The use of pepper spray or capsicum oleoresin is legal for your personal protection and self-defense in most states. However, transporting defense spray or another incapacitating chemical or device (such as a stun gun) from one place to another can be somewhat tricky, especially if you are traveling by plane. Current airline restrictions are very strict and for good reason. The limitations exist to keep all passengers and employees safer.

What pepper spray products are allowed?

There are certain limitations on what you can actually carry while traveling by plane; specifically, traveling with any other incapacitating chemicals or devices is prohibited, and these rules are strictly enforced. The specific rules regarding pepper spray state that it is prohibited to carry a spray on your person or in your carry-on baggage. If you feel you need defense spray at your destination, you may be able to get it there since you can pack 4 oz containers or cans of pepper spray. or less in your checked baggage. Most purse- or pocket-sized cans of pepper spray you’ll find are generally 2.5 to 3 oz. range, and rarely larger than 4 oz., so this shouldn’t be a problem.

Tell the airline you have OC spray

If you choose to pack a small can of defense spray or a stun gun in your checked baggage, you must declare this to the employees at the baggage counter. They will probably want to inspect the can (this is usually required by law) and make sure there is a locking safety device to prevent accidental discharge while inside the bag.

While most self defense aerosol dispensers are small enough to fit in your bag or pocket, remember that you will be searched and will need to go through a metal detector before boarding the plane. Hiding the container can get you arrested.

Don’t hide your defensive spray in your hand luggage

If you think you’ll want your defense spray or stun gun for your personal protection at your final travel destination, then it’s very important to be aware of airline safety regulations regarding how to properly pack your spray. Unfortunately, if you try to get through security with the spray on your person or in your carry-on, it will likely be confiscated. Packing it securely in your checked luggage at the start of your trip is a much better way to handle the situation and make sure you still have it to protect yourself when you arrive.

Check all state and city regulations regarding pepper spray for your travel destination

Additionally, you’ll want to be sure to carefully review the laws regarding personal protective devices and chemical deactivation in your destination state. It is important to understand that there may be specific limitations on the legality of having OC spray in certain states, such as Massachusetts (requires a firearm card), New York (limitations at point of purchase), Wisconsin (limitations on concentration of pepper spray or other chemicals), Washington DC (pepper spray must be registered), California (limits container size), and Michigan (limits ingredients and container size). In Canada, pepper spray is completely illegal, so if you’re headed to Canada, leave the pepper spray at home.