Can I Take Pepper Spray On A Plane
Pepper spray is usually a defensive weapon mostly used for self-defense while traveling but TSA does not allow you to take it in a carry-on bag.TSA states that pepper spray is only allowed in checked luggage but the container must follow safety mechanisms. Most airlines allow you to keep 4 ounces of pepper spray in checked bags.
Since you cannot carry pepper spray, or any kind of self-defense spray, including Mace, PAVA, and C.S., through airport security (and will be confiscated if you attempt to do so), then it follows that you cannot take pepper spray onto the plane with your carry-on bag, either. Because of the ingredients in bear spray, you cannot take bear spray on a plane, not in a carry-on bag, nor in your checked-in luggage. Bringing pepper spray and mace onto a plane can be a problem, especially if you are unfamiliar with the TSA/FAA rules and each airline’s policies.
For instance, big airlines such as United might tell you they do not allow pepper spray in checked luggage or carry-ons — a practice directly at odds with TSA. Third, you should prepare yourself that individual airlines will not have policies that are directly aligned with the TSA/FAA.
It is the Transportation Security Administration responsible for scans and searches of checked bags, so ultimately, their policies will be enforced. It should be noted the transportation security administration allows the carrying of pepper spray in checked bags, however, airlines have their own rules and regulations regarding whether pepper spray can be carried. Assuming that your airline allows you to do so, the TSA allows only a single 4 oz. canister of pepper spray in checked luggage if it has been equipped with a safety mechanism used to prevent accidental discharge.
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According to the TSA, one four-ounce container of mace or pepper spray may be brought on board the aircraft in checked luggage. Your item needs to be secured and have a security mechanism in place for it to be accepted in a checked bag, containers larger than four ounces (118 milliliters) will not be accepted in either carry-on or checked bags. Any hairspray that you carry onto the plane in carry-on luggage should be in containers of 3.4 oz or less, and should fit inside your liquids carry-on bag. In general, TSA does permit aerosols in carry-on bags, but the containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, and they must fit in your liquids bag.
TSA also says that dry shampoo, which comes in aerosol containers, is allowed in carry-on luggage, but only if the containers are 3.4 ounces or smaller. Most airlines do allow aerosols in carry-on bags, with limited quantities up to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), but pepper spray is not allowed in carry-on bags, although it is allowed in checked bags (with few airlines) with containers smaller than 4 ounces (118 milliliters), and it is also prohibited in checked bags if it contains more than 2% formulated gas. Also, the formulation of spray you are carrying cannot have more than 2 percent mass tear gas.
| Things | Ounces | Milliliters | |
| Allowed | Dry Shampoo | 3.4 ounces | 100ml |
| Not Allowed | Pepper Spray | 4 ounces | 118ml |
The biggest restriction that needs attention is a restriction requiring the spray cannot have more than 2 % mass of tear gas. You might also want to remember that if you are planning on taking other anti-tear gas sprays with you on the airplane, it should contain no more than 2% by mass of teargas (CS or CN). Second, you should limit your containers to 4 ounces, be sure that your spray has a proper safety mechanism, and be sure that you are following the 2 % limitation.
In other words, you cannot carry this in hand luggage, only a single spray is allowed in checked bags, as long as it does not exceed 4 ounces (118ml), has no more than 2% CS or CN, and has an appropriate mechanism for preventing an accidental discharge. You may be able to carry pepper spray in checked luggage, provided it meets specific requirements specified by TSA, and you are assuming that the airline that you are using for your trip allows it. You can bring protective sprays in your checked baggage, so long as they comply with the TSA guidelines for travel on planes.
One thing is absolutely clear, you cannot carry pepper spray onto an airplane in your purse or carry-on bag, the Transportation Security Administration confiscates it at a checkpoint, and no airlines permit this. While, in terms of pepper spray, airlines mostly follow TSA rules regarding bringing pepper spray and other self-defense sprays, sometimes they enforce their own rules that are far more stringent. Just as TSA has the “What Can I Bring On A Plane Rule,” FAA has Pack Safe rules.
The TSA bans items you cannot carry onto your plane; those items include acids, bleach, knives, scissors, or any other dangerous items. TSA also restricts liquids, gels, pastes, sprays, aerosols, but passengers may bring liquids to the specified limit. Spray deodorants and aerosol deodorants are considered liquids, meaning that they have to follow the TSAs liquids rules for carry-on bags and aircrafts aerosol limits for checked bags. The TSA says that aerosol deodorants are allowed in checked bags if they are not marked hazardous materials (HAZMAT), but check with your airline before traveling with these types of things.
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Keep in mind, however, that some airlines will not allow you to even carry incapacitating chemicals in luggage. If security finds any squirts of sprays in bags that are not checked, they take a sweeping approach towards passengers. If you get to the checkpoint and still have self-defense spray in your handbag, you may get lucky and get a pat-down for carrying it.
Incredibly, this is not just the kind of question that TSA gets asked a lot, it is the fact that so many people do indeed pack a Mace or Pepper Spray in their carry-on bags — and are then surprised when security confiscates them. The UK Government website, under their Hand Bag Limitations – Chemicals and Toxics, states that self-defence or incapacitating sprays (such as mace, pepper spray) cannot be taken as handbags onboard – nor can they be carried in checked bags. Hawaiian Airlines states on their site as well that any item which could be used as a weapon cannot be carried as handbags, but in checked bags, however, no Mace or Pepper Spray is allowed in both handbags and checked bags.
What happens if you take pepper spray on a plane?
Pepper spray is legal to bring on board, but it cannot be placed in a carry-on bag. A can of mace left in a handbag, or backpack could spill into the cabin, upsetting both passengers and staff. If it causes any emergency situations, it can even require an emergency landing.
What is not allowed on a plane carry-on?
All knives and sharp razors are forbidden, as well as firearms, ammunition, and pyrotechnics (such as pocket knives). Straight razors and their replaceable blades are also prohibited. The majority of instruments also cannot be stowed in carry-on luggage due to their potential for injury.