TSA stole one of my old favorites (an engraved lighter) on a trip to Jamaica. What happened was. . . we were scrambling off to the airport and I didn't realize my torch lighter was in my pocket! So, I just unzipped the luggage and dropped it in. Never saw it again. I suspect
Continental Airlines or
TSA employees just took it. BTW: if they search (roust) your luggage, they are supposed to put an official note inside. I've found those notes on a couple occasions (and they missed the lighters in the Dopp Kit!!) . . . but, there was no
TSA note when they stole my lighter.
SUGGESTION:
Get one of the
TSA "approved" lighter cases and pack it in your checked luggage. Or, do what I've done since 2001. . . just put the torch lighter(s) in the Dopp Kit with all the shaving things, cigar-cutters, phone charger, fingernail clippers, etc. and put it inside your checked-luggage. Never had a problem with that.
Disclaimer:
There are NO guarantees! ! ! Remember; the
TSA are a bunch of sheep managed and supervised by psychotic losers on big ego trips!
TSA is just as corrupt as any government agency anywhere. JMHO. No matter how you transport or ship your torch lighter, you run some risks.