The use of pepper spray or capsicum oleoresin is legal for 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 tricky, especially if you’re 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 chemical or incapacitating device is prohibited, and these regulations are strictly enforced. Specific rules regarding pepper spray state that you are prohibited from carrying a spray on your person or in your carry-on luggage. If you feel like you need defense spray at your destination, it is possible to get it there as you can pack 4oz pepper spray cans or containers. or less in your checked baggage. Most of the purse or pocket size cans of pepper spray you will find are usually 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 it is in the bag.

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

Don’t hide your defensive spray in your carry-on

If you think you’ll want to have 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 go 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 ensure you still have it to protect yourself when you arrive.

Check all state and municipal pepper spray regulations for your travel destination

In addition, you’ll want to make sure you carefully review the laws related to 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 aerosol OC in certain states, such as Massachusetts (requires a firearms card), New York (limitations at point of purchase), Wisconsin (limitations on the 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 your pepper spray at home.