What Self Defense Device Can You Pack in Your Baggage?

Here we look at what the prohibited self defense devices in your carry-on baggage are, helping you avoid any unwanted fines.

Nowadays, it goes without saying that there are more people turning their attention to self defense devices such as stun guns and pepper spray for increased protection when they need it the most. After all, you never know when someone is going to target you, which is why it’s always a good idea to have a device you can rely upon on hand to help you out.

However, saying that, there are times when relinquishing your self defense device is a requirement, particularly when it comes to your carry-on baggage even if this may seem, for many, the time when they need extra protection.

Saying that though there comes a time when you don’t want to find yourself confined 30,000 feet in the air with an individual who may have had too much to drink wielding a weapon designed to cause maximum harm. Not only that, but if a bullet blows out a plane window then in a matter of seconds the plane will depressurise forcing the air toward the exit including debris and people near the window who aren’t strapped in.

While we hope that most people will correctly stow any weapons in their checked baggage, according to the Transportation Security Administration last year they prevented 505 firearms from making it through security checkpoints; that’s around five to seven a day.

One thing to bear in mind is that while any sort of shocking device is not permitted in carry-on baggage, it is okay to pack these in your checked baggage. The TSA website has an extensive list available for those who want to know what they can and cannot pack before flying.

Self defense sprays such as pepper spray and mace spray are also prohibited in carry-on baggage; however, while they are permitted in checked baggage the allowed amount is four ounces (118ml) provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. If the spray canister contains over 2 percent by mass of tear gas (CS or CN) then it is prohibited in checked baggage also.

Knowing what you can pack and what you cannot will not only make your travel run smoothly, but it will prevent you from obtaining an unwanted fine that can reach into the thousands plus time spent in jail. Not exactly the best way to start a holiday.