Leave the Cigarette Lighters at Home
Nearly every day that I pass through a security screen, I see passengers having their lighters confiscated.
The TSA list of permitted and prohibited items states that filled lighters are not a permitted carry-on item. Nor can they be packed away in your checked baggage, as they are considered hazardous material.
Let me make this even simpler: If the lighter is working, it has fluid in it. If it has fluid in it, then it is prohibited in carry-on or checked bags.
Like everything having to do with governmental regulations, there is an exception. A DOT exemption allows up to two filled lighters in checked baggage IF they are properly enclosed in DOT approved case. You can check with the airline on which you are traveling for specific information about what type of case will be approved. At a minimum, it will need to be airtight so as to prevent spillage or the possibility of unintentional ignition.
If in doubt, leave it home. You can pick up a cheap lighter at your destination.
Photo credit: flickr
Tags: airlines, airports, flight+attendants, travel, vacation
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POSTED IN: Air Travel, Travel Tips
4 opinions for Leave the Cigarette Lighters at Home
Jay
Jun 11, 2006 at 10:09 pm
But you gotta remember - people pack their common sense in their checked baggage or they leave it at home!
Mary Jo Manzanares
Jun 12, 2006 at 1:39 am
Patience, too!
Jay
Jun 12, 2006 at 1:48 am
And let’s not forget tolerance! While you pay more for you seat than you do on a city bus an airplane, when you really boil it down, is public transportation!
Glass Beads
May 9, 2007 at 3:50 pm
Smoking shouldn’t be allowed on planes anyway its a filthy habit. Smokers pack their common sense away when they started the habit.
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