When it comes to air travel, safety isn’t just about seatbelts and oxygen masks, it starts long before takeoff.
From the moment you step into the airport, a series of strict protocols are in place to ensure passenger and crew safety. One of the most crucial rules? No open flames onboard.
Despite these precautions, some passengers may not fully understand or choose to ignore these rules which can result in serious consequences.
Passenger caught lighting an object during descent
In a recent case that has left many concerned, a male passenger was seen using a lighter to burn an object mid-flight, just as the plane was preparing to land.
The incident, captured in a TikTok video shared by user @you_canchangethislater, shows the man seated by the window lighting what appeared to be a necklace or chain.
Smoke was seen coming from the object before he blew it out and set the lighter aside.
According to the passenger who recorded the video, the seatbelt sign was still switched on, and the aircraft was already in its final descent. The video poster quickly turned on the overhead light to alert flight attendants.
Unbelievable. This happened while we were landing. Is this allowed? This man was on the same flight as me,” they wrote in the caption.
Crew acted swiftly, but no further action reported
A flight attendant reportedly arrived promptly and told the man to stop using the lighter. The crew returned shortly after to follow up, and the flight landed safely without further incident.
However, the TikTok user noted that no disciplinary action was taken against the man, sparking questions from netizens about whether enough was done.
What do aviation rules say about lighters?
According to most international aviation authorities, including the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), passengers are generally allowed to carry one small disposable lighter in their carry-on baggage.
However, using it onboard is strictly prohibited.
The cabin environment on an airplane contains pressurised oxygen, making any form of open flame a potential fire hazard.
Even a small spark can trigger panic or lead to a dangerous situation, especially during sensitive moments like takeoff and landing.
Flight crew are trained to respond quickly to these violations, but passengers also have a role to play in reporting anything unusual or dangerous just like the TikTok user did.
“Why wasn’t anything done?”
The video quickly drew criticism and concern online, with many users slamming the passenger’s reckless behaviour and questioning the airline’s follow-up.
“With oxygen levels in a plane, this could’ve gone badly.”
“Please make a police report. This isn’t just irresponsible, it’s dangerous.”
“Lighters may not be banned, but using them inflight? That’s a no.”
Some users also debated whether lighters should even be allowed on flights at all, given the risks.
While technically permitted in most countries, the general rule is clear: they must never be used once onboard.
