We recently wrote an article on something similar where we talked about if you can bring a toolbox on a plane and looked at the regulations attached and also talked about the type of tools you’re allowed to bring on a plane. Today, we’ll be taking a look at whether you can bring matches on a plane.
As simple as a box of matches sounds, it happens to be one of the most confiscated items from travelers going through airport security, and for good reason. I mean, who wants a mini fire stick to go off at 25000 feet, in a pressurized cabin? That would most likely be catastrophic.
To answer the question: Can You Bring A Match Box On A Plane? This depends on the type of matches you want to bring on board. Airlines do not allow strike-anywhere matches on board planes either in carry-on or checked luggage. However, some airport authorities like TSA and FAA allow passengers to bring just one pack of safety matches on board planes but, only as part of their carry-on luggage.
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Why These Restrictions?
Due to the severity of plane accidents, with little or no chance of any passenger surviving in an event of one, airlines have strict regulations and measures in place for the safety of everyone on board.
These measures have put the odds of you being involved in a plane crash at one in 1.2 million which is pretty great, and you don’t want those odds declining. This is why it’s important not to attempt any impetuous getaway while boarding a plane.
Planes ain’t like cars or other means of transportation. Once something goes wrong up, there’s a high probability of it being disastrous. Fire extinguishers won’t do much in case of an actual fire outbreak.
Airlines put a restriction on strike-anywhere matches and everyone would or should agree that it’s a pretty important restriction. This is due to the fact these types of matches can ignite on almost any type of surface. Rock, leather, iron, or any rough surface at all can ignite these matches. Some strike-anywhere matches can even work when wet.
Their highly flammable nature has made them illegal on not just planes but in some other places and countries like the US, UK, and other countries.
Something as flammable as strike-anywhere matches would definitely not be allowed anywhere near planes. In fact, in some cases, trying to get a strike-anywhere match on board a plane can put you on the airport’s securities watch list after the matches have been confiscated.
Doesn’t matter if you plan to put it in your carry-on luggage or checked luggage, you won’t be allowed because It won’t make any difference since it can accidentally ignite on any surface.
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Safety matches on the other hand can be brought on planes. This is because they won’t ignite unless struck against a particular type of surface and usually this would be some sort of strip on the side of the matchbox. This way, there won’t be any fear of the matches accidentally igniting just by striking against any surface, unlike strike-anywhere matches.
However, there are regulations, and authorities like the TSA and FAA have stated that passengers will be allowed to bring just a pack of safety matches on board planes but only in carry-on luggage or on their person.
The summary of this whole thing is:
- Strike-anywhere matches are contraband and shouldn’t be part of your luggage. Either carry-on or checked.
- Safety matches are allowed but only in your carry-on luggage or on your person, and you’re limited to just one pack.
- Whether it is safety or strike-anywhere matches, you can’t put them in your checked luggage.
What Happens If Matches Are Found In My Luggage?
It depends on the type of matches found in your luggage. Just like we stated earlier in this article, safety matches are not prohibited and can be brought in carry-on luggage but not checked luggage.
Strike-anywhere matches on the other hand are prohibited because of how easily they can ignite just by striking almost any surface.
Most times, airport security will just confiscate the matches or any other prohibited item found in your luggage or on your person without taking any other action. However, in some cases, it might lead to you being questioned which can cause serious delay. Airport security can even take note of your details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a lighter on a plane?
Passengers can bring disposable lighters such as a plastic BIC lighter in their carry-on luggage. For safety reasons, lighters are not allowed in checked luggage except when they are put in DOT special permit containers.
Lighters shaped like guns or any type of weapon are not allowed in carry-on or checked luggage.
Can I bring matches in my checked luggage?
Matches are generally prohibited in checked luggage. Either safety matches or strike-anywhere matches. You can only bring safety matches on board in your carry-on luggage. Strike-anywhere ain’t allowed at all.
Can I bring matches in my carry-on luggage?
Yes, you can. However, it depends on the type of matches. Only safety matches are allowed in your carry-on luggage or on your person but not in checked luggage. Strike-anywhere matches are not allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage.
Can I bring matches on a plane?
Yes, you can. But only safety matches are allowed on planes, and they have to be in your carry-on luggage or on your person and not in checked luggage.
Strike-anywhere matches are prohibited items and shouldn’t be part of your luggage at all.
Conclusion
It’s important to know that these regulations or restrictions set by airport authorities are for the safety of everyone and these regulations should be followed.
Don’t slip any prohibited item past airport security or attempt any spontaneous getaway. Especially when it’s something that could cause an accident or get you in trouble with the authorities.
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