Lighter on a plane: What you should know before traveling by plane

Can You Bring a Lighter on a Plane? Cabin and Checked Baggage Rules

Yes, you can usually take one standard lighter on a plane, but only on your person, for example in a pocket, and never in checked baggage. Lighter fuel, refills and “strike anywhere” matches are not allowed anywhere on board, and some types of lighter are refused at security.

The basic rules come from one international standard, but the details differ between countries, airports and airlines, so check before you travel.

What the international rules say

The international framework is the ICAO Technical Instructions (Part 8, Table 8-1), which national authorities and airlines apply. For lighters and matches it sets these conditions:

• no more than one lighter or one small packet of safety matches per person;

• it must be carried on your person, for example in a jacket or trouser pocket;

• the lighter must not contain unabsorbed liquid fuel; liquefied gas such as butane is accepted;

• lighter fuel, refills and “strike anywhere” matches are forbidden everywhere, including on your person;

• a lighter powered by a lithium battery needs a safety cap or another way to prevent accidental activation.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) advises passengers to read the dangerous goods information of their airline carefully, because airlines may apply stricter limits than the general rules.

Which lighters are allowed on a plane?

Zippo and other petrol lighters

ICAO, the TSA, Germany’s Federal Aviation Office (LBA) and the Norwegian operator Avinor accept lighters whose fuel is absorbed in a lining, which covers the classic Zippo, as long as you carry only one on your person. Airlines can be stricter: Lufthansa lists Zippo lighters as prohibited. If you fly with Lufthansa, leave a Zippo at home and check your own airline’s list.

Torch, jet and blue-flame lighters

These lighters produce a hot, wind-resistant flame and are not accepted by the TSA, the LBA, Lufthansa or Danish airports such as Billund. Do not pack one in any bag.

Electric, arc and plasma lighters

These rechargeable lighters are allowed in the cabin only if they cannot switch on by accident, for example thanks to a cap, a lock, a protective case or a removed battery. The TSA and the FAA do not allow them in checked bags, and they must not be recharged on board.

How to carry a lighter through the airport

• Keep it in a pocket and show it at the security checkpoint when asked.

• In the UK, GOV.UK asks you to put it in a resealable plastic bag, like the one for liquids, and keep it on you throughout the flight. It must not go in hold luggage or in your hand luggage after screening.

• If your cabin bag is checked in at the gate, take the lighter out first and keep it with you (FAA PackSafe).

• Do not carry a spare. The limit is one lighter per person.

Rules in the UK, the US and the EU

United Kingdom

GOV.UK states that you can carry only one lighter on board, in a resealable bag, kept on you and never in hold luggage.

United States

The TSA allows one butane or Zippo-type lighter in a carry-on bag or on your person. Lighters with fuel are not allowed in checked bags unless they are in a DOT-approved case. Lighters without fuel may go in checked bags. The final decision always rests with the TSA officer.

European Union and Germany

In Germany the LBA allows one commercial lighter or one small box of safety matches per person, carried on the body and not in hand luggage, and forbids both in checked baggage. Ryanair prohibits lighters with unabsorbed liquid fuel, lighter fuel, refills and “strike anywhere” matches.

What happens if a lighter is in your suitcase or found at security?

Security staff can remove a lighter from your bag, and the airport has the final say on what passes the checkpoint. An airline may also open checked baggage and take out dangerous goods; Lufthansa states that you can be held liable for items that are not permitted. Rules vary by airport and airline, so ask if you are unsure.

You can carry a lighter, but you cannot smoke

Having a lighter on board does not mean you may use it. Smoking is not allowed on commercial flights, and lighting a cigarette in the toilet can lead to penalties from the airline and under national law.

Frequently asked questions

Can you bring a lighter in your carry-on bag?

The international rule says the lighter must be on your person. Some airports let it pass through security in a bag or tray, and the TSA allows it in a carry-on, but UK rules do not allow it in hand luggage after screening. Keep it in your pocket to be safe.

Can you put a lighter in checked baggage?

No. ICAO rules and Germany’s LBA do not allow lighters in checked baggage. In the US, lighters without fuel are the exception.

How many lighters can you take on a plane?

One per person, or one small packet of safety matches instead.

Are lighters allowed on planes if they are empty?

Only the US rules say so explicitly: the TSA allows lighters without fuel in checked bags. Elsewhere, ask your airline first.

Can you fly with a Zippo?

It depends on your airline. ICAO, the TSA, the LBA and Avinor accept lighters with absorbed fuel, but Lufthansa prohibits Zippos. Check your airline’s list before you travel.

Can you take matches on a plane?

One small packet of safety matches, on your person, is allowed. “Strike anywhere” matches are forbidden.

Flight delayed or cancelled? Know your rights

Allow extra time at security if you are unsure about an item. If your flight is then delayed by three hours or more on arrival, or cancelled, Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 may entitle you to 250€, 400€ or 600€, depending on the distance of the flight, unless the airline can show extraordinary circumstances. You can check your claim on our delayed flight compensation page. AirClaim works on a no win, no fee basis.