Can you bring a taser on a plane? It’s not an uncommon question, and it can be difficult to find the answer. The best place to start is with the official rules from your airline of choice.
In this post, we’ll go through some of the major airlines and let people know if United, Southwest, and other major airlines allow tasers in checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
We will also cover general airport security guidelines for traveling with a taser so that you can get ready for any potential questions at check-in!
Tasers and stun guns cannot be carried on board a plane. There are no exceptions. Although a taser can be used for self-defense, it can also be a weapon. But they are allowed in checked luggage, under two conditions.
1) The taser must not have a lithium battery. Lithium batteries can combust and cause a fire in the airplane cabin while in flight. If your taser has a lithium battery, remove the batteries and bring them with you in your carry-on bag.
2) The taser must have a safety mechanism or other method of preventing accidental discharge while in flight. If the taser is discharged while in checked baggage, this could be a fire hazard.
Learn more about the risks of transporting stun guns and other devices with lithium batteries in the video below.
It’s possible that you put your taser in your carry-on by mistake and go through airport security with it. This is not the end of the world; it happens.
In this case, the TSA won’t allow you to proceed through security. One of three things will happen.
1) The TSA will confiscate your taser.
2) You will have to remove the batteries from your taser and put it in your checked baggage. Keep the batteries with you on the plane.
3) You will need to hand the taser to a friend who is not traveling.
For your own sanity, double check to make sure your taser is secure in checked baggage with the batteries removed. You don’t want to keep people waiting and annoy the TSA agents.
Can you bring a taser on a plane? Looking at the Major Airlines
Can you bring a taser on an American Airlines plane?
American Airlines follows the TSA regulations on tasers or stun guns. They are not allowed under any circumstance in a carry-on bag. But you can bring them in checked baggage with a safety mechanism and with the lithium battery removed.
Can you bring a taser on a Southwest Airlines plane?
Like American Airlines, Southwest Airlines also follows the TSA regulations on tasers exactly. You cannot bring a taser on board a Southwest Airlines plane. As long as it cannot be accidentally turned on and lithium batteries are removed, it’s allowed in checked luggage.
Can you bring a taser on a United Airlines plane?
Mirroring TSA’s guidelines, tasers are not allowed on a United plane. They are allowed in checked baggage if batteries are removed.
Can you bring a taser on a Delta Airlines plane?
No, you cannot bring a taser on a Delta plane. You can travel with it in your checked baggage, though. Just remove the batteries or make sure it cannot be accidentally fired en route to your destination.
Can you bring a taser on an Alaska Airlines plane?
As with all major airlines, you cannot bring a taser on an Alaska Airlines plane. It is allowed in checked baggage if it cannot be accidentally discharged. Also, lithium batteries must be removed before packing your taser in checked baggage.
Read Also: What Are Weighted Blankets Made Of?
Can you bring a taser on a plane to Mexico?
You cannot bring a taser on a plane, regardless of where you are going, according to the TSA’s guidelines. It’s permitted in checked baggage if the lithium batteries are removed. However, tasers can only be used by police in Mexico, so there’s no point in bringing one in your checked baggage.
Can you travel internationally with a taser?
Yes, you can travel anywhere with a taser, but there are a couple of caveats.
1) You cannot carry a taser on a plane. It must be transported in checked luggage without lithium batteries.
2) Depending on where you’re headed, it may be illegal to carry a taser. Look up stun gun laws in your state before you travel to make sure civilians are permitted to carry them.
Can you take pepper spray on a plane in your carry-on?
You cannot take pepper spray on a plane, since it can be used as a weapon. Four ounces of pepper spray can be transported in your carry-on, though. Learn more about traveling with pepper spray in this complete article.
Are tasers legal? Stun Gun Laws by State
Note: In most states, the use of a stun gun to commit a crime is a felony. The class of felony depends on the state. Further most states only permit the use of stun guns for self-defense purposes.
This table is accurate as of May 25, 2021. State laws are subject to change, so you should check the official statutes to confirm stun gun laws in your area.
