Traveling with hand luggage on a plane in the UK comes with restrictions on certain items, including lighters. Here is everything you need to know about carrying a lighter on board.
Is it illegal to take a lighter on a plane?
Carrying a lighter on a plane is not illegal, but there are rules to follow. Both lighters and matches are generally not allowed on aircraft unless they are carried on your person. E-cigarettes are completely banned from hold luggage.
Gatwick Airport enforces a rule that allows passengers to bring only one lighter on board the aircraft, which must be kept on them throughout the flight. Additional lighters must be left at security.
Lighters and e-cigarettes must be part of the liquid allowance and placed in a one-litre plastic bag for screening. After screening, they must be removed from the plastic bag and kept on your person.
Cigarettes and other tobacco products are permitted in hand baggage, but smoking is strictly prohibited both in the terminal and on the flight.
Violating the no-smoking rule on a plane can lead to fines and even potential arrest for tampering with smoke detectors.
What types of lighters are allowed on a plane?
Matches and lighters cannot be in pockets, wallets, or checked-in baggage. Passengers may bring one butane lighter or a box of safety matches, but it must be carried on their person.
Zippo lighters are also permitted as the one-per-person lighter. Lighter fuel and refills are not allowed, and premixing burner lighters are banned as well.
Strike anywhere matches are also not allowed.
Can I carry lighters in my luggage?
Lighters cannot be carried in checked baggage. Only one lighter is allowed on board and must be kept on the passenger at all times. It should be placed in a resealable plastic bag and kept on the person throughout the flight.
For more travel tips, a flight attendant went viral on TikTok with his flying advice.
