TSA Adds Lighters to List of Items Prohibited Beyond Airport
Checkpoints
The TSA Monday 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 evaluating the security threat, Congressional intent and
operational considerations, TSA officials say they determined
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 quickly 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.