Whether you’re a cigar smoker, plan to spend some time in the great outdoors, or want to bring matches with you to your next destination for any other reason, you might be wondering if you can bring them on a plane.
Yes, you can bring matches on a plane.
However, the rules vary depending on whether you are planning on bringing matches in your checked bags or in your carry on bags.
The type of matches you are planning to bring can also matter.
Are Matches Allowed in Checked Bags?
The TSA state that you are forbidden from bringing any type of matches in your checked bags.
This includes safety matches.
Are Matches Allowed in Carry-on Bags?
The TSA state that you are allowed to bring a single box of safety matches in your carry on bags.
Can You Bring Safety and Strike Anywhere Matches on a Plane?
If you want to bring matches on a plane, the type of matches matter.
You are only allowed to bring safety (non-strike anywhere) matches on a plane.
This is because strike anywhere matches can ignite on any rough, hard, and dry surface, which means that they can accidentally ignite, which could lead to disastrous consequences when flying.
Do All Airlines Let You Bring Matches on a Plane?
All airlines, whether that be Delta, Southwest, United, JetBlue, American Airlines, or any other airline follow TSA guidelines.
This means that regardless of what airline you are flying with, you can bring one book of safety matches in your carry on bag.
Can You Bring Matches When Flying Internationally?
Now you know that you can bring a single book of matches on a plane when flying domestically within the USA, but can you bring matches on a plane when flying internationally?
The answer is that it can depend on the country, but even more so on the airline.
- Canada: CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) state that safety matches are permitted in carry on bags, but airlines may have their own restrictions.
- UK: The UK permits passengers to travel with safety matches in their carry on bags (or hand luggage as the Brits call it).
- Europe: Europe is a big place, but you should be fine to bring a box of safety matches on a plane. One thing to note is that it’s better to keep the matches on you instead of putting them in your carry on bag.
- Australia: When flying from Australia, you are allowed to travel with a box of safety matches in your carry on bags.
Can You Bring a Lighter on a Plane?
The TSA state that lighters are allowed on a plane, in your carry on bags. This includes disposable and zippo lighters that either contain fuel or are empty.
The TSA also state that “disposable and Zippo lighters without fuel are allowed in checked bags”.
If the lighter contains fuel, it is not allowed in your checked bags.
However, the exception to this is that you are allowed “up to two fueled lighters if properly enclosed in a DOT approved case”.
Can You Bring Cigars on a Plane?
If you’re wondering if you can bring matches on a plane, you might also be wondering if you can bring cigars on a plane.
After all, every cigar aficionado knows that a lighter will burn too hot, ruining the smoke and leaving a taste.
The TSA state that you are allowed to bring cigars on a plane in both your carry on bags and checked bags.
You can also bring cigarettes and chewing tobacco on a plane.
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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.
