Did you know that the flying public is allowed to bring matches onto an airplane? If you plan on traveling with matches (whether as part of a survival kit or just as a souvenir), here is everything you need to know about safely carrying matches on your next flight.
TSA Guidelines for Traveling With Matches
First, let’s review the Transportation Security Administration’s official ruling on matches.
According to the TSA, travelers can bring one (1) book of safety matches in their carry-on luggage or personal item. This means that your friendly neighborhood TSA agent will allow a book of non-strike-anywhere matches through the airport security checkpoint.
Here is a snipped of the full regulation as listed in 49 CFR 175.10(a)(2):
One packet of safety matches or a lighter intended for use by an individual when carried on one’s person or in carry-on baggage only. Lighter fuel, lighter refills, and lighters containing unabsorbed liquid fuel (other than liquefied gas) are not permitted on one’s person or in carry-on or checked baggage. For lighters powered by lithium batteries (e.g., laser plasma lighters, tesla coil lighters, flux lighters, arc lighters and double arc lighters), each battery must be of a type which meets the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Subsection 38.3 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter). The lighters must be equipped with a safety cap or similar means of protection to prevent unintentional activation of the heating element while on board the aircraft. Recharging of the devices and/or the batteries on board the aircraft is not permitted. Each battery must not exceed the following:
(i) For lithium metal batteries, a lithium content of 2 grams; or
(ii) For lithium ion batteries, a Watt-hour (Wh) rating of 100 Wh.
Code of Federal Regulations
Can I pack matches in my checked luggage?
The TSA makes it very clear that matches cannot be packed in any checked luggage.
This policy reduces the chances of matches inadvertently catching fire in the cargo hold of an airplane (where it would be harder for the crew to intervene & put out the fire). This is the same reason why lithium batteries can only be transported in your carry-on bag as well.
Can I bring strike-anywhere matches on a plane?
For similar reasons, strike-anywhere matches are banned from being brought on a plane by passengers.
Because strike-anywhere matches can be ignited more easily than safety matches, the TSA prohibits them from being transported aboard commercial flights.
Final Thoughts
Bringing your own safety matches can be necessary when embarking on camping trips or traveling to outdoor activities. The TSA understands that need and provides a pathway for passengers to do so safely.
Keep in mind that every airline has their own carry-on & checked baggage policy, so it is imperative that you review your airline’s restrictions before showing up to the airport. This is especially important if you are packing for an international flight; foreign governments may have different requirements when traveling with matches (if they allow it at all).
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