Can You Bring Brass Knuckles On a Plane? TSA Rules

Brass knuckles, or knuckle dusters are effective self defense items when traveling, but can you bring brass knuckles on a plane carry-on?

The short answer is no. You cannot bring brass knuckles in your carry-on bags, but you can take them in your checked bag, however; you need to abide by the local laws and regulations.

If you try to do so, the Transportation Security Administration will stop you and have your brass knuckles confiscated.

You may also face legal consequences, depending on the state or country you are in.

This post looks at all types of brass knuckles and where to pack them to save yourself from unnecessary stress and inconvenience at the airports.

Let’s get started.

Please note that this post is not intended to provide legal advice. Traveling with weapons and dangerous items should be taken seriously.

Important

Can You Bring Brass Knuckles On a Plane?

TSA Rules

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) primary purpose is the airplane and passengers safety.

Items like brass knuckles could be used as a weapon to break someone’s orbital bone, or even to hijack an airplane.

This is just few reasons why brass knuckles are not allowed in carry-on baggage and through the security checkpoint, but you can bring them in checked baggage.

Here is a screenshot from the TSA website.

If someone tries to sneak a metal brass knuckle through the security checkpoint, there is a high chance it will set off the metal detector and it will get confiscated or get them in some serious trouble or even arrested.

Can Brass Knuckles Go In Checked Bag?

You can safely include brass knuckles in your checked bag.

And just like traveling with knives and firearms, you need to always keep up with the local laws and regulations.

In most cases the Transportation Security Administration will likely allow them to pass without any issues as most of the TSA clerks focus on prohibited and dangerous items like explosives and drugs.

But if the TSA officer decided that brass knuckles are not allowed at all, they will remove your brass knuckles from your bag, and place a notice inside your suitcase, that your bag was inspected, and your brass knuckles were taken.

Another scenario that may occur if the local authorities prohibit the possession of brass knuckles.

The TSA clerks will inform the airport police that you have a weapon inside your bag, and investigate why you have this item on your bag.

But don’t worry this is not a common occurrence.

Can You Fly With Brass Knuckles Internationally?

If you want to to take a brass knuckle out of the country, you need to consider the rules of your destination country.

Brass knuckles are banned in many countries, and here are some of them:

The United Kingdom, Turkey, Poland, Portugal, Bosnia, Germany, Norway, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Croatia, Finland, Greece, Russia, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Spain, Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

If your country it is not mentioned here, you can do a small research, contact your airline or the local authorities of your destination country.

Alternatives To Brass Knuckles When Traveling

Staying safe is important when you travel, but as I mentioned above brass knuckles are illegal in some destinations as it is a versatile weapon.

And if you don’t feel confident traveling with a brass knuckle, here are some other alternatives that you can take instead.

• Tactical Pens: Tactical pens are cool tools that can do a bunch of things. You can write with them, and they can also help you protect yourself. They have sharp parts or things to break glass in case of emergencies. You can’t take them in your carry-on bag, but it’s okay to pack them in your checked bag.

• Pepper Spray: even though pepper spray will not be allowed as carry-on, but it is an another option to take in your checked bag( in limited quantities).

• Personal Safety Alarms: These little devices are like your own superhero signal. When you use them, they make a really loud noise. The noise can get attention from people around you if something bad might happen. You can usually take these on airplanes and into airports without any restrictions.

Final Thoughts

Brass knuckles and most offensive weapons are not permitted in carry-on baggage, but you can always pack them in checked baggage.

Just ensure that you abide by the local laws and regulations.

If you are traveling with other types of brass knuckles, for example brass knuckles chain or even a plastic brass knuckle, the same rules will be applied with the TSA clerks, as they are considered potential weapons.

If brass knuckles are not allowed at your destination, alternatives like pepper spray, a tactical pen or even a personal safety alarms are great solutions.

Safe travels

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Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.