TSA-Approved Self-Defense Weapons You Can Actually Put In Your Checked Luggage

A woman traveling from LAX to Philadelphia in 2024 was stopped by TSA for possessing knives, a box of fireworks, pistol-shaped keychains, pepper spray, and a pair of thread scissors — all in her carry-on luggage (per KTLA5). While some understandably may feel nervous when it comes to traveling and therefore want to have protection on hand — there are strict TSA rules travelers must follow to ensure the safety of their fellow passengers. Unfortunately for those who really want to show off their cool self-defense tactics, this will probably need to wait until landing — as most, if not all, self-defense items are only allowed in your checked luggage (not carry-on). 

Some items, such as pepper spray or mace have stricter regulations even in checked luggage, while things such as personal alarm keychains are fully approved. Even if an item is technically allowed on the flight, however, TSA officials have the final say as to what they deem safe. If you are unsure if an item can be taken on a plane or not, call your airline or contact TSA ahead of time to double-check. With that said, let's dive into today's topic — self-defense weapons you can bring along with you in your checked luggage.  

When it comes to items like pepper spray or mace, some airlines strictly forbid it, while others allow it to be packed away in your checked luggage. Major airlines such as JetBlue, Southwest, and United don't allow pepper spray at all, so it is important to check the airline's website before packing. The same can be said for your destination — while pepper spray is legal in all 50 states, there are still rules and regulations that need to be followed, and each state is different. Some countries or states may have restrictions on the size or formulation of pepper spray that you can carry. On any airline, pepper spray is not allowed in carry-on luggage, and this applies to keychain-sized canisters as well. 

TSA allows each passenger to bring one 4 fluid ounce container (or less) in their checked luggage. It must also have a safety lock or feature in order to prevent accidentally setting it off. Most manufacturers provide instructions on safe handling and storage. Any spray with more than 2% tear gas is strictly prohibited, so be sure to triple-check before packing. Consider labeling your pepper spray container with your contact information in case it gets separated from your luggage. If required by the airline or TSA, notify the security personnel during the screening process. If you're unsure about bringing pepper spray, consider purchasing it at your destination. Many retailers in tourist areas cater to travelers looking for self-defense products.

Stun guns and tasers are generally permitted in checked baggage but not carry-ons. Most stun guns are equipped with certain batteries that require passengers to remove them (typically lithium) and place them in their carry-on luggage, away from the gun itself. It is best to contact your airline carrier to confirm its particulars when it comes to storing batteries. Even if your stun gun or taser is placed in your checked baggage, TSA still has the final say on whether or not your weapon can pass through the checkpoint. Clear communication (such as letting both the airline and TSA officer know what you are bringing) will help the process go much smoother.

The voltage limit of stun guns varies depending on the state, and all states except for Rhode Island, recognize them as a legal self-defense weapon. Some states require civilians to possess a concealed carry permit or a concealed weapons permit to both purchase and carry stun guns. Local ordinances can sometimes overrule state laws, meaning certain cities can enforce their own regulations. Being prepared with the proper paperwork and knowledge of city regulations will help your trip go off without a hitch. 

Firearms are another self-defense weapon that are surprisingly allowed aboard planes. Unloaded firearms may be transported in a locked hard-sided container in checked baggage only. Even if there are "snakes on a plane," you'll have to find some other form of defense against them. Passengers must declare the firearm or ammunition to the airline when checking their bags at the ticket counter. According to the its website, the TSA informs passengers to be aware "that the container the firearm was in when purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage." TSA also has certain regulations on what is considered a "loaded" weapon. For example: "If an individual has a firearm in accessible baggage and ammunition in his/her pocket, or any combination where the individual has access to both, the firearm is considered loaded for purposes of assessing a civil penalty." 

Its website goes on to say that only the passenger claiming the firearm should have access to the key or combination, unless otherwise asked by TSA personnel. All firearm parts (including ammunition) are prohibited in carry-on luggage but may be transported in checked luggage. Speaking of ammunition, the TSA website goes into specifics: "Small arms ammunition (up to .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge) must be packaged in a fiber (such as cardboard), wood, plastic, or metal box specifically designed to carry ammunition and declared to your airline. Ammunition may be transported in the same hard-sided, locked case as a firearm if it has been packed as described above. You cannot use firearm magazines or clips for packing ammunition unless they completely enclose the ammunition." Items such as toy weapons or replica firearms also are required to be packed away in checked baggage.

Self-defense items categorized as any sharp-bladed objects like knives or swords are generally only permitted in checked luggage, as long as they are sheathed and stored away properly. Thrusting weapons such as fencing foils are also considered dangerous and must be wrapped and put away in checked luggage. While TSA flirted with the idea to allow small pocket knives in carry-on luggage back in 2013, it quickly reversed its decision after significant pushback. Now, all pocket and Swiss army knives are required to be packed away in your checked luggage. Knives with rounded blades or blunt edges without serration or teeth (such as butter knives or plastic cutlery) are also allowed in carry-on luggage. 

In general, most sharp objects are prohibited in carry-on bags (such as multipurpose tools with knives), however multi-tools with scissors less than 4 inches are allowed in carry-on bags. As with most of the above-mentioned items, certain states and countries have stricter regulations when it comes to things like knives and swords, so check online before you bring your bag of knives with you. For example, certain states prohibit the possession or use of switchblades or butterfly knives. While in the U.K., it is illegal to carry an offensive weapon, including a knife, in public. 

There are a few other self-defense items that are allowed in your checked luggage, again at the discretion of TSA agents. Things like Kubotans (short rods typically made of plastic), other self-defense keychains, tactical pens, brass knuckles, and defense rings are not technically allowed in your carry-on luggage — however, it is important to call your airline to clarify if you are still unsure. Baseball bats and Black Jacks (small bludgeoning devices) are allowed as long as they are in your checked luggage. 

Certain everyday items that you are allowed to bring with you in your carry-on can also double as self-defense weapons. Items such as a sturdy pen, a metal water bottle, knitting needles (without blades), and S.O.S. jewelry are allowed on board with you. If your main concern is your safety before you land (or you just don't want to deal with purchasing new self-defense items upon arrival), these nontraditional self-defense weapons function well in the sense that you won't have to deal with legalities or worry about getting flagged by TSA.