Beginning today, flyers are no longer allowed to bring lighters on board airline flights into the passenger compartment. Lighters have already been banned for over 30 years from the cargo area, ie, none in your checked baggage.
This has already been announced 45 days ago, so people do not have much recourse to b*tch and moan. You know they will, though. Leave the lighter at home, leave it in the car. Give it to someone coming off the plane. Perhaps the TSA could start a lighter exchange program at the exit security gate for those that are jonesing for a smoke.
Matches are still allowed on flights, except for self striking ones. One issue is what about those coming from overseas? What if they are say, flying into Newark and then catching a connecting flight to elsewhere? They will not be going through security checkpoints here, and whether security overseas will stop them is questionable.
For those who think it is a dumb idea, consider that shoebomber Richard Reid might have been able to light that bomb had he had a lighter. Also, do you really need one on a plane? Smokers, bring a pack of matches, you’ll survive. Maybe.
