Can I bring a lighter on a plane? This is one of the most common questions that people ask themselves when preparing for their flight. While some lighters are permitted, there are restrictions as to what type you can bring and how it’s packed in your luggage.

Hand with a lighter in it, flicking it on. - can I bring a lighter on a plane?

Arc lighters, electronic lighters, and plasma lighters are not allowed on a plane or in carry-on bags. But you can bring one disposable or one zippo lighter on a plane, according to the Department of Transportation. They are allowed in checked bags too, as long as they don’t have any fuel. If you want to bring lighters with fuel in checked baggage, they must be in a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved case. You can bring up to two lighters in checked bags if they are packed correctly.

Read on to learn more about how your lighter should be packed in your luggage and what types of lighters are allowed!

Can you bring a Bic lighter on a plane?

You can bring one Bic lighter on a plane. According to the Department of Transportation, you can only bring one lighter that uses a flammable gas like butane or a flammable liquid like Zippo lighters.

Bic lighters use butane. They fall under the category of disposable lighters which are allowed on a plane according to the TSA. A disposable lighter is one that you throw out when it runs out of fuel.

Can you take a cigarette lighter on a plane?

Disposable lighters or Zippo lighters are allowed on a plane without fuel. If you want to bring a lighter with fuel, it must be in your checked bags in a Department of Transportation approved case.

Disposable lighters are lighters that you throw out when you run out of fuel. Zippo is a brand of cigarette lighters, which the TSA allows on a plane without fuel.

Can I take a lighter on a domestic flight?

Yes, you can take one disposable or Zippo lighter on a domestic flight with fuel. There’s no limit to how many empty lighters you can bring, but you may be subject to additional screening when you go through airport security.

Can you take a butane lighter in checked baggage?

Butane torch lighters are not allowed in checked baggage unless they are in a DOT approved case. If so, you can bring up to two butane torch lighters. But they are not allowed to carry on a plane. Bic lighters, which use butane, are allowed on a plane. 

Liquid fuel lighters must have an absorbent lining like a Zippo lighter. Otherwise they are not allowed on a plane. You can bring up to two lighters in your checked bags as long as they are approved by the Department of Transportation.

What happens if a lighter is found in your checked luggage?

If a lighter is found in your checked luggage, the TSA agent may check if it’s empty. You can carry as many empty lighters as you like, but it may take some time to get through security. If the lighter has fuel, it must be in a DOT approved case. You cannot have more than two lighters in checked baggage in DOT approved cases.

If you can’t take all your lighters with you, you’ll have to give them to someone who is not traveling. You could empty the lighter, too, but that takes some work.

If you’re interested here’s a quick video on how to empty and refill a Bic lighter with butane.

Can you pack a lighter in checked luggage?

You can pack up to two lighters in checked luggage if they are in DOT approved cases. A DOT approved case is a durable, airtight case that prevents any fuel from leaking or sparks from igniting during travel. Stray sparks in an airplane cabin can lead to dangerous fires so the TSA is strict about how lighters are packed.

Related: What Size Luggage Can Hold 50 lbs?

What are DOT approved cases for lighters?

Some lighter companies like Zippo, Colibri, and Prometheus manufacture DOT approved cases for lighters. This allows you to travel with lighters that contain fuel in checked baggage. You can even travel with torch lighters, as long as they are secure in a DOT approved case. You can’t bring more than two lighters in DOT approved cases on a plane.

You can find the DOT approved cases on the companies’ websites or occasionally on Amazon.

Is a Bic lighter DOT approved?

Yes, you can bring one Bic lighter on a plane. The lighter must be in your carry-on bag or in your pocket, not in checked baggage. You can bring up to two butane torch lighters in checked baggage if they are secure in a DOT approved case.

Are torch lighters allowed in checked baggage?

Yes, torch lighters are allowed in checked baggage. But they must be packed in a case approved by the Department of Transportation. Any lighter fluid that leaks into the airplane cabin poses a huge risk of igniting a fire, endangering everyone on board. So you don’t have any wiggle room when it comes to this rule. A DOT approved case is required for torch lighters with no exceptions.

Can you bring an electric lighter on a plane?

Unfortunately, you can’t bring an electric lighter on a plane or in checked baggage. The TSA also does not allow arc lighters or plasma lighters on a plane or in your checked bags. There’s no way around this, so be sure to leave it at your house before you head to the airport. If you bring it, it’ll be confiscated, so be sure to double check your bags!

How do I carry a lighter on a plane?

The lighter must be in your carry on bag or in your pocket. Don’t use your lighter on the plane as it is a fire hazard.

Hopefully this article on bringing lighters on a plane has helped you prepare for your next trip! If you still have lots to pack, be sure to check out our other ‘can I bring?’ articles below!

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