Air Travel with an Electric Arc Lighter

6/16/2018 11:43:31 PM

According to this TSA advisory, Arc Lighters, Plasma Lighters, Electronic Lighters, E-Lighters are not allowed in either checked or carry-on baggage.

2/15/2018 7:19:45 PM

Just had an electronic lighter confiscated by security at Prague Airport, even though it had gone through Gatwick Security without a problem on the way out. I can’t find a definitive answer about this ‘new’ type of lighter, so I have come to the conclusion that it’s down to the opinion of the officer who happens to do the search. I know that we all want to be kept safe on planes, but some of these guys seem to be a bit over-zealous, especially as

  1. You can carry a lighter that makes a flame
  2. The airlines sell alcoholic drinks on board (which regularly leads to problems).

Anyway, best to leave lighters at home if they are worth anything.

2/10/2018 10:51:01 PM

Literally just had my plasmatic lighter confiscated. I’ve been flying with it for close to a year. I left LAX 4 days ago and they said nothing, but coming back they took it out and said I couldn’t have it. I explained that it claimed to be flight safe and there was no fuel but they didn’t care. 60 bucks down the drain. I’d pack it for sure. Out of the near 20 flights I’ve taken this year it’s mostly been okay but it only takes once. Don’t risk it

8/16/2017 11:31:23 PM

Just saw this post from 2014. As an FYI. In 2017 and if flying international from Ontario Canada. They are not allowed as carry-on. Pack it. Don’t be a dummy like me.

3/19/2017 1:50:01 PM

I had a Tesla Coil Lighter confiscated after much examination and conferring by a slew of TSA Officers. They finally concluded that it could be used as a weapon (i.e. personal stun gun?) and POOF! it was gone….

Side note – it went thru another airport with no issues.

10/18/2019 6:14:12 PM

The TSA mentions that lighters without fuel can be checked in, but cannot be carried on the airplane in the hand-carry luggage. Common lighters are listed with an exception:

Common Lighters – Lighters without fuel are permitted in checked baggage. Lighters with fuel are prohibited in checked baggage, unless they adhere to the Department of Transportation (DOT) exemption, which allows up to two fueled lighters if properly enclosed in a DOT approved case. If you are uncertain as to whether your lighter is prohibited, please leave it at home.

However, this concerns “common lighters”, which I would say yours isn’t. In general, this item would rather resemble the category “cattle prods” since it creates an electric arc which are also allowed in checked-in luggage.

In my experience, if there is any doubt, the likelihood is that they go on the safe side and ask you to check it in at least.

10/18/19
You can no longer take electric/arc lighters on planes. Been traveling around the world (with my lighter) for work for the last 3 years with no problem until today. Had my lighter rejected at security check.

Credit:stackoverflow.com‘

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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