Quick Answer
❌ No. TSA prohibits paintball guns in carry-on luggage.
✅ They are allowed in checked luggage.
⚠️ CO₂ or compressed air tanks must be completely empty before flying.
Details
- Carry-on:
- Paintball guns, markers, and related parts are not allowed.
- Treated as firearm replicas.
- Checked luggage:
- Paintball markers are permitted.
- Must be unloaded and packed securely.
- CO₂/compressed air tanks are allowed only if the regulator is removed and the tank is visibly empty.
- Protective gear:
- Masks, pads, and uniforms are fine in carry-on or checked.
- Ammunition (paintballs):
- Paintballs are fragile but permitted in both carry-on and checked.
- Best to pack in padded containers to prevent breakage.
- International flights:
- Customs may restrict importing paintball markers or CO₂ tanks.
TSA Paintball Gun Rules Summary
| Item Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Paintball gun / marker | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Paintballs | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| CO₂ / compressed air tank (empty, regulator removed) | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| CO₂ / compressed air tank (full) | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Tanks must be empty: Full CO₂ or compressed air tanks are strictly prohibited.
- ✈️ Replica issue: Paintball guns look like firearms, so TSA bans them from cabins.
- ✈️ Paintball breakage: Keep paintballs cushioned to prevent leaks in bags.
- ✈️ Customs restrictions: Some countries ban paintball guns entirely or classify them as firearms.