Can you take a lighter on a plane? What is allowed?
You are packing your suitcase and wonder where your lighter should go. Under international IATA rules, you may take one small lighter for personal use, but only on your person. Put it in your trouser or jacket pocket, not in your hand luggage or suitcase. Jet flame, torch and other "blue flame" lighters are not allowed at all. Lighter gas and refills must stay at home too.
The rule in brief
IATA, the international trade association for airlines, sets the rules for dangerous goods carried by air. Its passenger table states that you may take a small lighter if it is for personal use and carried on your person. It must not contain any loose liquid fuel. Liquefied gas, such as the fuel in a gas lighter, is permitted.
| Where | Is a small lighter allowed? |
|---|---|
| On your person (in a pocket) | Yes |
| Hand luggage | No |
| Checked luggage (suitcase) | No |
So do not leave it loose in your bag or tuck it among the clothes in your suitcase. The lighter belongs in your pocket.
Which types of lighter can you take?
Standard gas lighter
A small gas lighter, such as a disposable lighter or a Clipper, falls under this rule. According to IATA, you are following the rules if you carry it on your person. The number of lighters allowed per person can vary by airline.
Petrol Zippo
A classic Zippo uses liquid lighter fuel. IATA permits a lighter as long as it contains no "unabsorbed liquid fuel", meaning liquid that sits loose inside the lighter. In a Zippo, the cotton inside absorbs the fuel. Whether you may take your Zippo therefore depends on how full it is and how your airline applies the rule. Do not overfill it before your flight, and check your airline's policy in advance.
Jet flame and torch lighters
Does your lighter produce a blue jet flame? Then you cannot take it with you. IATA specifically prohibits "blue flame" and "cigar" lighters. This applies to your pocket, hand luggage and suitcase. Leave your jet flame lighter at home.
Windproof lighters
Most windproof lighters also produce a jet flame. You cannot take this type on a plane. If you cannot tell what type of flame your windproof lighter has, it is safest to leave it at home.
Leave lighter gas and refills at home
Taking a lighter is one thing. Taking a can of fuel is not allowed. IATA rules do not permit lighter fuel or refills anywhere: not on your person, in your hand luggage or in your suitcase. This applies to both butane gas and Zippo lighter fuel. Fill your lighter at home and leave the can there.
Check your airline's rules
IATA provides the basis, but your airline or airport security may apply stricter rules. These may concern the number of lighters or petrol lighters, for example. Flying with KLM, Transavia, Ryanair, TUI, easyJet or Brussels Airlines? Before you travel, check the prohibited or restricted items section on the airline's baggage page. If you are departing from Schiphol, check Schiphol's list of prohibited items too.
Check the rules for your return flight at the same time. You will be leaving from another airport, where security may handle things differently. Also check how many lighters your airline permits per person and whether you can take a petrol lighter.
How to avoid trouble at security
A simple, small gas lighter will generally require the least explanation. Carry it in your pocket and place it in a tray at security if asked. If you are unsure about taking an expensive lighter, it is better to leave it at home. You do not want to surrender it at security.
You can also buy a disposable lighter at your destination. It costs little and you can leave it behind before your return journey.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a lighter in checked luggage?
No. Under IATA rules, a lighter does not belong in your suitcase or other checked luggage. A permitted small lighter must be carried on your person.
What about my hand luggage?
No, not there either. "On your person" means in your trouser or jacket pocket, not in a compartment of your bag.
Can I take my Zippo on a plane?
You may be able to if it contains no loose liquid fuel. Do not overfill it. Your airline may have stricter rules, so always check them before you travel.
Can I take a can of lighter gas?
No. Lighter gas, refills and Zippo lighter fuel are not permitted in any luggage.
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