As long as you pack your equipment in a suitcase and check that your suitcase isn't as heavy as you feel after Thanksgiving, you should have no problem flying. Even though TSA is stricter than your grandma about dessert before dinner, traveling with body armor is pretty easy to do. Protective armor is legal in all 50 states in the United States, meaning you can travel domestically and across state lines without any issues if you are traveling by train, bus or car.Īirlines have much stricter regulations on what they allow on flights. How to Navigate These Rules Depending on Where You Travel If you are a military or law enforcement professional who needs to travel with body armor, bulletproof vests or other gear, you should bring any work-related credentials that show you require the gear for your work. While not necessary, you can travel with your body armor receipts and product information for added peace of mind in case security asks about your gear. If your baggage is overweight, you can adjust accordingly to meet weight requirements in order to avoid paying this fee.Ĭarrying bulletproof gear in your checked bags is usually easier than in your carry-on bag. Keep in mind overweight bags may cost a fee ranging from $50 up to $200 (ouch!), so we recommend weighing your bag before heading to the airport. Most airlines require your checked luggage to be 50 pounds or lighter. Aka, buying steel armor will save money upfront, but will cost more to ship and travel with (among other downsides to steel (see our article here comparing materials) A standard bulletproof vest may weigh between six to nine pounds, a ballistic helmet three to five pounds and armor plates between five to 20 pounds, depending on material. One of the most important aspects of traveling with body armor to consider is its weight. I guess a bulletproof vest isn't everyone's favorite airport fashion style yet! Anyway, you can simply store your equipment in your carry-on or checked bags to travel with armor. Body armor is permitted in all 50 states and can be worn across state lines, but this doesn't mean you can wear it on a plane. While TSA will often let you board a plane with tactical gear in a checked or carry-on bag, you can't board the plane while wearing it. No, you can't wear body armor or a bulletproof vest on a plane. Hope you didn't skip leg day if you need to run the gear back to your car! Fortunately, this is rarely a concern, and we have never had this happen with our equipment. In the unlikely situation TSA officers notify you that you can't, you may need to store your gear somewhere. TSA officers are simply there to ensure everyone gets on the plane safely, and as long as tactical equipment is 50 pounds or lighter, you should be a-okay to board your flight. Heck, they could say you can't bring your favorite pair of slippers on the plane if they wanted, but you shouldn't worry. While you can fly with protective equipment, TSA officers make the final decision about anything you pack in your carry-on or checked luggage. You just need to make sure your equipment is securely packed in your luggage and doesn't exceed the weight limit for your flight. You can travel with any form of armor, including plate carriers, tactical gloves, bulletproof visors and more. On occasion, airport security may ask you a simple question about your equipment, such as why you are traveling with it, but they are just making sure all is well. In many cases, you don't have to notify TSA that you are flying with tactical equipment, such as a bulletproof vest. While you can travel with as much body armor as you want, you will have to think about weight and size limits of luggage, so no overpacking! Keep in mind, the average weight for a checked bag for most airlines is around 50 pounds. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says that, in most cases, you can travel with bulletproof vests, helmets, visors and other tactical equipment in checked or carry-on bags. Our article will help you learn how to travel with body armor. I know, there's a lot of different types of protective gear and research around what's allowed and what's not, but we have taken care of that for you. Overall, it is legal to own and wear armor in the United States as long as you are not a convicted felon. If you are traveling with body armor, including bulletproof vests, plates, helmets and blankets, you've come to the right place.Īirlines and countries have their own policies and restrictions, so it's important you understand these regulations before traveling - but it's pretty easy to travel to other states or countries with any kind of body armor. Body armor is essential for law enforcement, military professionals and even civilians.
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