Can You Bring Pepper Spray on a Plane? What Self-Defense Tools are Allowed on Planes?
Introduction
Traveling can be a great way to see the world and experience new cultures, but it's important to remember that there are risks involved. Whether you're exploring a new city or traveling to a foreign country, it's important to take steps to protect yourself from harm.
One of the best ways to stay safe while traveling is to be aware of your surroundings and avoid putting yourself in dangerous situations. If you're visiting a new city, it is especially important to do your research ahead of time and learn about common scams and dangers. And if you're traveling abroad, make sure to familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs.
When it comes to self-defense, you want to have as many options as possible. That's why it's important to know what is and isn't allowed on planes.
In this blog post, we will discuss some different self-defense tools that are allowed on planes and what their restrictions are. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, knowing ahead of time what you can and cannot bring with you is always a good idea!
Can you carry pepper spray on a plane?
If you're planning to go on a trip and want to safeguard yourself, you've probably wondered to yourself "can you bring pepper spray on a plane?" The TSA does not allow you to carry pepper spray on a plane with you. However, you may be able to pack it in your checked luggage, so long as it meets certain requirements that are specified by the TSA and assuming the airlines that you are using to travel allows it.
TSA has a list of items that are allowed and not allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. For self-defense items, the agency states that "Self-defense sprays (i.e., tear gas and pepper spray) are prohibited in carry-on bags but may be packed in checked luggage."
Do all airlines allow pepper spray in checked baggage?
Not all airlines will allow you to have pepper spray in checked baggage, whether or not you can check in the pepper spray will depend on the airline. Some airlines in specific such as JetBlue, Southwest, and United prohibit carrying on or checking pepper spray in your bag. If you're planning to travel with pepper spray, it's always best to check with your airline beforehand to make sure that you're following their rules and regulations.
Rules for pepper spray in checked luggage
Assuming your airline allows it, the TSA only allows you to have one 4-ounce container of pepper spray in your checked baggage as long as it has been equipped with a safety mechanism that is used to prevent accidental discharge.
If you have pepper spray in your checked baggage, make sure that the container is clearly labeled and that it is not directly accessible to anyone who might open your bag. According to the TSA, self-defense sprays containing more than 2 percent by mass of tear gas (CS or CN) are prohibited in checked baggage.
What are some self-defense tools that you can carry on a plane?
If you're worried about your safety and would like to have a self-defense tool with you at all times rather than in a checked bag, you can utilize invisaWear jewelry.
Ever since I was a little girl, I always loved the idea of being able to help people in danger. So when I heard about invisaWear bracelets, I knew that I had to have one.
These bracelets, necklaces, and keychains are designed to help keep people safe by sending their location and contact information to five trusted contacts and optionally the police. And for me, that's a life-saving feature.
You see, I'm a single mom and my daughter is my world. She means everything to me and I would do anything to protect her. And that's why I always carry an invisaWear bracelet with me, just in case something happens.
These pieces of jewelry contain a panic button that you can press twice and it will send a text message alert to 5 contacts of your choice and optionally the police letting them know that you're in danger. In the text message, there will be a link that shows your live GPS location.
This jewelry does in fact work worldwide, however, you do need cellular data or WiFi for it to function properly. The contacting police feature is currently only available in the USA and Canada, if you are in a different country invisaWear will still be able to send your location to 5 preselected contacts. To learn more about how invisaWear works you can read the most up-to-date information about it here.
Why is pepper spray restricted on planes?
Pepper Spray is restricted on planes for various reasons. Although the intended use of pepper spray is for self-defense, it can be used as a weapon by an aggressor as well. Pepper spray is also restricted on planes because it's considered a hazardous material. The fumes from pepper spray can cause respiratory problems, and the liquid can damage electronic equipment. Pepper spray can also be flammable.
Does pepper spray affect metal detectors?
This can vary depending on the material that the canister of the pepper spray is made of, however, your pepper spray will most likely cause a metal detector to go off. If you set off a walk-through metal detector or hand-held metal detector, you will be asked to remove the item that set off the alarm.
If you have any questions about what you can bring through TSA security checkpoints, you can contact the Transportation Security Administration directly.
The TSA also has a handy app that you can download to your phone which will help you keep track of what items are allowed and not allowed in both your carry-on and checked baggage.
Is it illegal to carry pepper spray?
The answer to this question will depend on a few factors that are influenced by the state in which you reside in. Some states have minimal restrictions for carrying pepper spray, while others require that it must be purchased from a licensed dealer. Before carrying pepper spray, be sure to check the laws of your state.
Pepper spray is legal to carry in every state as long as it is for self-defense purposes only and the carrier is above the age of 18, however, some restrictions may apply depending on the state in question.
For an example:
In Florida, a pepper spray canister cannot be greater than 2 ounces.
In Michigan, a pepper spray canister cannot be greater than 1.2 ounces, pepper sprays also cannot have a strength higher than 18% OC or 1.4% MC.
Can you take pepper spray abroad?
Having the ability to carry pepper spray abroad will vary on the country that you are traveling to. Some countries outlaw carrying pepper spray while others allow it. It is best to do some research on the country that you are visiting and familiarize yourself with general laws regarding pepper spray usage.
If you are traveling to a country where it is legal to carry pepper spray, be sure to follow TSA pepper spray rules and your airline guidelines regarding pepper spray.
You can visit the TSA's website here.
Can you bring pepper spray on a plane to Canada?
When deciding to bring pepper spray to a different country you should check the country's rules to see if pepper spray is legal to carry. In Canada, pepper spray is illegal to carry.
Even if pepper spray is legal in the nation you are visiting, most airlines do not allow it in carry-on luggage since it might be utilized as a weapon, but you may be able to include it in your checked baggage, depending on the airline's rules. Check with the airline you are using to travel in order to determine whether or not pepper spray is permitted in checked luggage.
Always check the regulations for pepper spray in the nation you're visiting before packing.
Can you bring pepper spray on a plane (Delta Airlines)?
Delta Airlines does not allow pepper spray or bear spray to be brought on their flights.
Can you bring pepper spray on a plane (United Airlines)?
Pepper spray is not permitted on a plane or in checked bags by United Airlines.
Can you bring pepper spray on a plane (American Airlines)?
Pepper sprays are not permitted in carry-on luggage or checked bags on American Airlines.
Can you bring pepper spray on a plane (Southwest Airlines)?
You cannot bring pepper spray on a Southwest Airlines flight, regardless of carry-on or checked baggage.
Can you bring pepper spray on a plane (Hawaiian Airlines)?
Hawaiian Airlines does allow passengers to include pepper spray in their checked baggage, as long as it complies with the TSA’s regulations.
Can you bring pepper spray on a plane (JetBlue Airlines)?
Pepper spray, mace, and other self-defense sprays are not allowed on JetBlue flights.
Pepper Spray Traveling Checklist
When deciding on whether or not to bring pepper spray with you on a trip, consider the following:
- Does my pepper spray canister meet the TSA's specification requirements?
- Does the airline I'm traveling on allow me to carry pepper spray in checked baggage?
- If traveling abroad: Is it legal to carry pepper spray at my destination?
- Will I need to protect myself while my pepper spray is away in my checked luggage?
Conclusion
To sum it all up, you can't physically bring your pepper spray with you on a plane if its on-hand or in your carry-on luggage, but you can have pepper spray in your checked-in luggage as long as it follows the TSA's specifications and your airline allows it in checked baggage. It is also important to check if the country you're visiting has any restrictions or laws against carrying pepper spray.
As always, you should employ a variety of self-defense techniques and tools. Taking self-defense classes may be beneficial, and having non-weapon self-defense items (like jewelry that can send your location to five contacts and optionally the police) can be quite useful in situations where you're unable to carry a weapon, such as on a plane.
Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more self-defense insight!