Pepper Spray | Transportation Security Administration (2024)

Carry On Bags: No

One 4 fl. oz. (118 ml) container of mace or pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. Self-defense sprays containing more than 2 percent by mass of tear gas (CS or CN) are prohibited in checked baggage. For more information, visit faa.gov.

We recommend checking with your airline as some may not allow this item in checked bags.

The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

Pepper Spray | Transportation Security Administration (2024)

FAQs

Is pepper spray enough for self-defense? ›

When it comes down to it, pepper spray self-defense is just one tool in your toolbox. While it can be effective in certain situations, it's not a magical solution that will solve every self-defense scenario and should not be relied upon as such.

What happens if you accidentally bring pepper spray through TSA? ›

Pepper Spray

One 4 fl. oz. (118 ml) container of mace or pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. Self-defense sprays containing more than 2 percent by mass of tear gas (CS or CN) are prohibited in checked baggage.

How effective is pepper spray study? ›

A 1999 study that examined 690 incidents of pepper spray use concluded that pepper spray was effective 85 per- cent of the time, according to the broadest definition of the term “effectiveness.”3 None of the arrestees in these incidents died in custody.

What is the failure rate of pepper spray? ›

A 30% heat failure rate in personal defense pepper spray products was reported by the University of Utah in its Quantitative Analysis of Capsaicinoids in Fresh Peppers, Oleoresin Capsicum and Pepper Spray Products, owing to the industry's “few, if any, analytical measures to determine the concentration of active ...

Can I defend myself if someone pepper sprays me? ›

That being said, let's look at some examples of legal self-defense weapons: Pepper Spray: Pepper spray is allowed in California for self-defense purposes, provided the canister size does not exceed 2.5 ounces of active product.

What is the most effective self-defense weapon? ›

What is the best self defense weapon? The best self-defense weapon is the one that you are most comfortable with and that you use properly. Some common self-defense weapons include pepper spray, expandable batons, pocket knives, stun guns, and tasers. All of these can be effective in different situations.

Can I bring pepper spray in my personal item? ›

The short answer is no, you cannot bring pepper spray onto an airplane in a carry-on bag or personal item. The long answer is you might be able to bring it in your checked baggage, depending on the size of the pepper spray and the airline you're flying.

Can you carry pepper spray around with you? ›

This means it is illegal to possess, buy, or carry pepper spray in public places without a valid reason contrary to Section 5(1)(b) of the Firearms Act 1968. Pepper sprays are classified under the Act as a weapon capable of the discharge of a noxious liquid, gas or other and are regarded as a prohibited firearm.

What self defense weapons can you bring on a plane? ›

TSA Guidelines for Non-Lethal Self-Defense Devices on Planes
  • Pepper Spray. ...
  • Pepper Guns. ...
  • Stun Guns and Tasers. ...
  • Personal Alarms. ...
  • Steel Batons. ...
  • Flashlights. ...
  • Kubotans. ...
  • Self-Defense Keychains.
Mar 24, 2024

Does carrying pepper spray actually help? ›

Pepper spray is effective, but only if you have it with you! Whether you are walking alone at night, jogging around the neighborhood, or going to and from your car in a parking lot, you always want to have your pepper spray in your hand and ready to use.

Will pepper spray stop an attacker? ›

Although there are generally no long-lasting effects of pepper spray, it can be effective in subduing an assailant so you can escape.

What spray is worse than pepper spray? ›

There are several important differences between bear spray and pepper spray. Bear spray is much stronger, covers a larger area and works from much farther away. Bear spray has a range of 20 to 40 feet, depending on the brand, the size of the can and current weather conditions.

Does pepper spray do permanent damage? ›

In most cases, your body will repair quickly after exposure to pepper spray. However, repeated exposure can lead to permanent damage to the cornea. While complications from pepper spray are uncommon, people with asthma may struggle to control their breathing after 45 minutes. These cases may require medical attention.

Are there people that are not affected by pepper spray? ›

Today, SABRE will reveal some of the most common myths about pepper spray and we will also provide you with some solid facts! You can build up a tolerance to pepper spray and in fact there is a percentage of the population which is not affected by pepper spray: MYTH!

How effective is pepper spray in a fight? ›

The answer is that pepper spray is very effective in the hands of a trained person. Pepper spray is considered a “non-lethal” personal self-defense device. However, chemical sprays have caused death, under certain conditions.

What is better than pepper spray for self-defense? ›

Bear spray is formulated to have a longer range (Counter Assault Bear Spray can reach up to 40 feet) than pepper spray (designed to only reach about 10 feet). Most pepper sprays have a lower concentration of capsaicin, the active ingredient in both products, while Counter Assault has the maximum allowed at 2%.

What can I use instead of pepper spray for self-defense? ›

SOK self defense spray is a non-toxic pepper spray alternative that is safe and has no lasting side effects. SOK is water-based and biodegradable and made out of food grade materials that can be used without environmental concerns with no collateral damage to others.

Is pepper spray better than taser for self-defense? ›

Tasers have a range of up to 15 feet, while pepper spray guns have a range of up to 25 feet. This means that pepper spray guns can be used from a greater distance, making them more effective in situations where the user needs to keep a safe distance from the attacker.

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