Can You Carry Candles on a Plane?​

Passengers travelling with different flight carriers should have full information about all the policies. Air travel often comes with questions about what you can and cannot pack. One such common query is: Can you bring a candle on an aeroplane? Whether it’s a gift, a travel essential, or a fragrant keepsake, carrying candles through airport security requires knowing TSA regulations. Meanwhile, this article is about which types of candles are allowed, how to pack them properly, and the differences between domestic and international flights.

Are Candles Allowed on Planes?

Travellers can bring candles on planes, but there are some restrictions. Additionally, the type of candle, solid or gel, and how you pack it matter significantly. However, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has different rules for carry-on and checked luggage. Meanwhile, travellers can carry solid candles that are luggage under the airline and airport regulations in both hand and checked luggage. Whereas, gel candles are treated as liquids and should be under the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule if placed in hand luggage.

Candles Allowed in Carry-On Bags

You can take solid wax candles, including jar candles, pillar candles, and tea lights in carry-on baggage. Meanwhile, these candles do not melt at room temperature and are considered non-liquid items. However, security officers might still inspect them during screening, so it’s wise to place them in an easily accessible area of the bag. If the travellers are bringing multiple candles, they should use protective wrapping like bubble wrap or soft clothing to prevent breakage.

Can You Bring Candles in Checked Luggage?

You can also pack the candles in checked baggage. Meanwhile, if the travellers are carrying a large number of candles or worry about space in their carry-on, placing them in their checked suitcase is a smart choice. However, these candles should be packed properly with the use of a box or wrap the candles securely to protect them from damage during handling. Whereas, scented candles in jars should have their lids tightly sealed to avoid spills if exposed to high temperatures.

Are Gel Candles Allowed on a Plane?

Gel candles are different as they have a semi-liquid consistency. Therefore, the TSA treats them as gels or liquids. Meanwhile, if the travellers want to bring a gel candle in their carry-on, they should be under the following TSA guidelines: 

• Travellers carrying these candles make sure that they are less than or up to 3.4 oz (100 ml).
• Additionally, the gel candles must fit in a quart-sized clear plastic bag along with other liquids.
• However, most gel candles are larger than 100 ml. Therefore, it is more convenient if they are packed in checked luggage. 
• If the travellers are unsure about the candle’s consistency to avoid any problem, they should check it in.

International Travel Candle Regulations

People travelling internationally should be aware of the candle regulations, as they can vary by country. While the TSA governs flights within and from the United States, other countries may impose different rules for bringing candles on planes. However, the travellers should check the official government or airport security websites of their destination. Meanwhile, some countries may limit the import of scented items, particularly those containing essential oils, herbs, or plant extracts. Whereas, people travelling with customs-controlled items, such as handmade or organic candles, might need to declare them upon arrival.

Can You Light a Candle on a Plane?

Travellers are not allowed to light a candle on an aeroplane under any circumstances as open flames are strictly prohibited on flights. However, if any traveller attempts to use a candle on board, it is not only unsafe but also against federal aviation regulations.

How to Pack Candles for Air Travel

You can protect the candles and keep them intact by following these helpful packing tips. Meanwhile, these simple steps will help you avoid melted wax or cracked jars during your journey:

• Travellers should wrap candles in soft items such as clothes, towels, or bubble wrap to save them from cracks.
• Passengers must ensure lids on jar candles are tight to avoid any leakage.
• Travellers should avoid placing candles near the outer edges of their luggage to reduce the heat exposure.
• People checking in the candles must label their bag with a “fragile” tag so they are handled carefully.

Can You Buy Candles at the Airport?

Many airport shops sell travel-sized candles, often as souvenirs or local artisan products. If you purchase one after security, you’re free to take it on board without worrying about liquid restrictions, even if it’s a gel-based candle. However, travellers should keep in mind that onboard space is limited. Meanwhile, check your airline’s baggage allowance to ensure you have space in your personal item or carry-on for extra purchases.

Candle Accessories Allowance

People travelling with candle-related items like matches or lighters must follow these TSA rules:

• Travellers can take one disposable lighter in their carry-on baggage.
• Additionally, passengers are permitted to carry 1 book of safety matches in their hand baggage.
• TSA also doesn’t allow carrying torch lighters and strike-anywhere matches in any type of baggage.
• However, sharp tools like wick trimmers or candle snuffers should be packed in checked luggage to avoid confiscation at the security check.

Conclusion:

This article is about Can you bring a candle on an aeroplane?. Meanwhile, the airlines and airport security allow travellers to bring candles, but it depends on the type of candle and in which baggage they are taking it. However, they can carry solid candles easily during the flight, whereas gel candles must follow liquid rules or go in your checked bag. However, by knowing the regulations and packing smartly, travellers can complete the airport security check with their favourite candle.