Matches and Lighters
One small box of safety matches or one refillable lighter allowed on person only.
One small box of safety matches or one standard lighter is allowed on your person—not in cabin bags. Torch lighters, refills, fuel canisters, and multiple lighters are banned. Never place matches or lighters in checked baggage.
When allowed vs. when not
✅ When it's allowed
- •Place the lighter in your jacket pocket after security so it’s easy to declare.
- •Empty pockets before screening to show officers the lighter proactively.
- •Buy lighters at your destination if transiting through stricter airports.
🚫 When it's NOT allowed
- •Don’t store lighters in cabin baggage—they will be confiscated.
- •Don’t carry more than one; multiple lighters look suspicious.
- •Avoid gifting lighters to other passengers—they may decline and alert security.
Many foreign airports confiscate even standard lighters during security transit, so if you're connecting internationally, carry a cheap disposable one you can surrender without fuss.
Matches & lighter policy
| Item | Cabin bag | On person |
|---|---|---|
| Safety matches | ❌ | ✅ (one box) |
| Standard lighter | ❌ | ✅ (one) |
| Torch lighter | ❌ | ❌ |
Frequently asked questions
Can I carry Zippo fluid?+
Are electronic plasma lighters allowed?+
Do matches count for religious rites?+
Related guides
Related rules
Razors in cabin
Disposable cartridge razors allowed in cabin; safety razors with loose blades must be checked.
Scissors & tools
Scissors, knives, and pointed tools must go in checked baggage — there's no reliable cabin exemption by blade length. Small blunt nail cutters allowed at CISF discretion.
Knives
Knives of any size are banned from cabin baggage and must be checked with protective sheaths.
Hand tools
Hand tools must be checked. Cabin carriage is banned due to hijack risk.
Official references
DGCA guidelines — simplified
Verified on: 6 Dec 2025
Disclaimer: Aviation and security rules change frequently. Always confirm with your airline, airport help desk, or CISF officers before you travel.