Can I Fly With This?
Can I bring matches on a plane?
Quick rules for flying with matches in carry-on and checked baggage. Verdicts and conditions across the major aviation regions below.
🇺🇸 United States (TSA)
One book of safety (paper) matches allowed on your person in carry-on. Strike-anywhere matches banned in all baggage.
🇪🇺 European Union (EASA)
ICAO rule: one book of safety matches on your person in carry-on, never in checked. Strike-anywhere matches banned in both bags.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom (CAA)
One book of safety matches on person in carry-on, never in checked. Strike-anywhere banned.
🌎 Latin America
One book of safety matches on person in carry-on, never in checked. Strike-anywhere banned.
🌏 Asia (ICAO / IATA baseline)
ICAO baseline: one book of safety (paper) matches on your person in carry-on, never in checked. China is far stricter — matches BANNED in both carry-on and checked on all flights departing mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau (confiscated at security). Buy at destination instead. Strike-anywhere matches banned across the region.
🇦🇺 Australia & Pacific (CASA)
ICAO rule — one book of safety matches on your person in carry-on, never in checked. Strike-anywhere matches banned in both. Australia + NZ: enforced at Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland.