Can You Bring Pepper Spray on a Plane? What about Mace?

Are you planning to travel by plane and wondering whether you can bring pepper spray with you? It’s a common question among travelers, and for good reason – you want to feel safe and prepared, but also don’t want to run afoul of airport security regulations, especially if traveling internationally.

This short answer is that you are not allowed to bring pepper spray or mace on a plane in your carry-on, but you can bring it in your checked luggage (with certain limitations).

In this article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need about pepper spray and bringing other self-defense products on a plane, including what the TSA allows, restrictions, and tips to ensure a hassle-free travel experience. So read on to learn more and travel with confidence!

Can you fly with Pepper Spray?

Pepper spray is a chemical weapon that causes severe pain and temporary blindness. The liquid irritates mucous membranes, causing them to swell and bleed. This makes it possible to temporarily blind someone who comes into contact with it.

“You can bring pepper spray on board,” says TSA spokesman Michael McCarthy. “It has to be packed in checked baggage.” The Transportation Security Administration recommends packing the spray in a plastic bag or wrapping it in paper towels.

Pepper Spray in Checked Luggage

You are allowed to bring on 4 oz container of pepper spray in your checked bag. Here are the restrictions and limitations when packing pepper spray in your checked luggage:

• One self-defense spray, not exceeding 118 ml (4 fluid ounces), per passenger in checked baggage only.
• Self-defense sprays containing more than 2% by mass of tear gas (CS or CN) are prohibited.
• The device and ingredients must meet the specifications of a self-defense spray as described in 49 CFR 171.8.
• The device must include a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge (a recessed button can’t be the only safety feature; there must be an additional device such as a cap that flips up).

Do all airlines allow pepper spray in checked luggage?

If you read their guidelines, most U.S. airlines will not allow you to bring pepper spray in either your checked bags or carry-on bags. So 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.

Major Airline policies for pepper spray and mace

Here are some rules for pepper spray and mace with the major airlines in the U.S.

• American Airlines: American Airlines does not allow pepper spray. It is considered a restricted item.
• Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines classifies pepper spray as a weapon and allows it in checked baggage with some restrictions.
• Delta Airlines: Delta Airlines does not allow pepper spray. They state that Gunpowder (e.g., Pyrodex, black powder, mace, pepper spray, and tear gas) are never permitted.
• jetBlue: jetBlue states the following in their contract of carriage: Federal law prohibits hazardous materials from being included in either checked or carry-on baggage. Items such as explosives, compressed gases, oxidizers, corrosives, flammable liquids and solids, loaded firearms, radioactive materials, and poisons are considered hazardous. Some common examples of prohibited items include paints, mace/tear gas, lighter fluid, oxygen bottles, and fireworks.
• Spirit Airlines: Spirit has a list of items that are forbidden in all luggage, including pepper spray.
• Southwest Airlines: Southwest considers pepper spray a restricted item and does not allow it on their planes.
• United Airlines: United doesn’t allow defense sprays like mace, pepper sprays and tear gas on board its planes.

Pepper Spray in your Carry-On Bag

The TSA and FAA consider pepper sprays to be hazardous items. As such, you cannot bring pepper spray with you in any way when boarding a plane. You can’t keep it in your pocket, in your purse, or in a carry-on bag. The only way to bring it with you is if you pack it in your checked luggage.

Can you bring Mace on a plane?

Mace sprays contain chemicals that cause irritation to the eyes and throat. The same rules for Pepper Spray apply to bringing Mace on a plane. You can’t bring it in your carry-on, but you can put a small container in your checked luggage.

What Is The Difference Between Mace And Pepper Spray?

Mace and pepper spray are two different self-defense products.

Mace is classified as an irritant and is designed to disable people without causing permanent injury. It contains chemicals that irritate the eyes and nose, similar to tear gas.

Pepper spray is much more powerful and is designed to incapacitate people quickly. It contains chemicals that cause intense pain and temporary blindness. It’s designed to immediately incapacitate an assailant.

What About Other Self-Defense Products?

Self-defense products come in many shapes and sizes. Here are some other things you might consider:

Taser Guns and Stun Guns

Tasers are used by police departments all over the world. They use electric currents to immobilize their targets.

According to the TSA, taser guns (along with stun guns and electro-shock weapons) are not allowed in carry-on bags and are only allowed in your checked baggage if it has a safety mechanism that renders it inoperable from accidental discharge.

Knives

In general, you are not allowed to bring a knife onto a plane in your carry-on luggage. This is because the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibits certain sharp objects in carry-on bags in order to maintain safety on the plane.

However, you may be able to bring a knife in your checked luggage, provided it meets certain guidelines. For example, knives with blades longer than 4 inches are generally not allowed, and any knife must be securely wrapped or sheathed to prevent injury to baggage handlers and security personnel.

In addition to check with the TSA, it’s important to check with your airline as well to make sure they will allow knives in checked luggage.

Is pepper spray legal?

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, there are several exceptions.

• In California, pepper spray is illegal unless you’re licensed to carry a concealed firearm.
• In New York, pepper spray is only allowed if you’ve been trained in its proper use.
• In Florida, pepper spray is considered a deadly weapon.

Will I get arrested for bringing pepper spray on a plane?

If you’re caught bringing pepper spray onto a plane, you may get arrested. Federal law says that any person who brings a chemical product onto an airplane must declare it to the flight attendants before boarding the plane.

Do I need a license when carrying pepper spray?

No. You don’t need a license to carry pepper spray.

Concluding thoughts: Can you bring pepper spray on a plane?

In conclusion, the transportation of pepper spray on a plane depends on various factors, including the type of pepper spray and the airline’s regulations. Generally, pepper spray is prohibited in carry-on luggage, checked baggage, or on a person when passing through a security checkpoint.

However, law enforcement officers who are authorized to carry pepper spray as part of their official duties may be allowed to bring it in checked baggage. It is important to check with the airline before you travel to ensure you comply with their rules and regulations.

We hope that our guide to bringing pepper spray onto a plane has helped you to decide what exactly your rights are when it comes to carrying this substance in a plane and across state lines.

FAQs about self-defense products and flying