Quick Answer
⚠️ TSA allows cap guns in both carry-on and checked luggage — but if the toy looks realistic, it may be confiscated.
✅ Caps (ammunition) are also permitted, since they are not live explosives.
⚠️ Toy guns resembling real firearms are always risky in carry-on.
Details
- Carry-on:
- Cap guns are permitted, but TSA officers may flag them if they resemble a firearm.
- Brightly colored or clearly toy-like versions pass more easily.
- Caps (small paper/plastic rolls or ring caps) are allowed but may be inspected.
- Checked luggage:
- Cap guns and caps are allowed.
- Safer to pack here if the toy is realistic-looking.
- Replica rule:
- Realistic replicas of firearms (including cap guns) are treated as restricted and can be confiscated.
- International flights:
- Some countries ban importing toy guns that look real, even if harmless.
TSA Cap Gun Rules Summary
| Item Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Bright toy cap gun | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Realistic-looking cap gun | ⚠️ May be confiscated | ✅ Allowed |
| Cap ammunition (toy caps) | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Appearance matters: If a cap gun looks like a real firearm, it will likely be taken.
- ✈️ Noise concern: TSA may test or question cap ammunition since it makes small pops.
- ✈️ Best practice: Pack cap guns in checked luggage to avoid delays.
- ✈️ Customs restrictions: Some countries strictly ban toy guns of any kind.