Can You Bring Candles on a Plane

If you're going to visit friends or family, a delicious-smelling candle to spruce up their home might seem like the perfect gift - or maybe you've found a new candle you're obsessed with while on your trip, and now you're wondering how you're going to bring it back home.

Can You Bring Candles on a Flight?

Before we answer the all-important question of whether or not you can bring candles on a flight, it's important to note that there are two main types of candles: gel candles and solid wax candles. This difference is important, because the rules vary slightly depending on what type of candle you want to travel with.

Gel candles (you might also have heard them called gel wax candles or liquid candles) are mostly made of polymer resin, and contain a small amount of mineral oil. Given their composition, gel candles are considered a liquid by the TSA.

Unfortunately, although small amounts of certain liquids are allowed in hand luggage, gel candles are completely banned from carry-on bags. If you want to travel with gel candles, you need to pack them in your checked luggage like you would other prohibited items, such as some aerosols or bigger liquids.

The most common type of candle is a solid wax candle - which you can usually bring with you if you're flying anywhere in the United States. Unlike gel candles, there are almost no restrictions for traveling with solid wax candles. You can travel with them when they're packaged in glass containers, ceramic, metal, or unpackaged. Given that solid wax candles have been deemed safe by TSA rules, you can bring them in both your carry-on and checked luggage.

Can You Pack Candles in Your Carry-On?

Gel candles aren't allowed in carry-on luggage, but thankfully, solid wax candles can be taken in your carry-on.

Now that you know a little bit about the rules regarding candles and flying, you might be wondering about the best way to travel with a solid wax candle. Given that they are heavy, your instinct might be to pack your candles at the bottom of your backpack or suitcase. However, there's a (small) chance your candles might be searched by TSA, so it might be more convenient to keep them near the top for easy access.

Also, make sure to pack your candle in a transparent plastic bag. If you're worried about it breaking, wrapping it in bubble wrap before placing it in the bag might be wise. Even the highest-quality candles sometimes react strangely to planes so, just in case anything were to happen, it's best to make sure your candle is sealed and kept separate from the rest of your belongings.

Are There Size Restrictions for Candles on Planes?

There isn't a limit to the size of candles you can bring on planes. There's also no limit to the number of candles you can bring. However, given that candles tend to be quite dense, it may be a good idea not to stuff your checked bag full of them, given that most airlines have weight restrictions.

Can You Bring Matches or Lighters on a Plane?

If you're gifting a luxurious candle, you might want to find some cool matches or an antique lighter to give along with it. The good news is that you can do so, but only if you're planning on giving only one candle as a gift, depending on how many bags you have.

What Are Some New Candles To Try?

You have all the travel tips you need to safely fly with candles, which means it's time to find the candles that you're going to take aboard with you. In this section,