The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced that all lighters will be prohibited 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.
Airline travelers will be prohibited from carrying all lighters on their person or in carry-on luggage in the sterile areas of airports or onboard an airplane beginning April 14, 2005, but matches are allowed.
“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.”
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 strongly urges passengers to thoroughly inspect their carry-on and checked baggage for these items before going to the airport.
