Can You Bring Candles on a Plane? TSA Rules & Tips

If you are planning a trip and are thinking of taking a comfortable lavender candle or, why not, a decorative one, as a gift, the first question that will pop into your head is: Can you bring candles on a plane?

It may seem quite an easy task, but the rules of TSA may turn out to be a little hard for people to understand, especially when it comes to the difference between what is allowed in carry-on and what is in the checked luggage. Just relax, we will explain everything! Through this guide, we will clarify which candles, whether wax or gel, you may bring with you when flying so that you can pass the airport security without any unforeseen difficulties at the last possible minute.

Regardless of whether you’re a candle aficionado who likes giving gifts or someone who enjoys setting the mood, it’s important that we make sure your most loved candles arrive at you in one piece, with no airport hassle.

TSA Rules for Bringing Candles on a Plane

It is quite common for travelers to take candles as gifts or for personal use. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has set clear rules about various types of candles and associated objects, which are as follows:

• Solid Candles (Wax, Pillar, Tea Lights)

Allowed in Carry-On and Checked Bags

• These include wax as their primary material, which is mainly pillar and tea candles.
• There are no specific restrictions in terms of quantity or size; however, you might be inspected further if you bring a large number or large-sized candles. You may be asked to take them out of your bag for a closer inspection. 

Tip: Carry the candles in such a way that you can easily access them, especially if it is requested to remove them from your bag for the screening process.

• Gel Candles

Subject to the 3-1-1 Rule in Carry-On Bags

• Treated as liquids/gels by the TSA.
• Can only be packed in your carry-on if each container is 3.4oz (100ml) or less and all the containers fit in one, quart-sized, transparent bag.
• Larger gel candles must be packed in checked luggage. Gel candles contain mineral oils, scented oils, and powdered resins, increasing their risk of causing a fire hazard

• Scented or Jar Candles

Usually Permitted in Both Carry-On and Checked Bags

• These fall under the category of solid candles.
• Security may inspect jars or scented candles, particularly when they are the cause of an alarm or when they are large; thus, be sure to keep them for easy access.
• Allow extra time for possible screening or swab testing.
• Battery-Operated or LED Candles

Permitted in Carry-On and Checked Bags

• No particular TSA limitations apply to battery-powered or LED candles that do not have an open flame.
• If lithium batteries power the candle, you can store them in your carry-on based on the standard battery regulations.

• Lighter and Match Restrictions
  • Lighters: Disposable and Zippo-like lighters are permitted in carry-on bags. If you want to take a lighter to a checked bag, then it should be empty or packed in a way to prevent unintentional ignition per the regulations that the DOT applies. Torch and gasoline lighters may not be allowed, however.
  • Matches: Not more than one book of safety matches (which are not of the “strike-anywhere” kind) is allowed to be carried in the hand luggage, while matches are totally banned from the hold baggage. “Strike-everywhere” matches are not permitted at all destinations.

Airline Policies (Major Carriers’ Rules) Regarding Carrying Candles on Plane 

Here’s a summary of major airlines’ policies regarding bringing candles on a plane:

• American Airlines: As per the TSA regulations, American Airlines allows the carrying of solid wax candles in both hand luggage and a suitcase. However, gel-type candles fall within the category of liquid substances, and therefore, they are allowed in the checked baggage only if they carry the 3.4 oz instruction for liquids.

• Delta Air Lines: Delta complies with the TSA’s regulations. In flights, solid wax candles are allowed to be taken in both hand luggage and checked luggage. If gel-based candles are over 3.4 oz, they are bound by the liquids rule and need to be placed in the checked bag.

• Lufthansa: Even if Lufthansa’s dangerous goods section does not contain an explicit reference to candles, the airline allows the carriage of non-flammable solids in both cabin and hold baggage provided that they meet all the weight and size restrictions—yet gel-type candles are probably regarded as aerosols or liquids and should be transported in the hold in their checked baggage.

• Air France: Air France is strictly following the general security protocols: all solid items can be taken in hand luggage and checked baggage, but under the condition that they do not exceed the prohibited specifications. Gel candles (as liquids) should either be in agreement with the 100 ml rule or must be put in the checked-in baggage.

• United Airlines:

United follows TSA guidance on dangerous items:

• Solid candles are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.
• Gel or liquid candles are classified under liquids and must adhere to the 3.4 oz limit for carry-ons or be checked.

How to Pack Candles for Air Travel

Traveling with candles? Whether you’re bringing a favorite scent or a souvenir, it’s important to pack them the right way—especially if they’re fragile, gel-based, or large in size. Here’s how to do it:

• Know the Type of Candle
  • Solid Wax Candles (pillar, taper, votive): TSA allows these in both carry-on and checked baggage.
  • Gel Candles or Liquid Wax Candles: These are in the category of liquid and must comply with the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for carry-on baggage. If you have in your possession any that are more than 3.4 oz (100 ml), then place them in your checked luggage.

• Use Protective Packaging
  • Use some bubble wrap or soft clothes to wrap each candle around to avoid it from breaking.
  • Place them in a box with a firm wall or cover to prevent them from being crushed.
  • To prevent your candles from jiggling in the box, you can insert dividers or additional padding.

• Choose the Right Bag
  • For the carry-on: Arrange the candles in a position where TSA can find them without difficulty if they need to check them.
  • For the checked luggage: Make sure to have a rigid suitcase that is preferably labeled with fragile items when possible.

• Special Note for Battery-Powered Candles
  • Remove batteries if possible.
  • Spare lithium batteries must be packed in carry-on luggage only, not checked bags.

• Add Labels

When you add proper labels to the box containing the candles, it helps you to access them with ease whenever the need arises. 

Conclusion

You can take candles on a plane—those made of solid wax materials are acceptable by the TSA for both carry-ons and checked bags. However, gel or liquid ones are subject to carry-on travel if they meet the requirements of the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Always take care to pack them snugly so they will not break. In case of no-fuel or travel tin candles, the journey will also be less of a hassle. And it is always best to check your airline’s rules for clarity on the issue before you fly to avoid potential inconveniences at the security checkpoint.

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