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.
Bringing a Lighter in Your Carry on and Checked 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.
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
You Can Bring a Lighter on International Flights
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.
Torch Lighters Aren’t Allowed
Torch lighters are very popular with pipe and cigar smokers, but they are not allowed in either your carry on or checked bags.
Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.
Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.
Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).
