| As of August 4, 2007 common lighters are a | | | | No more focusing on lighters, unless they are in |
| permitted in carry-on baggage and on your person | | | | checked baggage. It was a very tedious job and now |
| when walking through security checkpoint. You are | | | | that it is over, the screeners can concentrate on more |
| only allowed to carry four books of safety matches in | | | | threatening items such as IED's and their components. |
| your carry-on or on your person through security | | | | The ban on lighters when into effect April 15, 2005 and |
| checkpoint per person. Matches and lighters are | | | | TSA was confiscating 22,000 lighters a day across |
| prohibited in checked baggage with one exemption for | | | | the nation. My question is why were there a total of |
| lighters. Those lighters without fuel are permitted in | | | | 11,616,217 lighters confiscated in the year 2006? Do we |
| checked baggage. Lighters with fuel are prohibited in | | | | think the rules don't apply to us? I would here |
| checked baggage, unless they adhere to the | | | | passengers in line say, "I'll just sneak my lighters |
| Department of Transportation (DOT) exemption, which | | | | through and they will never see it." Well, that passenger |
| allows up to two fueled lighters if properly enclosed in | | | | was wrong. Don't think you can sneak prohibited items |
| a DOT approved case. If you are uncertain as to | | | | through security checkpoint. Arm yourself with my |
| whether your lighter is prohibited in checked baggage, | | | | information and be prepared for security. You will |
| then pack your lighters in your carry-on baggage or on | | | | reduce your stress levels and make your trip a happy |
| your person. | | | | one. Go to my website for your MUST HAVE travel |
| Torch Lighters are still prohibited in carry-on and | | | | reference manual. |
| checked baggage. Torch lighters create a thin, | | | | TIPS |
| needle-like flame that is hotter (reaching 2,500 degrees | | | | 1. Carry lighters and only four books of safety |
| Fahrenheit) and more intense than those from | | | | matches in your carry-on or on your person. |
| common lighters. Torch lighters are often used for | | | | 2. Don't pack your matches or any lighters in checked |
| pipes and cigars, and maintain a consistent stream of | | | | baggage. They will be removed. |
| air-propelled fire regardless of the angle at which it is | | | | 3. Don't use a Marlboro bag for checked luggage. This |
| held. Torch lighters continue to be banned. | | | | is a big tip there may be lighters or matches in your |
| When I worked in checked baggage, back when | | | | bag. |
| lighters were banned, I had to concentrate on | | | | 4. Don't buy lighters while traveling and expect to |
| searching for lighters and matches as well as IED's | | | | return home with them, unless they are packed in your |
| (Improvised Explosive Devices) and other prohibited | | | | carry-on or on your person. |
| items. I am positive all screeners and passengers are | | | | 5. Torch lighters are still prohibited in checked and |
| relieved that the lighter ban has been lifted. HURRAY! | | | | carry-on baggage. |