When traveling by plane, there are several rules regarding the handling of lighters, so it’s important to be aware of them. This article explains in detail how lighters are treated when flying.
Questions like “Can I bring a lighter in my carry-on?” or “Should I put it in my checked luggage?” will all be answered here. Let’s clear up these concerns together.
Lighters in Checked Baggage Are Not Allowed
Lighters are prohibited from being placed in checked baggage at the check-in counter. When packing, be sure to carefully check that you don’t accidentally place a lighter in your carry-on suitcase or other checked luggage.
Carrying Lighters Onboard Is Allowed—But with Restrictions
There are three important rules when bringing a lighter on board an aircraft.
Carry-on rules detail
①Lighters and matches of the type allowed to be carried on board Only disposable lighters, oil lighters with absorbent, and small safety matches are allowed
② Carry it on your body Carry it on to the plane in your jacket pocket or trouser pocket, etc. It is not allowed to put it in a bag.
③Limit 1 per person ① Small smoking lighter or matches, only one of these is allowed
Standard lighters available at convenience stores and oil lighters with absorbent materials can be brought on board if they are carried on your person. However, only one item per person—either a lighter or a box of matches—is allowed. If you have both, or more than one item, during the security check, you must dispose of all but one on the spot.
Also, when bringing a lighter or matches on board, do not pack them in a bag. Instead, carry them on your person, such as in your clothing or pants pocket.
※ Notes for international flights
When traveling overseas, make sure to check the regulations of the destination country. Some countries completely prohibit bringing in lighters or matches.
In particular, some Asian countries like China impose strict restrictions, so be sure to check the regulations of your destination and the latest information on the official website of your airline in advance. If you have a connecting flight, the rules of the transit country may also apply.
Some types of lighters are not allowed on airplanes!
Depending on the type of lighter, both carrying it on board and checking it in are prohibited.
Lighters prohibited from both carry-on and checked baggage:
Tank-type oil lighters (without absorbent material)
Pre-mixing lighters (such as turbo lighters, jet lighters, blue flame lighters—types with strong flames)
Cigar lighters
Oil lighters with absorbent material can be brought on board, but tank-type oil lighters without absorbent material are not permitted on the aircraft.
In addition, “pre-mixing lighters” such as turbo lighters, jet lighters, and blue flame lighters that produce blue or powerful flames are designated as prohibited items under IATA (International Air Transport Association) Dangerous Goods Regulations, and therefore cannot be brought on board.
※ This rule applies even to items purchased at airport duty-free shops—both carry-on and checked baggage are not permitted.
About Refill Oil and Gas for Lighters
Refill oil or gas for lighters is not allowed in either carry-on or checked baggage.
◎ Summary: What you should know about bringing lighters on airplanes
This has been a detailed explanation on how to handle lighters when boarding an airplane. There are strict restrictions on carrying lighters, and they are absolutely not allowed in checked baggage, so please take caution.
On the other hand, there are no specific restrictions on bringing tobacco onboard, and it can be brought freely. However, even if you can bring tobacco or a lighter, smoking on the airplane is strictly prohibited. This includes the lavatory, which is also non-smoking.
These may seem strict, but they are important rules to protect the safety of passengers and crew. Be sure to double-check them before departure. If anything is unclear, it is best to check the latest information on the official website of the airline you are flying with.