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Lighter ban fully enforced on April 14
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Posted on Apr 04 2005
Travelers are urged to ensure they don’t have any lighters with them or in their carry-on luggage starting April 14, when the Transportation Security Administration starts to fully enforce the lighter ban.
Assistant federal security director Viola Sablan said airport screeners currently still allow passengers to bring lighters beyond the security checkpoints. But beginning April 14, TSA will dispose of any lighters brought by passengers.
“We’re just giving people enough time to get used to the idea of the lighter ban. But once we fully enforce the new policy, travelers can no longer be allowed to bring any lighters not only in their checked baggage, but in their carry-on luggage as well,” Sablan said.
TSA issued the ban in compliance with a provision in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. Enacted on Dec. 17, 2004, the law requires that “butane” lighters be added to TSA’s list of prohibited items.
Incendiaries such as fuels/lighter fluids, gas torches or turbo lighters, and strike-anywhere matches have long been prohibited. But the new policy expands the list to include butane, absorbed-fuel (Zippo-type), electric/battery-powered and novelty lighters.
“TSA strongly recommends that you double-check your baggage and pockets for lighters before arriving at the airport. Some people carry sentimental or collectable lighters, and TSA would rather that you keep these items than collect them at the checkpoint. Because of federal laws and operational considerations, TSA cannot return any prohibited items voluntarily abandoned at the checkpoint,” TSA said.
TSA urged travelers to ship their lighters instead via a private company for a fee.
The federal agency also said matches are not permitted in the checked baggage. However, each traveler may bring up to four books of matches with him or in his carry-on baggage.
