Flammable
Lighters
Lighters are items subject to special rules when carried on flights. While absorbed liquid or butane lighters and lithium battery-powered lighters can be carried in the cabin under specific conditions, torch lighters are strictly prohibited. Adhering to these regulations is crucial for passenger safety and compliance with aviation rules.
Baggage Rules
Cabin Baggage
✓ Allowed
Checked Baggage
✗ Prohibited
Quantity Limit
One lighter per passenger in carry-on or on one's person (for absorbed liquid/butane lighters). For lithium battery-powered lighters, battery limits apply (100 Wh or 2g lithium content).
Packaging Requirement
For lithium battery-powered lighters, measures to prevent unintentional activation (battery removal, protective case, lock).
Safety Guide
1
1. Absorbed liquid or butane lighters (Zippo-type, disposable lighters) are limited to one lighter per passenger in carry-on baggage or on one's person. Lighters that use liquid fuel but do not have an absorbent lining are forbidden.
2
2. When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or planeside, any lighter in the carry-on must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin. This prevents the lighter from being inadvertently placed in checked baggage.
3
3. Lithium battery-powered lighters (Tesla coil, arc lighters, etc.) are allowed in carry-on baggage only. Measures must be taken to prevent unintentional activation of the heating element while on board the aircraft.
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4. Examples of effective measures to prevent unintentional activation include removing the battery from the lighter, placing the lighter into a protective case, and/or using a protective cover, safety latch, or locking device on the lighter's activation button.
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5. Recharging of the devices and/or the batteries on board the aircraft is strictly prohibited. This is to prevent potential safety risks during the flight.
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6. Each lithium-ion battery must not exceed a Watt-hour (Wh) rating of 100 Wh; or for lithium metal batteries, a lithium content of 2 grams. These limits ensure the safe transport of batteries.
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7. Torch lighters (also known as butane lighters, blue flame lighters, jet flame lighters) are not allowed in the cabin or in checked baggage by both the Hazardous Materials Regulations and TSA security rules.
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8. It is important to note that lighters with unabsorbed liquid fuel, such as desk/table lighters or antique wick lighters that lack an absorbent lining, are also forbidden on flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can carry absorbed liquid or butane lighters (Zippo-type, disposable) in the cabin or on your person, limited to one per passenger. Lithium battery-powered lighters are allowed only in carry-on baggage, provided measures are taken to prevent unintentional activation. Lighters with unabsorbed liquid fuel and torch lighters are prohibited.
If your carry-on bag is checked at the gate or planeside, you must remove any lighters from the bag and keep them with you in the aircraft cabin. This rule is in place to prevent lighters from being inadvertently placed in checked baggage and to maintain safety standards.
Yes, when carrying lithium battery-powered lighters in your carry-on, you must take measures to prevent unintentional activation of the heating element while on board. This can be achieved by removing the battery, placing the lighter in a protective case, or using a locking mechanism on the activation button. Additionally, recharging them on board the aircraft is prohibited.
No, torch lighters (butane lighters, jet flame lighters) are strictly prohibited in both the cabin and checked baggage. Due to their potential for high heat and intense flame production, these types of lighters are classified as hazardous materials under aviation safety regulations.
This information is for guidance only. Your airline may apply different rules. Always check with your airline before travel.
Item Details
Item Name
Lighters
Category
Flammable