What kind of lighters are allowed on an airplane?

December 14, 2008 2:50 PM

What's the difference between a torch lighter, and a butane lighter, and what is allowed for a Canadian domestic flight?

I have a lighter that I would like to take carry with me while I fly between two Canadian cities. Transport Canada says that Zippo lighters are ok; but what does that mean? Does it have to be that brand? The bottom of this lighter has a screw top, and a tiny nozzel underneath, if that is of any help.

posted by phyrewerx to travel & transportation (4 comments total)

It means if your lighter looks like this:



...and works via a wick dipped into a big ball of cloth soaked in lighter fluid, you're fine.
posted by Jairus at 3:34 PM on December 14, 2008

What? IMG only works in preview?

Anyway, this is what you were supposed to see.
posted by Jairus at 3:34 PM on December 14, 2008

If the bottom of the lighter has a nozzle, rather than cotton batting, under the screw, it's a butane (gas) lighter, not a liquid-fuel lighter (like a Zippo). I'm not sure what this means for Transport Canada, however. There is this:

Passengers may bring one small packet of safety matches or a cigarette lighter intended for use by an individual when carried on the person. However, matches and lighters containing unabsorbed liquid fuel (other than liquefied gas), lighter fuel and lighter refills are not permitted on one's person or in checked or carry-on baggage.

I think the fuel in your butane lighter is what they mean by "liquefied gas."
posted by enn at 3:45 PM on December 14, 2008

Also: if you're looking at this list, I think what is meant by "torch lighter" is one that uses a higher-pressure jet of butane to produce a more directional, "pointy" blue flame (like this one) rather than the yellowish candle-like flame produced by regular disposable Bic butane lighters as well as naptha-fueled lighters like the Zippo — though I'm just going by common usage here, not any knowledge of Transport Canada procedures beyond what's on that site.
posted by enn at 4:13 PM on December 14, 2008