The TSA recently announced that "In an effort to concentrate resources on detecting explosive threats, TSA will no longer ban common lighters in carry-on luggage starting August 4, 2007.” This is great news for pipe smokers. However, there is a caveat that all cigar smokers should be aware of: THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE TORCH LIGHTERS.
It is about time that they dropped this silly charade. In 2006 alone, the TSA has confiscated over 11 million, yes MILLION, lighters from unsuspecting travelers.
Your favorite single, double or triple torch lighter will still need to be placed in your checked luggage in an approved vapor-locked carrier like the Colibri Tranzpack, Otterbox Cargo Case or the Prometheus Lighter Travel Case.
So, for those of you who prefer soft flame lighters like Zippo, Old Boys and others, you are now free to roam about the cabin! I wonder how they will handle items like the Dupla from Vector?