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Lithium batteries
The easy rule is: Keep all lithium batteries in your carry-on. Certain wattages are allowed in your checked baggage, subject to additional airline rules, but just don’t risk it. This is serious business: In 2018 a spare lithium battery started a fire in the cargo hold of a WestJet flight to Vancouver, forcing the plane to return to Calgary. Not sure what counts? You can find details at catsa.acsta.gc.ca.
Matches
You can put safety matches in your carry-on – but even then you should check with your carrier for restrictions. Air Canada, for example, allows one pack of matches or a lighter, but not both. To be clear: Safety matches are the kind you likely have in your kitchen, which you must strike against a special strip (FYI it contains red phosphorus). Strike-anywhere matches are not allowed on aircraft at all.
Lighters
Non-torch lighters (such as Zippo) are allowed in your carry-on only, as are non-refillable Bic-type lighters (note: these disposable models are the only ones allowed past pre-clearance checkpoints in the United States). As with matches, certain restrictions may still apply read over the airline’s rules carefully. Lighter fuel and refills are completely forbidden.
E-cigarettes
If you’ll need a nicotine fix during your travels you can bring your e-cig, but it has to stay in the cabin. For cannabis smokers, it’s the same for your vape. And, yes, that announcement about no smoking on the plane applies to both. Do not even try to sneak a puff or two at your seat or in the bathroom.
Camping fuel
When you’re packing up the outdoorsy gear leave the cylinders of butane, propane and every other flammable liquid at home. That might seem like a no-brainer but even empty canisters and used camp stoves must meet certain conditions before they can be packed (and then they must go in the hold, not in the cabin). Confused? For a full rundown of all packing restrictions, visit travel.gc.ca.