So you are planning to light a candle in your hotel room or bring a box of candles as a gift, and asking: Can you bring candles on a plane? And how many candles can you take on board?
According to the TSA, solid candles are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags without any quantity limits. But, gel like candles must be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less if placed in carry-on bags.
In this post, I will provide more details about bringing different types of candles in both hand luggage and checked baggage in addition to some tips on how to pack them for your next flight.
Let’s dive right in.
Can You Bring Candles Through TSA?
The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) are the folks who inspect items and luggage at airports to ensure passengers do not brings prohibited or dangerous items onto planes.
They’ve clearly mentioned solid and gel type candles on their website.
Even though it is made of Paraffin, Beeswax or other gels, you can bring solid candles through airport security and in your carry-on luggage without any issues.
You can also bring solid candles in your checked baggage with no limits or restrictions.
Gel candles
But gel type or liquid candles are only permitted in checked baggage, not carry-on according to the TSA website and screenshot above.
This wasn’t what I expected.
So, I asked @AskTSA on X (Twitter:
Turns out that gel-like candles are allowed and must be 3.4 ounces / 100 ml or less and placed in a single quart-sized bag along with other travel-sized liquid items.
The rule in the screenshot above is only applied to gel fuel candles, such as those used in chafing dishes, so they are not allowed in either carry-on or checked bags.
Do Candles Count As Liquid In Hand Luggage?
Solid wax candles are not counted as liquids when transported in carry-on baggage.
The TSA says that only “If you can pour it, pump it, squeeze it, spread it, smear it, spray it, or spill it, it’s subject to the liquid rules.”
Other Types Of Candles
What About Glass candles?
As I mentioned above, solid candles are permitted in carry-on luggage without any limits.
So regardless if comes in glass or any type of container you can pack them in either your personal item or your carry-on bag.
@Miae asked the TSA if she could bring her candles in a glass container on a plane.
The TSA confirmed that solid candles are good to bring in carry-on bags.
But, it’s advised to pack them in a solid box for extra protection.
Can You Take Birthday Candles On A Plane?
Yes, birthday candles are permitted on planes. The best way to bring them is in your carry-on bag.
Birthday candles are good to go in carry-on bags without any special packing requirements or quantity limits, but make sure they are in solid form and well protected.
Flameless LED Candles
You can bring Flameless LED candles on a plane carry-on and checked baggage.
Even though they operates with batteries, but their batteries are small so the TSA and most airlines do not worry about it.
Floating Candles
You can bring floating candles, in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Floating candles, which are lightweight and usually made of paraffin or palm oil wax, are fine to pack in both your carry on and checked bags.
Tea Light Candles
Small containers of the beautiful Tea light candles are good to go in carry-on and checked baggage
Sparkler Candles
Sparklers are like small fireworks which are not allowed in either carry-on or checked bags.
So it is best also to not bring sparkler candles on plane, you can find them anywhere you go.
Are Candles Allowed In Checked Baggage?
Yes, you can bring both solid and liquid candles in checked baggage without any limits.
@Ashlee wanted to bring a matchbook and a candle in her checked bag.
The TSA customer service replied that wax candles are fine, but matches are only permitted in carry-on baggage and only one book of safety matches per passenger.
I don’t recommend placing delicate items like candles in your checked bags, as they are more likely to get damaged or broken during transport.
Checked bags aren’t handled gently.
How Many Candles Can You Bring On a Plane?
The good news is: there are no limits to the number of candles you can bring on a domestic flight.
You still need to keep in mind the baggage weight and size limits of your airline, if you are planning to bring a large amount of candles.
Can You Bring Candles On a Plane Internationally?
Most airlines will not mind passengers bringing reasonable quantities of solid candles on international flights.
But, if you’re carrying a large number of candles, the customs agents might question the purpose especially if it looks like commercial use.
If you’re bring candles for sale and don’t have proper documentation, you may need to pay taxes or risk having the candles seized.
How To Pack Your Candles For a Flight?
There are many types of candles, and each may require different packing techniques for travel moving, or shipping.
Ideally, wrap your candles in bubble wrap and place them in the middle of your suitcase, cushioned by clothes.
This helps prevent damage, especially if you’re not using a solid box.
If you have glass candles like the LA JOLIE MUSE, pack it with extra care preferably in a solid box for protection.
What are Airlines Rules About Traveling With Candles?
TSA rules generally apply to all U.S. airlines, but if you don’t find an answer from the TSA, you can also check with your airline directly.
Here are a few examples:
United Airlines
@Jess asked about taking a Bath & Body 3-Wick Candle.
United confirmed that Bath & Body Works candles are allowed on board.
American Airlines
@Kylie asked if solid candles are okay in hand luggage.
American Airlines said yes, they’re fine in hand luggage.
Delta Airlines
@Gunyenye asked about carrying candles in glass from AMS to NBO.
Delta customer service confirmed that Delta have no restrictions on bringing solid candles onboard their flights, if packed carefully.
JetBlue Airlines
JetBlue replied to this user that solid candles are permitted in carry-on baggage.
Southwest Airlines
Last but not least, Southwest confirmed that candles are allowed in carry-on bags, but didn’t clarify that they must be solid.
(They are happy to see Lindsey onboard)
Final Thoughts On Taking Candles On a Planes.
You can bring all types of candles on a plane, but remember, gel candles must follow the TSA 3.4 oz / 100 ml limit if transported in carry-on bags.
Sparkles candles are best if you leave them home and pack larger amounts of gel candles (liquid candles ) in checked baggage.
For international flights, bring only reasonable quantities to avoid customs issues.
Always pack your candles neatly, especially in checked baggage, to avoid damage during transit.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
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