TSA item rule · verified 2026-07-02
Can you bring matches on a plane?
TSA's official answer, checked against tsa.gov on 2026-07-02.
Carry-on bag limits apply
One book of safety (non-strike-anywhere) matches is permitted in carry-on. Strike-anywhere matches are prohibited everywhere.
Checked bag no
ALL matches are prohibited in checked bags — the opposite of what most people guess.
Liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule. The final decision always rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint.
Source: TSA — What Can I Bring? · checked 2026-07-02
Size limits change. We watch them for you.
Get one short email when TSA changes its baggage rules. No newsletter, just the alert.
Common questions
Can you bring matches in a carry-on?
One book of safety (non-strike-anywhere) matches is permitted in carry-on. Strike-anywhere matches are prohibited everywhere.
Can you bring matches in checked baggage?
ALL matches are prohibited in checked bags — the opposite of what most people guess.