Julz Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 Apologies in advance if this question has been posted before. Can anyone clarify the rules in regards to taking jet lighters on aircraft in their respective countries and share their experiences? Check-in baggage or carry-on, containing gas or empty, capacity... One would think if it's empty and you can demonstrate that to a customs employee there shouldn't be an issue whether it's carry-on or check-in. Are the restrictions global or do they differ from airline to airline?
Paul3 Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 In short TSA and FAA regulations will only allow a torch style lighter in checked baggage if it is carried empty in a DOT approved travel container. You are allowed to carry a soft flame lighter in your carry-on baggage only, not checked. Explained in a little more detail here: http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ash/ash_programs/hazmat/passenger_info/media/airline_passengers_lighters_faq.pdf Cheers 1
Lotusguy Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 Warning: no lighters whatsoever in China!! Neither checked nor carry-on baggage. I just learned the hard way when they confiscated my almost new Dupont Ligne 2 At least they (supposedly - we will see) allow a shipping company to pick it up from the airport and send it home...
stargazer14 Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 Lost my favorite lighter to TSA in U.S. I was surprised, sad, but shouldn't have been.
Optic101 Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 Warning: no lighters whatsoever in China!! Neither checked nor carry-on baggage. Same for most of the other Asian countries, if not all. Don't risk it. A good option is Rob suggestion for his torch using a big lighter as fuel. ( iroda micro jet) Just get a big when you arrive and you'r good to go.
Lotusguy Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 Same for most of the other Asian countries, if not all. Don't risk it. A good option is Rob suggestion for his torch using a big lighter as fuel. ( iroda micro jet) Just get a big when you arrive and you'r good to go. You'd think - no dice! That one was confiscated as well. Left me with no lighters at all for the rest of the trip
Optic101 Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 You'd think - no dice! That one was confiscated as well. Left me with no lighters at all for the rest of the trip Didn't see that coming .....
Lotusguy Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 Didn't see that coming ..... Yeah - they really look very closely. Mine was without the fuel (disposable lighter) in two pieces in separate locations of my carry-on along with an entire electronics store and they still found it immediately. Seems to be some kind of crackdown going on, at least in Shanghai.
Optic101 Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 I have always a small can of deo in my carry on. Not sure if it always helps to distract from the lighter too
Fuzz Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 Malaysian customs saw my Iroda and only asked if it had fuel in it. Showed them it was empty (no BIC inside) and they let me keep it.
Pedro2486 Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 You know, a lot of the time a bic in your pocket won't even set off a magnet scanner that you walk thru. At least the ones I've been thru anyway
ATGroom Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 Yeah - they really look very closely. Mine was without the fuel (disposable lighter) in two pieces in separate locations of my carry-on along with an entire electronics store and they still found it immediately. Seems to be some kind of crackdown going on, at least in Shanghai. I got pulled up once leaving Shanghai with a couple of the big Prince knockoff torch lighters in my checked, but they let me keep them after I demonstrated that they were empty.
LGC Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 Never travel with a lighter that you're not willing to lose... period. 4
Tino Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 The problem is the lack of consistency, airline to airline and country to country. Add to that the probability of encountering a jobsworth at any point who'll confiscate if they're having a bad day/they like the look of your lighter etc etc. 1
Maplepie Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 DX or Iroda lighters: five bucks with a large fuel reserve. Single torches that will last a virtual lifetime. Toss it in my checked and if it's taken, no loss on my part
joeskow Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 On my recent trip from Newark NJ to Antigua the TSA agent pulled my hardshell case which contained my torch lighter and cutter out of my carry on and told me my options.. 1- check the bag and keep the lighter(full) and cutter 2- carry the bag on and leave the lighter with the agent 3- not get on the plane The good thing was that the TSA agent was a BOTL and helped me check the bag.. everything worked out fine.
Oscar300 Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 They all change the rules, a lot. They (all airlines) do whatever they like. iroda micro jet is the way forward
BrotherBear Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 Iroda for the win... Rob, where are the Royalties for all the promotion?
sam Posted May 11, 2014 Posted May 11, 2014 I always put my torch in my checked bag and have never had a problem. My only OUS trips with it have been from the US to various Carribean and Central American countries though. ---sam
maxcjs0101 Posted May 11, 2014 Posted May 11, 2014 They all change the rules, a lot. They (all airlines) do whatever they like. iroda micro jet is the way forward I dont think the airlines are the ones who set the rules.
Coloniales Posted May 11, 2014 Posted May 11, 2014 Bottom line, TSA rules DO NOT APPLY worldwide. As a pilot, and cigar smoker, I only travel with a cheapo disposable in my flight case, never had an issue with that, anywhere. When I go on holiday, I only travel with a blazer, or cheapo similar type, which I empty and put in my checked in baggage. Bottom line, Dangerous goods, of which these are, many are a hazard. Some of the cheaper varieties of lighters, are very unsafe and susceptible to damage from impacts. The rules are set out in the IATA Dangerous Good Manual, which is bunch of joy to read... However, authorities worldwide, can and do take differing attitudes to lighters and other Dangerous goods, but in general they follow the guidance. Keith.
jay8354 Posted May 12, 2014 Posted May 12, 2014 if in doubt, check the lighter with no gas in it. Better to go with Iroda styled lighters but in checked baggage and no refill. yes, the baggage might get lost but not worth the lighter being taken, just in case. Then just get a refill at destination. Don't have to go with Iroda, there are similar models available everywhere. I found one in Bunnings of all places. Still went with an Iroda though.
polarbear Posted May 12, 2014 Posted May 12, 2014 I've never had issues with leaving my lighters in my checked baggage either full or empty I once flew how from NZ with a full can of Newport Butane in my checked baggage (I got drunk while I was packling and forgot it was in there) I did have the security guys try and take my jet insert out of one of my zippos after I left it in my carry on but they just let me leave it with security and the missus picked it up on her way out.
Lotusguy Posted May 12, 2014 Posted May 12, 2014 if in doubt, check the lighter with no gas in it. Better to go with Iroda styled lighters but in checked baggage and no refill. yes, the baggage might get lost but not worth the lighter being taken, just in case. Then just get a refill at destination. Don't have to go with Iroda, there are similar models available everywhere. I found one in Bunnings of all places. Still went with an Iroda though. This will NOT work in China!! No fuel = still confiscated
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