Bringing Lighters in your Checked Luggage – What you need to know
If you have travelled on a plane in recent years, then one thing that you will already be well aware of is that the rules and regulations regarding what you can and cannot bring on a flight in your checked luggage or your hand luggage have changed significantly.
This is largely due to the increase in criminal activity and terror attacks over the last couple of decades. If you are new to traveling then the rules can be quite daunting as you can never be quite sure on certain things. One of the things that a lot of people, especially smokers, will find themselves wondering about is the rules and regulations regarding bringing lighters in checked luggage.
The Rules and Regulations for Lighters in Checked Luggage
If you are a smoker, then you will know that lighters are sometimes unreliable, especially if they are cheap. This is why many people will want to bring extra lighters with them in their checked luggage, so that they can make sure that they don’t get stuck needing a cigarette with nothing to light it from. Here are some of the rules that you will need to keep in mind.
- The Appearance – If you have used lighters before for any purpose, then you will already be well aware of the popularity of novelty ones. They can be in the shape of anything. Whilst these are fine in everyday life, within reason, there are restrictions regarding these types of lighters, when it comes to carrying them in hand luggage and checked luggage. As a rough rule, if your lighter resembles a weapon or a gun, then it will not be allowed in your luggage at all. This is why it is best to stick to lighters that are obviously lighters and not disguised to look like anything else.
- Lighter Fluid – If you use a refillable lighter, then now would be the time to buy some cheap disposable ones. What you may not realise is that cans or containers of either lighter fluid or butane gas are not allowed in your hand luggage or your checked luggage. When you consider the risks associated with this, it is easy to see why this is the case. The good news is that disposable lighters are cheap and easily bought online and offline and will serve you for your whole trip.
- Chef Lighters – It is also worth noting that chef lighters and utility lighters that would be used for things like camping are also prohibited in both your checked luggage and your hand luggage. Again, your only option if you want to bring an alternative would be to purchase some disposable lighters that are clearly lighters.
Tips for Bringing Lighters in Checked Luggage
If you do need to bring a lighter or lighters with you in your checked luggage, then there are a few things that you can do, in order to make sure that you are not breaking any rules and don’t face any delays when checking in. Here are a couple of tips.
- Speak to Travel Agents – When booking your holiday, it is always a good idea to talk to the travel agents directly to get information about what is and isn’t allowed in both your hand luggage and checked luggage. Most travel agents will be able to give you the information quite easily. They will also have written guides for their customers regarding what is and isn’t permitted, so have a look at sections about lighters and flammable items. This should give you a better idea.
- Look Online – Another thing that you can do, if you are really struggling to find information about the rules of bringing lighters in your checked luggage is to take a look at the information that can be found online. Most airlines will have this type of information on their website. There are also forums where you will be able to get this type of information.
- Buy When you Arrive – If you are worried about bringing lighters in your checked luggage, and you want to avoid any hassle, then you could perhaps consider buying lighters when you arrive at your destination. Most supermarkets will stock them, so it is just a matter of finding a shop near you. Duty free at the airport is also an option that you could consider.
As long as you follow the rules and regulations regarding bringing lighters in your checked luggage, then you shouldn’t run into any difficulties when you are trying to check in at the airport. All of the information that you need regarding these types of things can be found on airline websites if you have a quick search, and there will always be staff on hand to answer any questions that you may have.
