⛽ Can you bring Butane canisters / camping fuel on a plane?
Banned in cabin and checked (flammable gas)
As of 2026-08-21
The rule in detail
Portable butane canisters, isobutane cans, camping gas cartridges and lighter refill fluid are classed as flammable gases and liquids, and are banned from both the cabin and checked baggage. An empty can still holds residual gas, so the same rule applies to it. Take the gear and buy the fuel at your destination: burners and lanterns themselves may be checked once the fuel is completely drained and the unit aired out.
Why the rule is written this way
It is classified as Allowed with conditions — check the rules because capacity, shape and quantity decide whether it passes, so the same object can be confiscated on one trip and not the next.
Measure it yourself before you leave, and if it is borderline ask the airline and keep the answer in writing. At the checkpoint the final call is the security officer’s.
What actually happens at the airport
- Check-in desk — this is the point of no return for your suitcase. Anything that may only travel in the cabin cannot be retrieved after this step.
- Security screening — if the X-ray flags a shape, the bag is opened. Most problem items are caught here.
- Extra check at the gate — on some routes there is one more inspection.
Confiscated items are rarely returned. If you are unsure, confirm the specification before you leave home.
Being caught costs more than the item — carrying dangerous goods is a finable offence and it holds up your check-in
Other items in the same class
The items below are also classified as Allowed with conditions — check the rules. Quantity and volume limits differ per item, so check each rule separately.
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| 🧴 Liquids / gels / cosmetics | Cabin: 100ml or less / checked: no limit |
| ⚠️ Cordless hair straightener (built-in battery) | Not permitted — confiscated in Japan |
| 🍾 Alcohol (wine, whisky, spirits) | Checked only (5L limit for 24–70% ABV) |
| 🪒 Razors / razor blades | Razor: cabin OK / loose blades: checked only |
| 🔪 Scissors / utility knives | Blades under 6cm only (no utility knives) |
| 🪫 Dry-cell / spare lithium batteries | Alkaline: either / lithium: cabin only |
| 👁️ Contact lenses / lens solution | Lenses: no limit / solution: 100ml max |
Frequently asked questions
- Butane canisters / camping fuel — can I take it in the cabin?
- Banned in cabin and checked (flammable gas). Portable butane canisters, isobutane cans, camping gas cartridges and lighter refill fluid are classed as flammable gases and liquids, and are banned from both the cabin and checked baggage. An empty can still holds residual gas, so the same rule applies to it. Take the gear and buy the fuel at your destination: burners and lanterns themselves may be checked once the fuel is completely drained and the unit aired out.
- Is there anything else to watch out for with Butane canisters / camping fuel?
- Being caught costs more than the item — carrying dangerous goods is a finable offence and it holds up your check-in