Fuel (jerry can)
ProhibitedLoose fuel is prohibited on aircraft and most borders.
Dangerous-goods rules vary by airline and destination, and the carrier and official authority make the final decision on what may travel.
Visual reference
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What this means
A fuel can (jerry can) is a portable container holding flammable liquid fuel such as petrol, gasoline, or diesel. Containers holding fuel are classed as dangerous goods and are prohibited from passenger aircraft in both carry-on and checked baggage. Even containers that previously held fuel are forbidden if any liquid, residue, or vapour remains.
What's included
- A jerry can filled with petrol or gasoline
- A diesel fuel container
- A spare fuel bottle for a camping stove that still holds fuel
- A fuel canister with residual fuel or fuel vapour
- A vehicle spare-fuel container carried for refueling
- Engine-powered equipment that still contains fuel or fuel vapour
What's not included
- Motor oil and lubricants (non-fuel, separate item)
- A vehicle's own fixed fuel tank when driving across a land border (part of vehicle-temp-import)
- Spare batteries or power banks (different dangerous-goods category)
- A completely cleaned, fuel-free new fuel bottle (treated differently from a fuel-bearing can)
Common types & examples
Filled jerry can
Prohibited in carry-on and checked baggage on passenger aircraft as a flammable liquid.
Camping-stove fuel bottle
Prohibited if it contains fuel; a new or completely cleaned, odor- and residue-free bottle may be accepted, subject to airline policy.
Used/empty-but-residual container
Still forbidden because residual liquid or vapour remains hazardous.
Engine-powered equipment with fuel
Chainsaws, generators, and similar must be fully drained and purged of fuel and vapour before air transport.
Why it's regulated
Fuel is a highly flammable dangerous good that poses a fire and explosion risk in an aircraft cabin or hold, so aviation rules ban it from passenger baggage. At land borders, fuel may also be restricted for safety and customs reasons.
Before you travel
Next steps
- 1.Never pack fuel or filled fuel cans in carry-on or checked baggage
- 2.Completely drain and air out any stove or fuel bottle before flying
- 3.Confirm your airline's policy on empty fuel containers
- 4.Buy fuel at your destination instead of transporting it
- 5.Declare engine-powered equipment and confirm it is fuel-free
Official sources
- PackSafe - Fuels· U.S. FAA
- Dangerous Goods Guidance for Passengers· IATA
Always verify with the official authority for your destination.
Country-specific rules
The default posture above applies worldwide. For the exact rules at your destination, check the country guide.
View country rules →