Prohibited items
Self-defence items — Air Travel Rules in India
Last updated: 6 Jul 2026Reviewed by Ms. Rubab Nizami, Lead AVSEC Faculty
In short
Self-defence sprays, stun devices and similar items are prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage on most Indian carriers.
- Cabin baggage
- Not allowed
- Checked baggage
- Generally not allowed
What counts as self-defence items?
Common examples of self-defence items include Pepper spray, Stun guns, Knuckledusters. All of them are treated the same way at Indian airport security, so the rule below applies to every item in this group.
Can self-defence items go in checked baggage?
In checked baggage: generally not allowed. Self-defence sprays, stun devices and similar items are prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage on most Indian carriers. If in doubt, pack the item in checked baggage or leave it at home rather than risk it being confiscated at the checkpoint.