Bear spray is a very effective deterrent that has saved lives and will continue to do so, so you might be wondering if you bring a canister of bear spray on your next flight.
According to TSA regulations, you can bring bear spray on a plane in your checked bags as long as the volume of the spray is less than 4oz and the active ingredient is less than 2%.
Bear spray is not allowed to be packed in your carry on.
But there are a few other things you should know if you want to bring bear spray on your next flight.
Regardless of how small or large the container of bear spray you want to bring with you is, it will not be allowed to be packed in your carry on.
Can You Pack Bear Spray in Your Checked Bag?
You are allowed to bring bear spray on a plane in your checked bags, as long as the volume of the spray is less than 4oz and the active ingredient is less than 2%.
As most bear repellents exceed these limitations, there are very few bear sprays that are TSA-approved for air travel.
Bear sprays less than 4oz in size won’t be that much use in any case, especially against larger bears, considering the small size and number of usages you will get from the container.
If you really want to try and fly with bear spray, we recommend the SABRE Frontiersman.
The Rules Can Change When Flying Internationally
If you’re flying from the USA to an international destination, the same rules apply.
This means that as long as the bear spray is less than 4oz and the active ingredient is less than 2%, you can pack it in your checked bags.
However, when flying to and from countries outside the USA, we recommend leaving the bear spray at home.
In Canada, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority state that animal repellents like bear spray are actually allowed in your checked baggage with approval from the airline you are flying with.
However, Air Canada, which is the most popular airline in Canada, state that bear spray is not accepted in either carry-on or checked baggage.
Airline Regulations for Bear Spray
Airlines generally follow TSA regulations, but there are exceptions when it comes to bear sprays.
Delta, United, American Airlines, Southwest, and JetBlue do not allow you to bring bear spray on a plane in either your carry on or checked bags, while Alaska and Frontier Airlines allow you to pack bear spray in your checked bag.
Why Bear Spray Might Not Be Allowed
Bear spray is allowed to be packed in your checked bags if the volume is less than 4oz and the active ingredient is less than 2%.
But the reason why bear spray can’t be packed in your carry on is because it is considered a weapon – and the same applies if you want to bring pepper spray on a plane.
Bear spray has a quantity limit in your checked bags because it is very flammable, which can put the safety of passengers and the cabin crew at risk if a fire breaks out in the cargo hold.
Will Bear Spray Explode on a Plane?
Bear spray is an aerosol, so there is a very small chance that it can explode on a plane.
This is why the TSA only allows passengers to pack bear spray in their checked bags if the volume of the spray is less than 4oz and the active ingredient is less than 2%.
At these volumes, there is very little risk of bear spray exploding and a fire breaking out in the cargo hold.
You Can Mail Bear Spray to Your Destination
Generally, you can mail bear spray to the lower 48 states through a ground shipping service.
In our opinion, it’s much easier to just buy bear spray at the destination you are flying to.
You Can Also Bring Pepper Spray
According to the TSA, you can bring pepper spray on a plane, but there are restrictions that must be followed.
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.
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).
