Whether you’re a smoker or not, a lighter can be a very useful thing to have with you on your travels, so you might be wondering if you can bring a lighter on a plane.
The TSA allows passengers to pack both disposable and Zippo lighters in their carry on bags.
Both Zippo and disposable lighters, like Bic lighters, can also be packed in your checked bags, but only under certain conditions, which we will cover below.
Can You Bring a Lighter in Your Carry on Bag?
The TSA state that lighters are allowed in your carry on bags.
This includes disposable and Zippo lighters that either contain fuel or are empty.
Can You Bring a Lighter in Your Suitcase?
You are only allowed to pack disposable and Zippo lighters without fuel in your checked bags.
If the lighter contains fuel, which includes fuel residue, it is not allowed in your checked bags.
There is an exception to this rule, though.
You are allowed “up to two fueled lighters if properly enclosed in a DOT approved case”.
Airline Regulations for Lighters
Regardless if you are flying with United, Southwest, Delta, Spirit, American Airlines, or any other airline, TSA rules and regulations are followed.
So what this is means is that:
- Disposable and Zippo lighters that either contain fuel or are empty are allowed in your carry on bags
- Only lighters that don’t contain fuel OR contain fuel and are enclosed in a DOT approved case are allowed in your checked bags
Can You Bring a Lighter on an International Flight?
When traveling to and from the USA, you will be fine when bringing a lighter on a plane, as long as you follow what is mentioned above.
When travelling internationally, you will mostly be okay to bring a lighter on a plane, especially in your carry on bag.
However, there are exceptions, such as China Airlines and Malaysia Airlines.
It’s therefore best to check with the airline you are travelling with to see if a lighter will be allowed on a plane.
Can You Bring a Torch Lighter on a Plane?
Torch lighters are very popular with pipe and cigar smokers, but they are not allowed in either your carry on or checked bags.
If you’re a cigar smoker, you’ll be pleased to know that you can bring matches on a plane, though.
Can You Bring Lighter Fluid on a Plane?
Lighter fluid isn’t allowed in either your carry on or checked bags.
In fact, no lighter fluid, butane or other flammable liquid is allowed in either your carry on or checked bags.
Can You Bring Matches on a Plane?
The TSA state that you are allowed to bring a single box of safety matches in your carry on bags.
Matches are not allowed to be packed in your checked bags.
Any other type of matches, such as strike anywhere matches, are not allowed in either your carry on or checked bags.
Can You Bring Cigarettes on a Plane?
You can bring cigarettes on a plane in both your carry on bags and checked bags.
In most instances, you will be limited to bringing 200 cigarettes, or one carton, into the USA.
Can You Bring Cigars on a Plane?
The TSA state that you are allowed to bring cigars on a plane in both your carry on bags and checked bags.
Can You Bring Novelty Lighters on a Plane?
You should be okay when bringing novelty lighters on a plane.
The exception, though, is if the lighter is shaped like a gun or other weapon.
These lighters are not allowed in your carry on or checked bags.
Robert is an expert in commercial air travel with decades of experience in the travel industry, and has spent countless hours in airports and on planes for work.
Robert therefore has an unrivaled understanding of everything related to commercial air travel, and has been quoted or mentioned in major publications, such as Insider, Trip Savvy, ZDNet, and Bored Panda, showcasing his extensive knowledge and expertise in the field.
