Does anyone know the legality of pepper spray in Spain, or through airports getting to and from Europe? The newest post of the attack in Madrid has me a wee bit nervous. I leave next Monday for Madrid, Toledo, Cordoda, Granada, Sevilla, Mijas and lastly Fuengirola. I think I travel "smart" and "heads up" and I will be with my sister (hubby staying home-girls trip) so there will be two of us on the streets etc. Thanks for all the good advice so far.

Pepper spray is illegal in most of western Europe, definitely Spain and the UK. Customs officials will take a very dim view of anyone bringing it in from another country. Essentially, you are smuggling in an illegal weapon. Very bad idea - the most dangerous thing you'll do. <BR> <BR>Bad things happen in big cities anywhere in the world, take the usual precautions, and you'll be as safe as anywhere else.

I forgot to take my pepper spray out of my purse on a domestic flight, so I told the flight attendent and she went to consult with the plane's captain. She returned and confiscated it for the duration of the flight. None of us wanted to risk the canister exploding mid-air. It was returned to me as I exited. <BR> <BR>Can you imagine what would happen if that pepper spray leaked or exploded while you were flying over the ocean? And as others have mentioned, it's completely illegal in most European countries.

Well, I quess that answers that! Thanks so much for the info. I will leave the pepper spray at home and just try to be vigilant. No Spanish jails for me!

If you are concerned for your safety, you might want to think about carrying a whistle. It might startle the person coming after you, plus it would definitely bring attention to yourself. I've never carried one personally, but my mom did when we went to London last year and she felt better the few times we were in the tube station late at night.

advert reported

I don't see how that is a reportable advertisement, Ira. No more than listing where you got any other travel related product, or posting a link to an agency site that lists Parisian apartments.

It definitely appears to be an ad. He registered and topped other really old threads for the same thing . . .

OK, I stand corrected. Did not see the related threads.

Besides being ancient - this whole thread is moot. Since 9/11 no one is going to get on a plane with pepper spray. Even is it were legal is the destination - which it isn't.

He was selling Kosher salt to go along with the pepper spray.

The mod has nuked the offending ad!