Yes, with limits. One disposable or Zippo-type lighter per person, carried in your carry-on or pocket. A lighter with fuel can't go in a checked bag unless it is sealed in a DOT-approved lighter case; empty lighters can be checked.
FAA rules allow one butane (disposable) or absorbed-fuel (Zippo-type) lighter per passenger, in your carry-on or on your person. If your carry-on gets gate-checked or planeside-checked, take the lighter out and keep it with you in the cabin.
TSA allows lighters without fuel in checked bags. Under a DOT exemption, up to two fueled lighters may be checked only inside a DOT-approved case marked with its special permit number; loose fueled lighters are not allowed in checked bags.
Checked against official TSA, FAA and government pages on . These are US rules unless we say otherwise; the TSA officer at the checkpoint makes the final call.
The rules in numbers
- Carry-on or on your person: 1 disposable or Zippo-type lighter per passenger
- Checked bags: fueled lighters only in a DOT-approved case (TSA: up to 2 fueled lighters); the case must show its DOT special permit number
- Empty lighters with no fuel or vapor residue: allowed in checked bags
- Lighters with unabsorbed liquid fuel (many table and antique wick lighters): banned in carry-on and checked
- Lighter fluid and butane refills: banned in carry-on and checked
Packing tips
- Pull the lighter out of your carry-on if the airline gate-checks the bag; it must stay with you in the cabin.
- The DOT special permits for lighter cases cover U.S. domestic travel only, so don't count on a lighter case in checked luggage for international trips.
- Packing several empty lighters? FAA suggests putting them in a checked bag with a note saying they hold no fuel, and expect extra screening.
- Gun- or weapon-shaped novelty lighters are not allowed in the cabin.
Outside the US
- UKA lighter can't go inside hand luggage or hold luggage; keep it on your person inside a plastic liquids bag. Source
Flying somewhere else? See the rules for the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Japan.
Questions people ask
Can I bring a lighter on a plane?
Yes, one disposable or Zippo-type lighter per person in your carry-on or pocket. Torch lighters are not allowed at all.
Can you put a lighter in checked luggage?
Only if it is empty of fuel, or if it is sealed in a DOT-approved lighter case (TSA says up to two fueled lighters). A loose fueled lighter must travel in the cabin instead.
Can I bring a zippo on a plane?
Yes. A Zippo-type lighter with fuel absorbed in its lining counts as your one allowed carry-on lighter.