The question of whether a lighter can be brought onto an airplane has a qualified answer: yes, but only under highly specific and strictly enforced conditions. Lighters are highly regulated personal items because they contain flammable materials, posing a potential fire hazard in the pressurized environment of an aircraft cabin or cargo hold. The rules governing their transport depend entirely on the lighter’s design and its location within the traveler’s luggage. Understanding the distinction between carry-on and checked baggage is essential for navigating these regulations and ensuring a smooth security screening process.
The Core Rule: Carry-On vs. Checked Baggage
The fundamental distinction in air travel regulations centers on where the lighter is stored during the flight. Most common lighters containing fuel are permitted only in carry-on baggage or carried directly on the traveler’s person, such as in a pocket. This rule is designed to limit the quantity of flammable material in the cabin and ensure that any potential issue is immediately accessible and manageable by the flight crew.
Travelers are strictly limited to carrying only one fueled lighter per person. This quantity restriction is a primary safety measure to prevent the accumulation of multiple ignition sources. If a traveler’s carry-on bag is checked at the gate, any lighter inside must be removed and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin.
Lighters containing fuel are generally prohibited from checked baggage due to the increased fire risk in the cargo hold. An exception allows up to two fueled lighters in checked bags only if they are enclosed in a special, Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved sealed container. For the average traveler, the simplest approach is to ensure any lighter placed in checked luggage is completely empty of all fuel.
Specific Rules for Common Lighter Types
The type of ignition mechanism and fuel source dictates the specific rules for carrying a lighter through security checkpoints. Standard disposable lighters, such as the common Bic-style, which use liquefied butane gas, are allowed under the one-per-person limit. Similarly, Zippo-style lighters, which use liquid fuel absorbed into a wick, are also permitted, provided they contain only absorbed liquid fuel.
Electronic, arc, or plasma lighters operate using a lithium battery to create a high-voltage electrical arc instead of a flame. These battery-powered devices are allowed only in carry-on baggage, never in checked luggage, because of the fire risk associated with lithium batteries. Measures must be taken to prevent the unintentional activation of the heating element while on board the aircraft, such as placing the lighter in a protective case or utilizing a safety lock.
The lithium-ion batteries in these devices must not exceed a Watt-hour (Wh) rating of 100 Wh. Furthermore, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations prohibit the recharging of these devices or their batteries while on board the aircraft. These specific rules address the unique thermal runaway risk that lithium batteries pose in an aviation environment.
Prohibited Items and Lighter Fuel
Certain types of lighters and flammable accessories are universally banned from both carry-on and checked baggage. Torch lighters, also known as blue flame or jet flame lighters, are strictly prohibited in all forms of luggage. These lighters create a thin, concentrated flame that is significantly hotter and more intense than a standard lighter, often reaching temperatures around 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit.
The high heat from a torch lighter makes them a substantial fire hazard, leading to their complete ban under Hazardous Materials Regulations. Similarly, any container of lighter fluid, including butane canisters, naphtha, or gasoline, is never allowed in either carry-on or checked baggage. These flammable liquids and gases are classified as hazardous materials and cannot be transported by passengers.
Other ignition sources are also banned, including “strike-anywhere” matches, which can ignite accidentally from friction. Lighters that are designed to resemble weapons, such as a gun or grenade, are also prohibited from being carried onto an aircraft.
International Travel and Security Discretion
While the rules set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) govern travel within the United States, international regulations can vary significantly, often being more restrictive. For instance, some countries require the single permitted lighter to be carried on the person in a transparent, resealable plastic bag. Travelers flying internationally should always check the specific regulations of their departure, transit, and arrival countries, as well as the policies of the operating airline.
Despite all published regulations, the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the individual security officer. This discretion is a standard security protocol, allowing officers to restrict any item they deem a potential threat. Travelers should be prepared for the possibility that their lighter may be confiscated if the security personnel determine it presents an unacceptable risk.
Given the complexity and variation in rules, the most straightforward option is to leave expensive or sentimental lighters at home. Purchasing an inexpensive, disposable lighter at the destination is a simple way to avoid potential delays, confiscation, or the need to surrender a valuable item at the security checkpoint.