Well, you can take everything on the plane (carry-on) with the exception of lighters. I pack my Zippo case (emtpy) in my carry on, but put the butane inset (2) in my toilet kit of checked luggage.
I recently posted this to another thread on pipe cases/carry. This solution worked perfectly for air travel.
Text: We just spend a week on the road, via air travel. I don't mind packing one of my pipe bags for travel in the car, but none really felt secure enough to put in an overhead bin and stashing one at my feet doesn't seem prudent either. I used this setup for a 2nd time and it worked wonderfully.
Xhale hard shell foam zip case (I think this actually might be for glass pipes..)
$10 on Ebay
It holds five pipes in bags, nice and snug zipped. A small pouch of cleaners tucks in as well
Single pipe/tobacco pocket case.
https://scontent-1.2914.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11205161_1115566488459345_2272499747587565216_n.jpg?oh=24a88e4615975ed8f387653932cf8a0b&oe=55D6F15F
The pocket bag, Xhale foam case and tins go in a small, shoulder hard-shell cooler. This is secure in the overhead and actually gets cooler use at the beach during the week. It also holds all of our electronic gear, chargers, etc.
My little one-pipe zipper fold over for use around town. (it was so windy in Puerto Rico, I primarily smoked on the balcony)
The cooler, Xhale case and small pocket bag were about $30 and they offer very secure air-travel for pipes. Larger Xhale cases are available, but I find five pipes for a week is sufficient.
