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Dangerous and banned goods

Aviation regulations mean that passengers are not allowed to carry knives, cutting instruments or sharp objects into the cabin. These items can be packed into checked luggage that goes into the hold.

Items that are completely prohibited are: gases (incl. camping gas), briefcases with alarm devices, corrosives such as mercury wet cell batteries, explosives such as fireworks and flares, flammable liquids such as lighter fuel, flammable solids such as firelighters and matches, oxidising substances such as bleaching powder, poisonous and infectious substances, radioactive materials and magnetised materials.

Portable electronic devices including mobile telephones and pagers are not allowed to be used whilst the aircraft doors are closed.

Passengers can carry perfumes, hairsprays and any alcohol-containing medicines necessary during the journey in limited quantities.

Specific requirements exist for the carriage of camping stoves/fuel containers, firearms and any devices with petrol engines. Carriage of these items will require passengers to prepare the items or arrange documentation in advance of the travel date. It should be noted that most devices with petrol engines cannot be carried as checked or cabin baggage and must be consigned as cargo. If you are unsure about any items, please contact Air New Zealand for advice.

Ban on lighters at United States of America airports (released 25 February 2005):

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that all lighters will be prohibited from sterile areas of airports and onboard aircraft. This action is in response to a provision in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, which was signed into law by the President on December 17, 2004, and requires that ‘butane' lighters be added to TSA's Prohibited Items List. After carefully evaluating the security threat, Congressional intent and operational considerations, TSA determined that passengers should be prohibited from carrying all lighters on their person or in carry-on luggage in the sterile areas of airports or onboard an aircraft travelling to or from a United States of America airport. Therefore passengers are NOT permitted to carry lighters on any Air New Zealand flight from or to the United Kingdom or United States of America, including in their checked-in baggage. The policy will be fully enforced immediately. “TSA is moving to implement this provision passed by Congress,” said Rear Adm. David M. Stone, USN (Ret.), Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for TSA. “By creating policy to add lighters to the Prohibited Items List we are closing a potential vulnerability in air travel security.” The agency also acknowledged the role passengers play in making the security process go more smoothly. "Travelers are a valuable partner in the screening process," said Rear Adm. Stone. "If they pack smart and avoid bringing lighters to the checkpoint, passengers can accelerate the screening process and allow us to focus on those individuals and items that may be a threat to their flight." All lighters will be banned from sterile areas beyond security checkpoints at airports. This includes, for example, butane, absorbed-fuel (Zippo-type), electric/battery-powered and novelty lighters. TSA's mission includes preventing air piracy and use of an airplane as a weapon. TSA prohibits items that may be used to that end from being carried aboard an airplane. The lighter ban will fulfill Congress' intent as expressed in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act and reduce security vulnerabilities, providing one more layer of security for the nation's travelers. The Department of Transportation classifies lighters as hazardous materials, and prohibits them from being stowed in checked baggage. TSA will dispose of lighters brought to checkpoints. Passengers at some airports may be able to ship them via a private company for a fee, but TSA strongly urges passengers to thoroughly inspect their carry-on and checked baggage for these items before going to the airport.

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