State | Are tasers legal or illegal? Under what conditions? |
Alabama | Legal |
Alaska | Legal – Illegal if under 18 – Illegal under 21 on school grounds, without the school’s permission – Illegal to carry if you’re violating a protective or restraining order |
Arizona | Legal |
Arkansas | Legal – Illegal if under 18 – Cannot give or sell a taser to someone under 18 (Class B Felony) |
California | Legal, except for: – Felons – Those convicted of assault – Those addicted to any narcotic drug – Children younger than 16 – Children 16 to 17 who don’t have a parent or guardian’s written consent |
Colorado | Legal – Illegal if you use a stun gun to commit a crime |
Connecticut | Requires a dangerous weapons permit Illegal if: – You’ve committed a felony – You’re following a restraining order – You’re subject to a firearms seizure order – You’re addicted to drugs or using them illegally – You have a history of mental illness (psychiatric hospitalization) |
Delaware | Legal in most of the state |
District of Columbia | Legal if over 18 – Can only use a stun gun to protect yourself or your property |
Florida | Legal – Cannot open carry or concealed carry without a license – Only allowed for self-defense purposes – Cannot be used by those who’ve committed a felony – Requires parent consent and adult supervision if you’re under 16 |
Georgia | Legal – Cannot use a stun gun if you’ve committed a felony – Requires a permit – Cannot carry a stun gun while in possession of marijuana |
Hawaii | Prohibited, by penalty of misdemeanor |
Idaho | Legal |
Illinois | Legal – Requires a Firearms Owners Identification Card For an FOID you must: – Be over 21 or have parents’ consent and no criminal history – Not be addicted to narcotics – Not subject to a restraining order that prohibits you from carrying a firearm – Not a felon or convicted of specific domestic violence crimes |
Indiana | Legal – same restrictions as handguns – Permit required – Not allowed to carry on school property |
Iowa | Legal – Illegal in Denison County – Cannot carry a concealed stun gun without a concealed weapons permit |
Kansas | Legal |
Kentucky | Legal |
Louisiana | Legal |
Maine | Legal |
Maryland | Legal – If you’re at least 18 years old – Requires a criminal background check – Illegal if you’ve committed a violent crime |
Massachusetts | Legal – Requires a license – Requires a criminal background check Cannot obtain a license if you are – Under 21 – Following a domestic or extreme risk restraining order – A felon |
Michigan | Legal – same as handgun requirements – Requires a background check – Illegal for felons or those who have committed certain misdemeanors (stalking, domestic violence, etc.) – Illegal for those who have a dishonorable discharge – Illegal if a court order prohibits you from possessing firearms or electronic weapons – Must be 21 |
Minnesota | Legal – Illegal if you’ve committed a violent crime or drug-related crime – Illegal for minors to carry stun guns |
Mississippi | Legal – Requires a concealed carry permit |
Missouri | Legal |
Montana | Legal |
Nebraska | Legal |
Nevada | Legal – Can only use for self-defense purposes – Illegal for felons to use a stun gun – Cannot carry a taser if you’ve been admitted to a mental hospital – Cannot sell or give a taser to someone who cannot legally carry one |
New Hampshire | Legal – Must be at least 18 years old – Illegal to carry if you have committed a felony |
New Jersey | Legal since October 2017 – Must be at least 18 years old – Illegal to carry if you’re a felon |
New Mexico | Legal |
New York | Legal since May 2019 – Must be at least 18 years old – Illegal to carry if you’re a felon |
North Carolina | Legal – Can only be used for self defense purposes – Illegal to carry a stun gun on school property – Cannot help a minor carry a stun gun on school property |
North Dakota | Legal – Requires a permit if the taser can deliver multiple bursts of electricity |
Ohio | Legal |
Oklahoma | Legal |
Oregon | Legal – Using a stun gun against a law enforcement officer is a Class C felony – Unlawful use of a stun gun is a Class C felony |
Pennsylvania | Legal |
Rhode Island | Prohibited – An amendment was proposed to Rhode Island’s stun gun laws in February 2021, but not passed. |
South Carolina | Legal |
South Dakota | Legal – must be over 18 |
Tennessee | Legal |
Texas | Legal |
Utah | Legal |
Vermont | Legal |
Virginia | Legal – Illegal if you committed a felony or serious juvenile offense when you were at least 14 Cannot be carried: – In a courthouse – In an airport terminal – On school property and school buses |
Washington | Legal – Class C felony if you assault a police officer with a stun gun – Illegal to carry stun guns on school property |
West Virginia | Legal |
Wisconsin | Legal – similar to firearm laws – Requires a license if carried outside of your home or private property |
Wyoming | Legal |
3 Best Tasers or Stun Guns for Self Defense
VIPERTEK VTS-989 – Heavy Duty Stun Gun
- PROFESSIONAL SELF DEFENSE EQUIPMENT: Powerful heavy duty stun gun flashlight combination. Delivers painful stoppping power and backed by a Lifetime Warranty.
- SNATCH PREVENTION TECHNOLOGY: Shock plates on the side of the stun gun will shock an attacker if they attempt to take the gun from you; Contoured grip aids hand alignment making it easy to use and control.
- INTERNAL RECHARGEABLE BATTERY: Our stun gun simply plugs into a standard wall outlet for a complete recharge. No Batteries needed! Charging cord included.
- ULTRA SHARP SPIKE ELECTRODES: Helps penetrate through thick clothing. COMPACT SIZE: 6.5” long x 2” wide x 1. This stun gun also comes with free wrist strap and holster case for easy everyday carrying.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The best defense is a good offense and that’s what this stun gun flashlight combination promises. The sleek black design can easily be concealed in the palm of your hand, while its features are powerful enough to subdue any would-be attacker with minimal pain.
