Can You Bring Matches On A Plane? (TSA Guide)

Smokers around the world are always curious about a concern – can you bring matches on a plane? The answer is yes! Passengers who smoke can carry matches on planes but that doesn’t mean that you can use them on board. Also, matches are not allowed in your carry on bags. 

In this article we will cover all the relevant details and guidelines about the carrying matches on planes, related guidelines and other important information. 

Highlights about bringing matches on a plane

Check these highlights before reading this article about ‘’can you bring a matches on a plane?’’  

• As per TSA rule, passengers are allowed to bring 1 lighter or 1 match box on board as carry-on baggage.
• Matches composed of striking pads are not permitted in the checked luggage. However, you can carry them as a checked bag. 
• Electronic and butane fueled lighters are allowed in hand baggage, but not as checked luggage. 
• Torch lighters are not permitted as carry-on as well as checked luggage.

For any other specific or unique lighters, check with the airlines before packing them. 

Also Read: Can you bring a dry shampoo on a plane?

TSA Guidelines: Can you bring matches on a plane?

Can you bring matches on a plane? Before delving into this question or before bringing the lighter in your luggage, you must be aware of the TSA guidelines. Here are all the details – 

• Passengers are allowed to bring matches as carry bags. Passengers can bring no more than 20 match boxes per passenger in the carry on bag.
• The airline does not permit the use of match boxes on board.
• As per TSA guidelines, passengers need to pack these match boxes properly, provided they must be stored in separate compartments. This is to avoid the potential risk of fire. 
• TSA do not permit torch lighters either as carry-on or checked baggage. 
• Disposable or refillable lighters are allowed in your carry-on bags but not into the checked luggage. 

Besides TSA regulations, here are the additional guidelines that you must be aware of – 

• Strike-on matches are permitted in the carry on bag.
• Safety matches are not permitted in the checked baggage.
• Passengers are permitted to bring one packet of safety matches that comprises no more than 20 match boxes.
• Passengers traveling internationally must check with the airline regarding the matches box, if they’re permitted for the desired destination.  

Can you put matches in checked luggage?

Matches of all types, regardless of their nature, are not permitted in checked baggage.

Also Read: Can you bring a curling iron on a plane?

Can you take strike matches on the plane?

There are restrictions for carrying strike matches on a plane as it may be the cause of potential danger – 

• These matches are restricted while carrying in the checked baggage. 
• U.S. Department of Transportation does not allow these matches to be carried in hand luggage. 

Strike matches found in the passenger’s baggage would be confiscated at the airport or passengers may be levied with the penalty.

Why they’re not allowed – The reason is the nature of these strike matches as they may catch fire when rubbed on the hard frictional surfaces. 

Are matches allowed for international travel?

All major international carriers allow safety matches as checked as well as carry-on baggage. In the carry-on baggage, 1 match box is allowed per passenger. 

Strike anywhere matches are not allowed as checked or carry-on luggage. The reason being they’re highly inflammable and can catch fire rapidly if came in contact with hard rubbed surfaces. 

Type of Matches that airline permits and probits

Here we discuss all type of matches that are permitted or restricted while traveling – 

Also Read: Can you bring a hairdryer on a plane?

Strike-anywhere matches – As per Transportation Security Administration (TSA), passengers are not permitted to carry strike matches either in the carry-on or checked luggage. These matches are considered a safety hazard.

Safety matches – Passengers can bring safety matches provided they must adhere to the TSA guidelines. As per the airline’s baggage policy, travelers are allowed to bring 1 packet of safety matches (must not exceed more than 20 units) in their carry-on luggage. These matches are not allowed in the checked luggage. 

Lighters with fuel – Butane or gas-filled lighters are not allowed in the checked baggage. Only 1 lighter is allowed per passenger in their carry-on bag. 

Torch lighters – Most airlines do not allow torch lighters as checked and carry-on baggage. They’re highly intense in nature and may be prone to accidents. 

Fuel canisters – They are not permitted in checked as well as carry-on baggage. 

E-lighters – All USB-rechargeable lighters are allowed in the carry-on baggage. They are considered as electronic gadgets and are not allowed in the checked luggage.

Safety Measures While Bringing The Matches On A Plane

Can you bring matches on a plane? Yes, you must comply with the airline’s regulations to avoid potential risks. Here are the measures – 

Take approval from airlines – It is recommended to declare your safety matches with the airlines before traveling. Try to obtain a no-objection certificate from the airlines, that will help passengers with smooth security screening at the airport.

Pack match boxes in the enclosed cases – Always pack the matchboxes in a metal or plastic box to avoid exposure to the striking surface. You can also pack in the middle of the hand luggage or simply place it in the separate compartment while traveling. 

Cover the match heads with aluminum foils – Passengers must cover the tip of the matchsticks with aluminum foil to minimize the friction between the matchsticks and striking cardboard.

Keep matches in the hand luggage or personal item – Always carry the match boxes in your carry-on boxes for safety purposes. Under any circumstances. Match boxes are not permitted in the checked luggage because the baggage hold area has controlled temperature compared to that in the passengers’ cabin.

Do not Keep matches near flammable objects –  It is recommended to keep matches away from combustible items such as liquid, fuels and related hazardous substances. 

Matches on international flights – Can you fly with matches on international destinations? The answer depends on your international destination that is subject to restrictions to fly with matches or lighters. It is recommended to check with the airline or the consulate of the destination country whether the match is allowed or not. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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