Let's make sure your travel plans aren't upended by getting your lighter confiscated by TSA! Years ago, you could bring soft flame lighters (like a Bic) in your carry-on and torch lighters could go in your checked bag as long as they were empty. These days, however, torch lighters have been restricted on both carry on and checked luggage. Click here to view the current TSA guidance.

How to Fly with Firepower

Even when I could bring a torch lighter in my checked bag, I didn’t usually fly to areas that had butane readily available for me to use. For that reason, I switched to a torch adapter almost a decade ago when flying. This allows me to bring soft flame in my carry-on which is still legal and convert that lighter to a torch once I land.

My personal favorite was the Cigar Traveller from Europe because it came with a refillable cartridge whereas the Soto did not. Thankfully, the Soto is now available with a refillable cartridge (needs an adapter though) making it my go-to accessory when leaving the states.

Where To Buy

I purchased my Soto adapter from Amazon and usually grab a pack of Scripto lighters from Wal-Mart to turn into torches. With 5-6 of these disposable lighters in my carry-on and my torch adapter in my checked bag, I’m all set for the week.

Here’s all you need:

• The Soto Torch Adapter (click here to view on Soto’s website)
• Disposable Lighters To Fit (click here for compatible lighters)

Having refills at the ready is my favorite way to fly since I’m never sure if I’ll be able to source butane to refill a cartridge in country. Even if flying to a touristy area, it’s better to be safe than sorry when your vacation is on the line.

How It Works

TSA allows for soft flame lighters like Bics to be carried inside our carry-on bags. I place my disposable lighters or included cartridge in my carry-on backpack and then drop the torch adapter in my checked bag. This ensures that neither will be taken from me by TSA because both are where they are supposed to be.

If you do the reverse and place soft flame lighters in your checked bag, they may be removed by security. Likewise, if you fly with both the disposable lighters and your torch adapter, an agent may (probably should) remove both since the two combined are capable of being a threat.  

And remember, if you plan on using the included cartridge refillable cartridge from Soto, you’ll need to purchase their fill adapter separately. For this reason, I exclusively use Scripto lighters from Wal-Mart.