The matches were found on the seat of a woman who had attempted to conceal the odour of flatulence with the matches, Nashville airport authorities said.
All 99 passengers and five crew left the plane while it was searched.
The woman was questioned by the FBI but released without charge and allowed to board another American Airlines flight.
"It was determined that she was trying to conceal body odour," said Lynne Lowrance of the Nashville Airport Authority.
She had "no malicious intent but had struck matches which is against [Transport Security Administration] rules," Ms Lowrance said.
The unidentified woman had an unspecified medical condition, Associated Press news agency said.
She was carrying safety matches, which the TSA allows in carry-on luggage.
The matches are not allowed to be struck, however.
Russ_T_Razor on March 31st, 2019 at 08:47 UTC »
Hey Jessica! Remember that time you farted so bad that the FBI had to get involved?
Sargent_peezocket on March 31st, 2019 at 07:54 UTC »
And now the entire world knows, good job lady!
GlassKingsWild on March 31st, 2019 at 06:11 UTC »
Just wait til you read the one about the guy who wrecked the toilet so bad the smell forced the plane to land.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/31908620/ba-flight-forced-to-land-early-because-of-smelly-poo