The items allowed on a plane are extensive and only preclude those objects the authorities believe could be used to disrupt the flight or injure a passenger. The TSA has settled whether handcuffs are allowed.
The TSA allows handcuffs to be brought onto a plane as carry-on and checked-in luggage. This is good news for collectors who may be transporting handcuffs to events and to private security officials who use handcuffs regularly.
Can You Bring Handcuffs On A Plane?
While you cannot bring loaded guns, straight razors, ice picks, gel shoe inserts, throwing stars and nun chucks, fireworks, Christmas crackers, and flares on a plane, handcuffs are not a problem, and they appear on the TSA’s list as allowed items.
It does not matter whether they are strong steel handcuffs used by law enforcement or pink and frilly handcuffs used for personal purposes. There is no restriction on the size, number, or type of handcuffs you can bring in a plane.
Included in the list of allowable items on a plane are whips, leather clothes, masks, and rope. So, if your need to carry handcuffs relates to these items, you are in luck because you can bring them all on the plane.
While it may be an extreme measure, if you want to handcuff yourself to the armrest and ensure that you do not have to share it, now is your opportunity!
The airlines are allowed to impose their own restrictions regarding carry-on goods.
These may be more demanding than the TSA’s, so if the passenger is attending a handcuff convention and wants to take examples from your collection, check with the airline that everything is in order.
In the worst-case situation, the airline will ask the passengers to pack them in their checked-in luggage for carriage in the aircraft hold.
What Happens If TSA Finds Handcuffs In Your Bag?
If the TSA officer is in a cheerful mood, there may be some off-color jokes about what you intend to use the handcuffs for. However, along with any other items for use with the handcuffs, there will be no issue if they are found in your bag.
Can You Bring Handcuffs Through TSA?
You will be allowed to carry the handcuffs (even if there are several) through the TSA checkpoint and onto the plane without difficulty.
Can You Bring Handcuffs Through Airport Security?
Subject to any restrictions the individual airline imposes, you will have no difficulty bringing the handcuffs through airport security.
Can You Bring Handcuffs In Your Carry On?
You can bring handcuffs into the aircraft as part of your carry-on luggage. You can even carry the handcuffs on your person without any official raising the alarm.
Of course, if you decide to use them on a fellow passenger, it would have to be at the specific request of a cabin or flight crew member and only carried out with the specific intention of restricting the movements of an unruly passenger.
Can You Bring Handcuffs In A Checked Bag?
Yes, you can bring handcuffs in a checked bag. It is probably the better option because it will prevent all of the embarrassing questions which may be asked if someone notices what you are carrying.
Can You Bring Handcuffs Into America?
Yes, you can bring handcuffs into America, and there is no need to declare them. If the TSA or customs check your baggage, carrying handcuffs into America will be no issue.
Can You Bring Handcuffs Into Canada?
There are no restrictions related to bringing or carrying handcuffs on a person in America.
The Canadian authorities specifically allow the following items to be carried on a plane and brought into Canada.
- Plastic tie wraps are used as restraint devices (e.g., flex cuffs)
- Mini keychain handcuffs
- Small objects shaped like guns or handcuffs (e.g., pendants, charms)
You can even carry potentially dangerous items like a knife into Canada if you obtain pre-clearance.
Can You Bring Handcuffs Into The UK?
There are no restrictions on bringing handcuffs into the UK. Once in the UK, they can be carried on a person’s body in public places.
Anybody can carry handcuffs in the UK. However, if they are used by anyone other than an on-duty policeman in a lawful arrest, there will be a case involving the police and the courts.
If the passenger is on the way to a fancy dress party, the only interest they would get from the police would be professional curiosity concerning the quality and where they were purchased.
If the passenger were to handcuff someone, they would have to exercise a duty for that person until those handcuffs are removed.
Can You Bring Handcuffs Into Europe?
There are no restrictions on bringing handcuffs into any European Union countries.
Can You Bring Handcuffs Into Australia?
The Australian Border Force takes a different view on carrying handcuffs than the other countries reviewed in this article.
They recommend that to save the passenger an embarrassing scene at airport security, the handcuffs, cable ties, and other personal devices be packed into the checked-in baggage and transported in the aircraft hold.
Once in Australia, a license is required to carry handcuffs and other restraint devices in public.
Do Commercial Aircraft Carry Handcuffs?
All airlines carry several handcuffs and restraint kits onboard each aircraft they fly.
The restraint systems include.
- Handcuffs
- Cable ties
- Extension seatbelts
- Gags
Unfortunately, the cabin crew is in a unique situation when managing an unruly passenger.
They have to manage the situation entirely on their own, without help from other law enforcement officials, because they cannot escape the situation or call the authorities for assistance on board during the flight.
Because of this, all flight attendants and pilots receive comprehensive training in using each system as part of their security training.
Training includes not only the physical restraint to be applied but also the ability to take charge with an authoritative voice and take control of the situation psychologically.
They also receive training in how to restrain an unruly passenger or other threats to the safety of the aircraft while in flight.
What Happens If A Prisoner Is Transported On A Flight?
Depending on why the prisoner is in handcuffs, there would be one or two officers escorting them.
When the prisoner and escorts check in, the senior officer will make the crew aware that they are on board.
The officer will also brief the crew regarding the status of the prisoner and will advise them of the degree of restraint they will be applying.
In most instances, these travel arrangements relate to people being deported, so there will only be a small chance of a disruption being caused.
The group will generally sit at the back of the aircraft, typically bypass the terminal, and would board first from outside the jetway.
