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.
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
Bringing a Taser in Your Carry On
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.
Airline Taser Regulations
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 a taser in checked baggage.
Taser Regulations 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
Leave the Taser At Home When Flying Internationally
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.
You Can Bring Pepper Spray Too
You are allowed to bring one 4 fl. oz. (118 ml) container of pepper spray in checked baggage, but are not allowed to bring pepper spray through airport security in your carry on bags.
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.
Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.
Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.
Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).
