Trains, Planes, and Pepper Spray
Both stun guns and pepper spray have become extremely popular self defense tools over the last few years I am often asked about the legal restrictions on travel with these items. Even though both stun guns and pepper spray are legal in most states there are a few precautions that should be taken before you travel, especially if your travel plans include a commercial airline flight.
• First of all be sure to take a few minutes to check for restrictions on either product at your destination. Even though they are legal at you departure point, they will most likely be confiscated if your destination point does have restrictions.
• Second, all commercial airlines have restrictions concerning travel with disabling devices or chemicals. Neither pepper spray nor stun guns can be carried on your person or in your carryon luggage. You can however, place both items in your checked luggage. Pepper spray canisters cannot exceed a four ounce limit.
• Third, check to be sure that your pepper spray canister has a locking device. This will insure that it will not accidentally discharge in your baggage while on the plane.
• Fourth, be sure to tell the airlines that you have a stun gun or pepper spray canister in your checked luggage and that it is in a place where it can easily be located. They are obligated to check the pepper spray canister to be sure that it has a locking device.
The most important thing that I tell my customers when traveling with either product is not to try to conceal them. With the commercial airlines use of metal detectors and X-ray machines they are sure to be detected, even those canisters disguised as lipstick or other items. If you will follow these five basic tips you should be able to travel with both items without incident.
Here are two quick links to check for the areas with pepper spray or stun gun restrictions.