You’ll never find yourself having trouble wrestling away from someone who wants to take it from you thanks to the powerful shock plates on this stun gun.
The contoured rubber grips are designed for comfortable use. Not only that, but with no batteries, it’s easy to recharge and use on the go.
Check out the VIPERTEK black stun gun from Amazon at the button below.
Sabre Self-Defense Kit w/Red Pepper Spray & Stun Gun
- PERSONAL PROTECTION YOU CAN TRUST: SABRE is the #1 pepper spray brand trusted by police & consumers & a leader in the personal safety category; The strength of SABRE stun guns are INDEPENDENTLY TESTED to ensure reliable protection when you need it most!
- GUARANTEED MAXIMUM STRENGTH: SABREs professional-grade O.C. spray is backed by our in-house HPLC lab testing, guaranteeing maximum heat & stopping power in every burst & eliminating the 30% failure rate experienced with other brands (U of Utah study)
- PROTECTION AGAINST MULTIPLE THREATS: Small ½ oz pepper spray has an impressive 10-foot (3 m) range with 25 bursts deployed in a powerful stream to decrease wind blowback; Includes keyring for easy attachment on-the-go
- EXTREME STOPPING POWER: Strong, pain-inducing stun gun flashlight delivers 1. 60 µC charge (intolerable pain) to maximize your self-protection when faced with an attacker; Safety switch prevents accidental discharge
- DEFENDS UP CLOSE AND AT A DISTANCE: Intimidating 95 dB zapping sound and bright 120 Lumen LED flashlight can help disorient from a distance, possibly allowing you to escape to safety before needing to use the stun gun
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
For more than 30 years, SABRE has been a leader in personal protection for every lifestyle. Keep yourself safe with the #1 pepper spray brand trusted both by police and consumers.
With 10-foot radius, you’ll be capable of defending against multiple threats no matter the distance from your target!
This kit includes a stun gun and pepper spray so you’ll be well equipped to stop attackers in their tracks.
Take a look at the SABRE Self Defense kit at the link below.
CALFVIC Stun Gun – Rechargeable with Safety
- Powerful Self Defence. This powerful stun gun for women and man uses high frequency circuits for increased output to emit 1.600μC charge. Self defense kit makes the opponent feel unbearable pain in a short distance. Contact with the attacker for 1 to 2 seconds can cause muscle cramps and mental dizziness. To provide reliable protection when you need it most, you need to simultaneously move the slide switch to the top and press the red trigger button.
- ANTI-GRAB Design. The upper side of the stun guns is made of Aircraft Aluminum structure, more durable. Specially designed shock plates on both sides to prevent attackers from snatching stun guns from your hands and shock the intruder. You do not have to be concerned about the effects of the charge hitting you even if the assailant touches you while being stunned, you will not feel the effects of the charge.
- LED Tactical Flashlight Design. Super bright LED flashlight 120 lumen provides safety and illumination, and will produce greater visual impact in the event of danger. Strong light can be used for 2 hours. Rechargeable flashlight, fully charged in 5 hours, easy to operate by moving the switch. This electric shock uses an ergonomically designed handle, everyone can comfortably hold and operate the stun gun for self defense. Say goodbye to the stun guns that cannot be held!
- Suitable for Many Occasions. The included wrist strap and leather belt holster allow the stun gun to be carried with you. Whether in parks, unmanned streets, shopping malls or corridors, we can use it to protect our safety. Single flashlight, strong light use for 2 hours. Continuous electric shock can be used for 10-15 minutes. When the current is generated, a huge noise will be emitted, so that other passers-by can pay attention to the abnormality.
- Our brand is committed to producing the best products based on customer experience. We are very confident in our products, if you have any questions, please contact us. We will do our best to help you solve the problem.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This powerful stun gun comes with a high-frequency circuit for increased output to emit a 1.600μC charge and is sold exclusively at our store! The upper side of the device features an Aircraft Aluminum structure, which combines durability while preventing attackers from snatching your weapon away in an attack.
This taser has specially designed shock plates on both sides that will prevent attackers from snatching the stun guns away before it delivers its painful electric shocks.
This unit also includes a super bright LED flashlight 120 lumen so safety during nighttime is ensured.
Take a look at the CALFVIC stun gun from Amazon below.
Thanks for reading our article ‘Can you bring a taser on a plane?’ Remember that it’s not allowed in your carry-on luggage, but you can bring it with you in checked luggage. Just remove any lithium batteries first.
Also, check out the table in this article to make sure you can carry your stun gun where you’re going. Stun guns are legal to carry in all states except Rhode Island and Hawaii, with some exceptions.
Thanks for reading! For more air travel tips, check out the ‘Can I bring?’ articles below!
Related Articles
Can you bring pepper spray on a plane?