USA Security... Up in Smoke?

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Magnolia
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Joined: June 01, 2004
Posts: 31098

Posted: Mar 09, 2005 - 03:44 PM
Post subject: USA Security... Up in Smoke?

TSA Adds Lighters to List of Items Prohibited Beyond Airport Checkpoints

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today 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 carefully evaluating the security threat, Congressional intent and operational considerations, TSA determined that 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.

http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/shanghai/linkfiles/lighterban3905e.d oc

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cheelgo

Newbie

Joined: Mar 09, 2005
Posts: 3

Status: Offline

Posted: Mar 09, 2005 - 08:12 PM

no pb.

yu888
Board Deity

Joined: Jan 25, 2003
Posts: 18054
Location: ZhongShanParkArea SH

Posted: Mar 10, 2005 - 12:07 PM

no matches, no lighters...no smking on board anyhow so I don't see a problem except smokers will have to get lit after getting their check in luggage...and god forbid if it gets lost! Evil or Very Mad

Magnolia
Board Biatch

Joined: June 01, 2004
Posts: 31098

Posted: Mar 10, 2005 - 01:26 PM

Except that lighters are not permitted in checked bags either...

Actually quite a pain, not for departures, but upon arrival.

Don't see them stopping coffee or baby bottles from being brought on board and such containers have much larger capacities.

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jimandcoco

StreetBeater