We accumulate a lot of random items in our bags that sometimes it’s hard to know what’s in there unless you clean it out. Whether you’re a smoker or not, you may end up with a lighter in your carry-on. Up until recently, these have been prohibited in luggage, regardless of whether it was checked or carry-on luggage, which was embarrassing if you didn’t know it was in there!
Fortunately, these restrictions have been loosened a bit, and you can now bring a lighter on a plane. However, there are some restrictions as to what type and where in your bag you can carry it. Let’s explore what types of lighters you can bring in your bags to help you prepare should you need to bring a lighter with you for any reason.
Key Takeaways
- You can bring certain types of lighters on a plane, but there are restrictions and precautions you need to take to ensure they don’t pose a safety threat.
- Plastic and disposable lighters are allowed in carry-on luggage, while fuelless disposable and Zippo lighters can be carried in checked bags.
- If your lighter is confiscated by airport security, you won’t be able to get it back, so it’s best to leave it at home or pick up a cheap one at your destination.
Lighters In Carry-on Luggage
Plastic lighters are now allowed in carry-on luggage. So if you have a common plastic Bic that you picked up at a gas station, you should be good to go. These lighters are non-refillable, so once you’re done with the existing lighter fluid, you throw them out. These are similar to disposable razors and can be carried within reason in your carry-on luggage or personal item.
Additionally, you can carry arc lighters, plasma lighters, electronic lighters, and e-lighters, but you must take special care to ensure they don’t accidentally light during a flight. This includes taking out the battery, putting it in a protective case, using a protective cover, safety latch, or locking mechanism on the activation button, and more. The more precautions you can take, the higher chance you have of your lighter making it through airport security.
Security may flag and confiscate your lighter if it does not follow these rules because it is a potential safety threat. Smoking is prohibited on all flights, so there is no reason you would need a live lighter on a plane.
Lighters In Checked Luggage
You can also carry lighters in your checked luggage, but again, you need to take reasonable measures to prevent them from accidentally igniting mid-flight. Disposable and Zippo lights are allowed in checked bags, but they cannot have fuel. If your lighter has fuel, it cannot be in your checked luggage.
Again, if your lighter alerts security during bag scanning, it could be confiscated by airport security. You do not want your bag to accidentally ignite and cause a fire while in the cargo area, so they take scanning your checked luggage very seriously for any danger.
What Happens If My Lighter Gets Confiscated?
Unfortunately, if your lighter gets confiscated by airport security during bag scanning, there’s not much you can do. You can repurchase a lighter within the airport or once you get to your final destination. You will not get it back from airport security once it has been taken.
Many airports have designated smoking areas, so if you need it to smoke, you can always ask another traveler for a light. Lighters can easily trigger security if you’re not careful, so unless you need them, it’s best to leave it at home and pick up a cheap one at your final destination.
So, Can I Bring A Lighter On A Plane?
Yes, you can bring a lighter on a plane in both your checked and carry-on luggage; however, there are certain types that are acceptable according to airport security. Disposable and disabled lighters are able to travel in your carry-on bag, while fuelless lights can be carried in your checked back.
Consult local regulations prior to traveling to ensure your lighter will not be confiscated during your travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can you bring a lighter on a plane?
Yes, you can bring certain types of lighters on a plane, but there are restrictions and precautions you need to take.
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What types of lighters are allowed on a plane?
Plastic and disposable lighters are allowed in carry-on luggage, while fuelless disposable and Zippo lighters can be carried in checked bags. Arc lighters, plasma, electronic, and e-lighters are also allowed in carry-on baggage with precautions.
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Can you bring a Zippo lighter on a plane?
Yes, but it cannot have fuel and must be carried in checked luggage.
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What precautions should you take when bringing a lighter on a plane?
You should take precautions to prevent accidental ignition during the flight, such as taking out the battery, using a protective cover, safety latch, or locking mechanism on the activation button.
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What happens if your lighter is confiscated by airport security?
If your lighter is confiscated by airport security, you won’t be able to get it back. You can purchase a new one at your destination or ask another traveler for a light.
