Cigarette Lighter ban on flights

[G00fyDad]

The TSA has apparently just outlawed cigarette lighters on their flights starting in April. So, for you smokers out there, starting in April you will have to leave zippos and other lighters at home. I guess burning someone into submission to hijack a plane has become a problem.

 

[wdisneelvr]

From what I heard on the news this morning, lighters always were on the list before. They just usually took them away and put them in the box with the others, or let you go thru with the lighters or matches.

Starting on April 14, they will fine you if have these items that are on the list, in your carry-on luggage.

 

[CarolA]

This is throwing the bath water out with the baby. The reason lighter were banned is that the "Shoe bomber" could have lit his explosives if he had a lighter (in theory) Now the problem is NOT lighters but EXPLOSIVES!
As for fining folks, that isn't going to last. You still have WAY too many folks who fly once a decade and fining Grandpa for carrying his $2 pocket knife is going to make the TSA look worse then they already do.

 

[G00fyDad]

Heck, I dont smoke anymore and I still carry one. Never know when you'll use it.

I have no problem with lighters on board. What I have a problem with is the fuses and C4 on board.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Just another example of the insanity of the TSA.

 

[C.Ann]

Lighters have been banned for awhile now, however you could carry 4 packs of matches instead.. I believe this new ruling now bans the matches as well..

Funny that they should choose to "fine" the offenders rather than reprimand the security people who fail to notice these things..

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Actually lighters were not banned. You could take TWO lighters into the sterile area. The TSA was specific about TWO, don't know how TWO would be be okay, but three or more not so good.

TSA Adds Lighters to List of Items Prohibited Beyond Airport Checkpoints

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Transportation Security Administration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 28, 2005
TSA Press Office: (571) 227-2829

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today 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 airplane. The policy will be fully enforced beginning April 14, 2005.

“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.


# # #

I hate to say this, but the TSA has no clue, and does not make me feel any safer. The way it is about rules and regs, and what it wants local police to arrest people on, scare the crap out of me.

Oh, funny thing, if you check the permitted and prohibited items list on the TSA's website, it still stays lighters are permitted. The TSA is one big mess. Edited to add: I guess lighters are okay until April 14, so maybe that is why the list has not been updated. Either way, I don't understaned this one. How long until we have to fly naked?

 

[dcandmc]

I agree that TSA is a mess, but for the lighter ban, blame certain members of Congress. In this instance, TSA is just trying to implement a law that Congress passed. I don't think TSA is any happier about it then you are. They will have a difficult time screening for all lighters.

 

[ducklite]

What a crock, if it was that much of a threat they'd ban them effective immediately.

You can do as much damage soaking a highly flammable airline seat cushion in hairspray poured from a non-aerosol bottle and throwing a match on it as you could with a lighter. Imbeciles Your tax dollars at work. Meh.

Anne

 

[G00fyDad]

Looking at the TSA list of banned items, it took me forever to figure out why the banned the toys "The Transformers".

It turns out that one of the (older) Transformers toys transforms into a gun. A Walther P-38 of all things. Now, I am not sure about you, but if I saw a small child carrying around an item that looked like a vintage WW1 handgun, I wouldnt be too worried.

 

[Wish Upon A Star]

The new rule goes into effect the day I'm flying (April 14th) so I guess I'll have to put a lighter into my checked luggage?

I usually just put the lighter in my pants pocket but I guess they'll know if I'm carrying one now?

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I don't believe you can check a lighter...hold on let me see...nope, you can't put lighters in your checked baggage. This all should be VERY interesting.

 

[G00fyDad]

I guess those of you that are staying onsite and not renting a car should remember to get a lighter from the airport on arrival.

 

[TrickyFish]

Can you still take matches? Will the airports even carry lighters if they're banned in the "sterile" portions of the airport?

 

[G00fyDad]

Can you still take matches? Will the airports even carry lighters if they're banned in the "sterile" portions of the airport?

Yeah, I'm pretty sure most airports will still cary lighters.

It's the firearms that are gonna be a bear to find nowadays.

 

[TrickyFish]

Darn it... I guess my AK-47 will have to stay home with my "foot and mouth" riddled plants and my mad cow...

 

[G00fyDad]

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Don't know about matches. According to the list of prohibited and permitted items, it does say SAFETY MATCHES are allowed in the sterile area (what the heck are safety matches???).

As for lighters being sold in the airport, I really don't know, and of course they are sold in the airport they would only be sold in the shops outside of the sterile area.

 

[RAD]

This is starting to get really stupid. Why doesn't the TSA:

A- When the door is closed the entier plane (except for pilot/copilot) are put to sleep with gas and awakend at the end of the trip.

B- Everyone will have to strip before entering the plane, clothes will be returned upon landing.

Banning lighters doesn't make me feel any safer.

 

[C.Ann]

Don't know about matches. According to the list of prohibited and permitted items, it does say SAFETY MATCHES are allowed in the sterile area (what the heck are safety matches???).

As for lighters being sold in the airport, I really don't know, and of course they are sold in the airport they would only be sold in the shops outside of the sterile area.

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I heard about the new rule regarding matches on the news. It will go into effect in April..

The web site is woefully behind on what is and isn't permitted now.. Guess we all better carry a thousand bucks extra or so in case we get "fined" for something that wasn't on the list and the security people missed..

I wish Orlando wasn't so far away - I wouldn't bother flying at all..