And with regards to the lighter, I'll probably go the bic/matches route you mention now that I think about it.
It seems the TSA policy is as
clear as mud on
this one.
Zippo
says it's fine for the most part:
On all domestic flights and most international flights, one fueled Zippo windproof lighter is permitted in the passenger cabin. On all domestic flights up to two previously fueled Zippo windproof lighters, in an approved container, can be stowed in checked luggage. New, never-fueled Zippo lighters can be stowed directly in checked luggage.