Many passengers with an upcoming flight wonder if they can bring a taser on a plane. The answer, according to the TSA, is that tasers (along with stun guns and electro-shock weapons) are not allowed in carry on bags, and are only allowed in your checked baggage as long as certain procedures are followed.
This includes transporting the taser in a manner that renders it inoperable from accidental discharge. It’s important to keep in mind that some tasers are manufactured with lithium batteries too, which can also affect whether you can bring a taser on a plane or not.
Taser Rules & Regulations: Carry On vs. Checked Baggage
Checked Baggage
As mentioned, tasers are allowed in your checked baggage as long as the following is adhered to:
- The taser is transported in a way that renders it inoperable from accidental discharge
- No lithium battery restrictions are met – i.e. lithium batteries with more than 100 watts per battery are not permitted
Carry on Bags
The TSA makes it explicitly clear that tasers are not allowed in your carry on bags. This means that if you try to take a taser through airport security, it will be identified through screening and, at best, confiscated; at worst, depending on the state which you are in and its legality, you could face a criminal charge.
By Airline
While the TSA states that tasers are allowed in checked baggage as long as it is transported in a way that renders it inoperable from accidental discharge, and the taser’s lithium-ion battery is no greater than 100 watts, airlines may have their own restrictions.
Remember that tasers are not allowed through airport security and in your carry-on bags, regardless of airline. The following information therefore only applies to checking your baggage in with each airline.
- Delta
Delta follow TSA guidelines and therefore allow you to carry a taser in your checked baggage .
- Southwest
Southwest also appear to follow TSA guidelines when it comes to transporting a taser in your checked baggage .
- United Airlines
According to United Airline’s website, as long as the power source is removed, you are allowed to bring a taser in your checked baggage.
- American Airlines
When flying with American Airlines, tasers are permitted in your checked baggage.
- Jetblue
JetBlue permits you to carry a taser in your checked baggage
- Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines refer you to the TSA’s website to check what items are and aren’t allowed. We can therefore presume that you won’t have any problems traveling with a taser in your checked luggage.
- Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines appear to be one of the few airlines that permit pepper spray in checked baggage
Unlike bringing pepper spray on a plane, airlines appear to much more rigidly follow TSA guidelines when it comes to bringing a taser on a plane.
By State
There are several states in the USA in which tasers are either banned, require a background check, or permit for civilian ownership.
Illegal for Civilian Use:
- Hawaii
- Rhode Island
Permit Required:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- New Mexico
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Background Checks Required:
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Minnesota
Domestic vs. International Flights
As just mentioned, there are several states in which tasers are either banned, require a background check, or permit for civilian ownership. Therefore, if you are flying to or from any of these states, it is important that you follow each state’s laws.
When it comes to flying internationally, you should always leave your taser at home. This is because tasers are illegal for civilian ownership in many countries around the world, including Canada, Mexico, and the UK. You will definitely run into trouble at an international airport outside the USA when traveling with a taser.
