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TSA bans lighters at airports, planes
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Posted on Mar 01 2005
The Transportation Security Administration has added lighters to the list of items banned beyond airport checkpoints.
The new policy, which prohibits all kinds of lighters from sterile areas of airports and onboard aircraft, will be fully enforced beginning April 14, 2005.
In a news statement issued Monday, TSA said the new rule was adopted in compliance with a provision in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, which was signed into law on Dec. 17, 2004 and requires that “butane” lighters be added to TSA’s list of prohibited items.
“TSA is moving to implement this provision passed by Congress,” said Rear Adm. David M. Stone, assistant Homeland Security secretary for TSA. “By creating policy to add lighters to the Prohibited Items List we are closing a potential vulnerability in air travel security.”
Currently, TSA prohibits such incendiaries as fuels/lighter fluids, gas torches or turbo lighters, and strike-anywhere matches. But the new policy expands the list to include butane, absorbed-fuel (Zippo-type), electric/battery-powered and novelty lighters.
“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,” TSA said.
“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. assengers 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,” the federal agency added.
TSA also called on the passengers to cooperate and help expedite the screening process.
“Travelers are a valuable partner in the screening process,” said 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.”
