Can You Bring a Lighter on a Plane?

Yes, in most countries you can bring one small lighter on a plane if you carry it on your person, not in your checked bag. Torch and jet lighters, the kind most cigar smokers use, are usually not allowed. Rules differ by airline and country, and a few countries ban lighters entirely, so check before you fly.

The general rule

Airlines broadly follow the dangerous goods rules set by international aviation bodies. Under those rules a passenger may carry one small lighter, intended for personal use, on their person. The lighter should not contain unabsorbed liquid fuel other than liquefied gas. Carriers such as Lufthansa state the allowance as one small packet of safety matches or one lighter per person.

The phrase on your person matters. It generally means a pocket rather than a suitcase, and a lighter packed in checked luggage is one of the items most likely to be taken out.

Why torch lighters are different

A soft flame lighter burns with the yellow flame of a standard disposable. A torch, jet or blue flame lighter mixes gas and air before it burns, which produces a hotter and more wind resistant flame. That design is why cigar smokers like them and why aviation authorities treat them separately. Published safety guidance from aviation regulators lists premixing burner lighters, including those sold as cigar lighters, among the items not permitted.

In practice, assume that a torch lighter will not travel with you unless your airline says otherwise in writing. A soft flame lighter is the safer choice for a trip.

Fuel and refills

Butane refill canisters are not accepted in the cabin or in checked baggage on ordinary passenger flights. If your lighter runs dry on the trip, buy a refill or a new lighter when you arrive.

Matches as an alternative

A single small packet of safety matches is generally accepted in place of a lighter, also carried on your person. Strike anywhere matches are generally prohibited. Long wooden cigar matches burn well, but their box may be larger than a security officer expects, so a small packet is the easier option.

What about the cigar cutter

Cutters fall under the rules for blades rather than the rules for flammable items, and those vary more from one airport to another. A small punch cutter draws less attention than a guillotine. If you would hate to lose a good cutter, pack it in your checked bag, or travel with an inexpensive one you can part with.

Packing cigars for a flight

Cigars themselves are not dangerous goods, but they are fragile and they dry out quickly in cabin air. A hard travel case or aluminium tubes will stop them being crushed, and a small sealed travel humidor keeps them in condition on longer journeys. Keep them in your hand luggage, because the temperature in the hold is less predictable. For longer stays, our guide to storing cigars without a humidor covers the simple options.

Before you leave for the airport

• Check the dangerous goods page of your airline, since it has the final say.
• Check the rules of the country you are departing from, including connections on the way home.
• Carry one soft flame lighter or one small packet of safety matches on your person.
• Leave torch lighters and butane refills at home.
• Plan to buy a lighter on arrival. It is cheaper than losing a good one at security.