For more such valuable information, you can subscribe to our newsletter, and if you are looking for flights from USA to India, you can contact our team at ExploreMyFlight for offers and discounts.