If you’re wondering if you can bring pepper spray on a plane, the answer is that 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.
This information comes direct from TSA.
However, it is important to keep in mind a few additional rules and regulations, as well as if you are planning on flying domestically or internationally, so that if you are planning on bringing pepper spray on a plane, the process will be as smooth as possible.
You are allowed to pack pepper spray in your checked baggage as long as the following is adhered to:
The container must be no larger than one 4 fl. oz. (118ml)
The container must be equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge
You may also want to keep in mind that if you plan on bringing any other self-defense sprays on a plane, they must contain no more than 2% by mass of tear gas (CS or CN).
You are not allowed to bring pepper spray in any form in your carry on bags. This is because pepper spray is considered a weapon.
Pepper spray could easily be used by terrorists to injure and subdue the cabin crew and other passengers.
Additionally, when used in aerosol form, pepper spray becomes highly flammable.
Pepper Spray Regulations By Airline
While the TSA state that pepper spray is allowed in checked baggage as long as the container is equipped with a safety mechanism and is no larger than one 4 fl. oz, airlines may have their own rules and regulations.
Note that pepper spray is not allowed through airport security and in your carry-on bags, regardless of airline. The following information therefore only applies to checking your luggage in with each airline.
Another important thing to note is that the following information comes direct from each airline’s website, but when asked on Twitter, airlines sometimes give a different response.
We know how frustrating this can be, therefore use the following information only as a guideline.
Delta
Delta do not allow you to carry pepper spray in your checked baggage.
Southwest
Southwest do not permit you to carry pepper spray in your checked baggage.
United Airlines
According to United Airline’s website, pepper spray is not allowed in your checked baggage.
American Airlines
Pepper spray is not permitted in your checked baggage, according to the American Airlines website.
JetBlue
JetBlue is yet another airline that does not permit you to carry pepper spray 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 carrying pepper spray in your checked baggage.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines appear to be one of the few airlines that permit pepper spray in checked baggage.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines also allow pepper spray to be carried in your checked baggage.
Leave the Pepper Spray At Home When Flying Internationally
In countries like the USA and Mexico, pepper spray is legal to purchase and possess.
In many other countries around the world, such as Canada and the UK, pepper spray is outright banned, and its possession is illegal. In some other countries, a license is required to purchase and carry pepper spray.
What this all means is that if you are flying internationally, it is best to leave the pepper spray at home.
Even in countries where pepper spray is legal, it is rare to find an airline that permits you to carry it in your checked baggage. You won’t want to run into any trouble at an international airport abroad.
Will Pepper Spray Explode on a Plane?
Pepper spray will not explode on a plane, as the container will not be exposed to very high temperatures during the flight.
At worst, the container may leak or accidentally discharge.
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).
