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Camping

🐻 Bear spray

Rules differ by region: Bear spray canisters are too large and under too much pressure to be permitted even in checked baggage on most airlines. Unlike small personal pepper spray (≤118ml, permitted in US checked bags), bear spray exceeds all airline limits.

💼 Cabin bag

No

Prohibited. Classified as an irritant weapon aerosol.

✈️ Hold (checked)

No

Prohibited on most airlines. Canister too large and pressure too high. Ship ahead or buy at destination.

💡 Tip: Bear spray is a large-canister pepper spray (225–370ml) classified as an irritant aerosol weapon. It is prohibited in carry-on everywhere and prohibited in checked baggage on most airlines due to canister size and pressure. Ship ahead or buy/rent at your destination.

Common questions

No — not on most airlines. Bear spray canisters (225–370ml) are too large and under too much pressure. Ship it to your destination or buy/rent at a park outfitter.

Similar rules apply, but bear spray is larger and under higher pressure, making it prohibited even in checked bags where small personal pepper spray (≤118ml) might be allowed in the US.

Buy it on arrival at an outdoor equipment shop or park visitor centre. In popular bear country (Yellowstone, Banff, Glacier), rental is available at trailheads.

Based on official TSA guidelines. Rules vary by airline and route — always verify with your carrier before travel. · Rules last verified May 2026.

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