This question in the title seems a bit crazy, but it sure does happen to people a lot. You will see security pulling people out of the check-in list to explain a burner or a stove in their luggage. Trust me they are not crazy, they are doing the right thing but they need to play a little smarter.
You are allowed to carry camping stoves on the plane. This seems like a risky idea, but what would you do if you are traveling to a new state or a whole different country to trek or explore the breathtaking beauty of the world.
You would not want to invest in a new camping stove in a different country, you might get yourself into fraud or they may ask you for extra money since you are a foreigner. What is the point of going through the hassle of finding a hardware store in a new place, when you have already invested once in the stove?
When you dealing with something as risky as stoves on a plane, you have got to follow the right regulations and rules for it. We are here to brief you all about camping stoves on a plane.
Let’s get started, shall we?
Rules For Carrying A Stove On The Plane

Since backpacking gear can run afoul of multiple safety rules, it is recommended that hikers be cautious and follow these strategies for hassle-free travel.
The rules for carrying a stove on a plane are laid by Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Here is what they have said about stoves on their official website- “Camp stoves are allowed in carry-on or checked bags only if they are empty of all fuel and cleaned so that no fuel vapors or residue remain. Please wrap cords and layer items in bags so officers can get a clear view of the items.” (view source)
- Only new stoves in their original packaging are allowed.
- Used stoves must be cleaned of all burn deposits and odors to pass inspection.
- Liquid- fuel stoves are refused more often than canisters burners because they retain more residues. Consider cleaning the stoves by scrubbing them thoroughly with soapy water and pack them in checked luggage.
- Consider carrying canisters, as they look normal under X-rays so have never been bothered.
- Carrying an MSR Whisperlite but make sure to empty the fuel water before traveling. If you let it out for a couple of days before flying it should be fine.
TSA Rules
- You are allowed to bring a stove in carrying on our checked baggage, but only if you take the time and care to empty it of all fuel and clean it so there are no vapors or residue left.
- Uncleaned stoves are not entertained, they will contain flammable vapors, and can be confiscated.
- It is recommended to store your clean, dry store in its stuff sack in your checked bag.
- TSA Not allow you to carry IsoPro canister fuel on an airplane for obvious reasons.
- Fuel bottle for a liquid fuel stove if you take the proper precautions.
- It is better to clean the portal thoroughly with soap, a brush, and plenty of hot water to remove the smell of fuel.
- Make sure your border is dry inside and out with no scent of fuel.
- Remove the cap or valve so that the bottle is open and TSA can see that it empty.
- There is a chance that less experienced PSA employees can contest skate your fuel bottle because it has the red paint or warning signs on the outside. We would not recommend you to remove those important warnings but you can surely do something to protect your bottles.
- Each bottle in a piece of paper and cover it with a rubber band.
- We recommend printing the TSA travel documents and using them as a bottle wrap.
- Always carry another copy of the document in your luggage just in case.

- The summary of the story of the bottle and parts so the agents have a good idea of what they are looking at.
- If you got bored reading this article, then check out how to cook cookies while camping.
- There might be a slight chance that even after following all the guidelines your stove or fuel bottles cannot make it up to the plane, so always have a plan B for your stove.
- Research about where to buy replacements when you land or whom can you borrow or rent gear from.
- If you are a rich coma we recommend that you ship the empty fuel container directly to the destination in advance just so you don’t have to worry about it.
- Shipping fuel bottle at the destination might charge you extra dollars and it can be a hassle, it is almost always better to find it at a local retailer.
- All the flammable items are banned from the checked luggage as well as the carry-on bag, including gasoline, compressed gas cylinders, aerosol insecticides, carrying, and many types of animal repellents.
- And other Sharp tools can only be packed in checked luggage and must be wrapped to prevent Airport security from being injured while randomly checking the luggage.
- For more information, you can visit the TSA official website.
- These are the TSA travel documents that you might require.
Guidelines For Some Other Camping Gears
Lighters
- You can pack butane lighters in carrying on luggage, along with one book of safety matches.
- This rule was brought into practice after August 2007.
Batteries
- Passengers are not allowed to pack spare Lithium metal batteries that are used in many cameras and GPS units with checked luggage.
- Can carry these batteries in your carry on bag to escape security.
- Alkaline, NiMH, and NiCad types are allowed in any luggage.
Liquids
- Bear spray exceeds the 4-fluid-ounce limit established by the TSA for self-defense place in checked luggage.
- You can either ship it ahead of time, or buy it at your destination.
Passing Through Airport Security
- Even though TSA had laid out proper guidelines for camping years but some airlines have their policies of their own. Therefore it is safe to confirm from the airlines about bringing camping gear which you for the flight.
- Many camping organizations recommend printing out a copy of TS a regulation on camp stores and traveling with camping equipment and keep it when passing through airport security.
FAQs
Conclusion
I hope this article helped with all your question about whether or not we should carry the camping stove on a plane, and if yes, then what are the guidelines. It is important to know these vital guidelines while risking a flight.
If you have any questions about these guidelines, let us know in the comment section below. We would try to answer it.
Check out our website for more camping guidelines.
Until then happy camping!