With the world becoming a dangerous place to live in, many people have started carrying a taser for protection. That leaves some people wondering if you can carry your taser on the plane when you travel domestically or internationally.
If you are traveling and want to take your taser, you must follow TSA rules. Taking it in your carry-on bags on the plane is prohibited. Taking a taser on the plane in your checked bags will be at the discretion of the TSA officer. You must ensure your taser is rendered inoperable to prevent accidental discharge.
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– Can You Bring A Gun On A Plane?
– Can You Bring Handcuffs On A Plane?
Can Passengers Take A Taser On A Plane?
Many people have started to carry tasers to protect themselves from dangerous situations, but when it comes to taking a taser onto a plane, things are not that easy. The TSA has a long and extensive list of items allowed or prohibited to take on a plane.
Having a taser in your carry-on bag on a plane is prohibited. It is for your safety and the safety of other passengers and crew on the plane. According to TSA rules, you can take a taser, electroshock weapon, or stun gun on a plane when complying with these rules;
For Checked Bags
When you want to take your taser with you on a flight, you may only take the taser in your checked bag. The taser can only be transported in your checked bag if it is rendered inoperable to prevent and avoid accidental discharge.
You also need to ensure that you comply with their rules and restrictions on batteries. Most tasers work with lithium batteries, and unlike most other battery-operated items, you are prohibited from leaving the batteries in the taser in your checked bag when traveling on a plane.
You must take the batteries out of your taser and pack them in a separate bag or case in your carry-on bag. You can take spare (uninstalled) lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries in your carry-on bag only.
Under normal circumstances, no batteries are permitted in your checked bags unless installed in the device, but because a taser is seen as a weapon, the batteries must be removed.
Your spare (uninstalled non-rechargeable) lithium batteries are limited to 2 grams of lithium per battery. Any lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are limited to a range of 100-watt hours per battery. If you need larger spare batteries, you can do so by getting approval from the airline.
For Carry-On Bags
As tasers are considered dangerous and thus a threat, they have strict rules about taking a taser on a flight in your carry-on bag. You can not carry a taser or any other electric or battery-operated stun gun and electroshock weapon in your carry-on bag.
You are, however, allowed to take the batteries for your taser in your carry-on bag, as discussed in the previous section.
Can You Take A Taser Through A Security Checkpoint?
You are not allowed to take a taser through any security checkpoint at the airport. Taking your taser through a security point means carrying it on your person or in your carry-on bags. Overall it’s a bad idea.
Security will find the taser as you must put your carry-on bags through the scanner. As soon as they spot it (and they will), you are in trouble. If you carry it on your person, it will be found during a routine pat down or when you go through the metal detectors.
If you are found to have your taser in your carry-on bag or on your person, it will be confiscated (at best). Depending on the state you are in, you may face steep fines or criminal charges if it’s illegal in that state.
Do All Airlines Have The Same Rules For Taking A Taser On A Plane?
While the TSA’s rules on taking a taser with you on a flight are clear, do the same rules apply to all airlines? Here are the rules for different airlines;
- Southwest; Southwest is following TSA’s rules regarding tasers, and you can carry your taser in your checked baggage.
- Delta; Delta seems to be following the same rules and regulations as well, so you can take a taser in your checked baggage.
- American Airlines; When you fly on American Airlines, you are allowed to carry your taser in your checked bag as long as you adhere to the rules regarding batteries.
- JetBlue; JetBlue allows you to take your taser in your checked bags.
- United Airlines; When flying with United Airlines, you can take your taser in your checked baggage if the batteries are removed, and the taser is rendered inoperable.
- Alaska Airlines; While Alaska Airlines allows you to take other protective devices such as pepper spray on the plane in your carry-on bag, tasers must go in the checked luggage.
- Spirit Airlines; Spirit Airlines take you to the TSA website for items like tasers, so they strictly follow TSA rules.
Do The Rules Change In Different States?
Depending on what state you travel to or from, there are states where tasers are banned, restricted, and require a permit for civilian ownership or a background check.
States Where Tasers Are Illegal For Civilian Use
It is illegal in these states for civilians to use or have tasers and thus illegal to carry them through airport security or on a plane;
- Rhode Island
- Hawaii
States Where You Need A Permit
In these states, civilians can carry and take their taser on planes providing they have a permit;
- Illinois
- Delaware
- Wisconsin
- Massachusetts
- New Mexico
- West Virginia
States That Require Background Checks
These states require background checks for civilian ownership of tasers. So if you pass, you can take a taser on your flight.
- Illinois
- Minnesota
- Maryland
What About Taking A Taser On International Flights?
Just as many states have different laws and regulations on taking tasers on planes, many international flights also have different regulations. These regulations are in place as there are many countries where it is illegal for civilians to own tasers.
That’s why it is better if you leave your taser at home if you are taking an international flight. That way, you won’t unknowingly get into trouble in a foreign country.
