Ryanair has told plane passengers to stop placing a simple item in their suitcases. Little you may know, it should never be packed away when travelling to a different country
Ryanair says passengers should stop putting it in suitcases (stock image)(Image: GordZam via Getty Images)
Jetting off on holiday is always a nice thought, but packing can be stressful when there are so many different rules to follow. In fact, you need to take another piece of expert advice on board, as Ryanair has issued a key piece of essential travel wisdom.
It turns out, there’s a specific item you should never pack in your suitcase, and it’s something you need to know about before you board a plane. When it comes to air travel, there are very specific rules you should follow, and this is one that needs to be adhered to for a super important reason.
This isn’t the only key piece of advice the airline has shared recently either. Just weeks ago, it also told passengers to stop packing a key item in their hand luggage too.
The topic previously came up on Reddit, when one person asked: “So I bought a lighter and I’m wondering if it’s legal to go from Italy to the UK via plane with it. Googled it and got no result apart from one Reddit question, but it wasn’t specified where they were going, and I’m wondering about going from Italy to the UK.”
The question got a lot of people talking, and they were quick to respond with answers too. Many seemed to have different ideas.
One person said: “If it’s an ordinary lighter, you can bring it in your hand luggage (not checked), with no issues.” Another added: “The only time I had an issue was when I had more than one lighter on me. I was told I can only carry one.”
A third also replied: “I do it all the time without any problems.” However, when travelling on planes, there are actually important rules you need to follow when carrying lighters.
It’s always best to check the airline’s guidance before you travel, but Ryanair has some vital information for customers to follow. There are some things travellers need to be aware of.
What does Ryanair say?
The Ryanair website states: “The following items are strictly prohibited on board and in checked baggage. Guns, firearms and other devices that discharge projectiles. Devices capable, or appearing capable, of being used to cause serious injury by discharging a projectile.
“Stunning devices. Devices designed specifically to stun or immobilise. Explosives and incendiary substances and devices. Explosives and incendiary substances and devices capable, or appearing capable, of being used to cause serious injury or to pose a threat to the safety of aircraft, including lighters and firelighters with a flammable liquid reservoir containing unabsorbed liquid fuel (other than liquefied gas), lighter fuel and lighter refills.”
It also listed all the other items that shouldn’t be placed in checked luggage, but there are some things you need to know about carrying lighters. Generally, you cannot pack lighters containing fuel in checked luggage, as they are considered a fire hazard in the cargo hold.
The safest and standard rule is to carry no more than one lighter on your person (in your pocket). Sometimes disposable or Zippo lighters without fuel are permitted in checked bags, but you should check what your airline’s rules are before flying.
Almost every airline bans lighters being packed in checked baggage, as the safety risk is considered too high. Torch or jet flame lighters are strictly prohibited in both checked and carry-on bags.
Another common item that’s generally banned is matches. You always need to be extra cautious when packing your suitcase.