Self-defense may be top of mind when you’re traveling, especially if you’re traveling alone. One of the most popular items you may consider bringing with you is pepper spray. Thankfully, you can carry pepper spray with you, but it has to be in your checked bag. Here’s all you need to know about carrying pepper spray as you travel.
Key Takeaways
- Pepper spray is allowed on a plane, but only in checked luggage, and it must have a safety mechanism in place to prevent accidental discharge.
- The amount of pepper spray allowed in checked luggage is one 4-ounce or 118-milliliter container, and it must not exceed 2 percent tear gas by mass.
- Pepper spray is prohibited in carry-on luggage, regardless of the size, and violating this rule could result in the item being confiscated by airport security.
- It’s important to check local regulations before traveling with pepper spray, especially when traveling internationally.
- When packing pepper spray in checked luggage, it should be securely locked and, ideally, placed in a plastic bag to prevent accidental leaks.
Pepper Spray and Checked Bags
Often when you’re checking your bag, it doesn’t matter how big your liquids are. You don’t have access to them, so it really isn’t of concern to airport security. That’s not the case when it comes to traveling with pepper spray. If you don’t adhere to the following limitations, your pepper spray will be confiscated and discarded.
- You are allowed one 4-ounce or 118-milliliter container of pepper spray in a checked bag. It must have a safety mechanism in place to prevent accidental discharge. If the locking mechanism is broken, you should get a replacement before traveling.
- The pepper spray should be two percent or less by mass of tear gas. Anything more should never be packed in your luggage. It is prohibited.
As a general rule, it’s best to check with your airline to ensure your pepper spray is allowed on the flight, even in a checked bag. It is up to the airline security if it is safe to travel with in a checked bag, and there will be a note in your luggage if they confiscated it for any reason.
Local regulations may also determine if it’s safe to travel with pepper spray, so make sure to check prior to traveling and consider alternative options if you worry your pepper spray may be confiscated.
Pepper Spray and Carry-on Luggage
Pepper spray is not allowed in your carry-on luggage, regardless of the size. If an airport security agent finds that you are traveling with it, it will be confiscated. This item poses a significant security risk, especially if it goes off while en route.
Most air in the cabin is recycled, so if it is tainted with pepper spray, it will become a huge problem for all passengers. What will start out as something to give you peace of mind will quickly become a nightmare if that were to happen, so save the pepper spray for your checked luggage.
Even if your pepper spray is less than 3.4 ounces, the 3-1-1 rule does not apply. It is not safe to travel with in a carry-on bag, even if the item is sealed in a quart-sized bag.
Local Regulations and Pepper Spray
It is legal to carry pepper spray in the United States as long as it does not exceed the allotted strength for civilian use. However, if you’re traveling internationally, you need to check local regulations to make sure they are not different. There are no universal rules that apply to pepper spray when traveling.
So, Can I Bring Pepper Spray On A Plane?
Yes, you can safely bring pepper spray on a plane as long as it is secure in your checked bag. It cannot exceed 4 ounces or 2 percent tear gas. Otherwise, it will be confiscated from your bag. Pepper spray is never allowed as part of your carry-on luggage.
If you are traveling with pepper spray, you need to make sure it can be securely locked. You may also want to secure it in a plastic bag to prevent any accidental leaks that could cause discomfort when you open your luggage. Traveling is hard on bags, and the last thing you want to happen is for them to rupture accidentally!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I bring pepper spray on a plane?
Yes, you can bring pepper spray on a plane, but only in your checked luggage, not in your carry-on bag.
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What are the limitations of bringing pepper spray on a plane?
You are allowed to bring one 4-ounce or 118-milliliter container of pepper spray in your checked bag. It must have a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge, and the tear gas must be 2 percent or less by mass.
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Can I bring pepper spray in my carry-on bag if it’s under 3.4 ounces?
No, pepper spray is prohibited in carry-on luggage regardless of the size, even if it is less than 3.4 ounces.
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Why is pepper spray prohibited in carry-on luggage?
Pepper spray is prohibited in carry-on luggage because it poses a significant security risk. If it were to go off while en route, it could cause a disturbance on the plane and affect all passengers since the air in the cabin is recycled.
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Do I need to check local regulations before bringing pepper spray on a plane?
Yes, checking local regulations before bringing pepper spray on a plane is important, especially when traveling internationally. Rules and regulations may vary depending on the location.
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How should I pack my pepper spray in my checked luggage?
Your pepper spray should be securely locked in your checked luggage, and it’s a good idea to place it in a plastic bag to prevent any accidental leaks that could cause discomfort when you open your luggage.
