traveling with lighters...

i ran a search and the only thread that popped up was a bit old...has anyone traveled recently with a higher end softflame lighter that was NOT a bic...i know the TSA website says that "common" "soft flame" lighters are ok...

problem is, i don't want my st dupont line 2 to get confiscated...because it isn't "common" to the TSA agent...

[kelmac07]

Get a TSA approved case and pack it in your checked luggage. Works for me all the time.

[Bill86]

You could always mail your ST Dupont lighter to your destination insured. Or risk a less costly lighter, maybe a decent $15-$25 Xikar. For the cost of your Dupont lighter I'm not sure I'd ever feel comfortable taking that one out of the house.

ugghh, i bring it with me everywhere i go...so i feel naked without it...guess i'll just have to buy a box of cedar matches when get to CA...

i read on a few other sites that people have had their lighters stolen from them by TSA agents that were stored in approved TSA cases...ahh well, guess it's not worth the risk...

[NCRadioMan]

+1 for what Mac posted however, every airport is different. Some will let all lighters through, some none. It's a messed up system.

I wouldn't risk it with that lighter.

[kelmac07]

Originally Posted by jonan

ugghh, i bring it with me everywhere i go...so i feel naked without it...guess i'll just have to buy a box of cedar matches when get to CA...

i read on a few other sites that people have had their lighters stolen from them by TSA agents that were stored in approved TSA cases...ahh well, guess it's not worth the risk...

FAA regulations say that "torch" lighters cannot be in carried bags..but have had no problem with them being in my checked luggage. Another cheap alternative is to buy a
$ 2.88 Ronson jetlite...that way if they take it, you're not out all that much.

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

+1 for what Mac posted. Every airport is different. Some will let all lighters through, some none. It's a messed up system.

I wouldn't risk it with that lighter.

that's what irks me, but i have a feeling they'd definitely confiscate it, since i plan on opting out of the digital strip search...

Originally Posted by kelmac07

FAA regulations say that "torch" lighters cannot be in carried bags..but have had no problem with them being in my checked luggage. Another cheap alternative is to buy a
$ 2.88 Ronson jetlite...that way if they take it, you're not out all that much.

that's the thing, i travel light and never check bags so i'd be carrying it on...but even the TSA website states that the TSA regulations themselves are open to interpretation by the TSA agents...so items on the approved list can still be confiscated if they deem the item dangerous...

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by jonan

that's the thing, i travel light and never check bags so i'd be carrying it on...but even the TSA website states that the TSA regulations themselves are open to interpretation by the TSA agents...so items on the approved list can still be confiscated if they see something they want...

Fixed it for ya.

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

Fixed it for ya.

hhaha, so true it's terrible...

[Stinky]

First let me say:

YOU ARE WAY TOO ATTACHED TO YOUR FANCY SMANCY LIGHTER! ! !

Now that I've given you the wake-up slap. Here's some experience from my travels.

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.

i have an excuse though, because it was a gift...i'm more attached to a cheap .50 cent led flashlight that i got from a cousin for xmas who knows i love flashlights than some of the more expensive surefires i've bought for myself hehe...

i'm just like that when it comes to gifts...

[poker]

Originally Posted by Stinky

First let me say:

YOU ARE WAY TOO ATTACHED TO YOUR FANCY SMANCY LIGHTER! ! !

I am very attached to my fancy smancy Dupont Ligne 2's.

[Bill86]

The Dupont lighters....people really pay the $800-$1000? Or is there a place to get them cheaper? If so whats the deal with them, I've held one before they are nice but wow they are pricey.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by poker

I am very attached to my fancy smancy Dupont Ligne 2's.

[14holestogie]

Originally Posted by Stinky

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.

Just so you are aware, all "torch" lighters are still banned from air travel, no matter how they are packaged in checked or carry-on luggage. I've had luck transporting them both in the "egg" or buried in my golf bag, but I wouldn't try anything you're real attached to. Can't fault TSA for following what seems to be a pretty black and white rule.

[captain53]

Best bet these days is don't travel via Commercial Air Carrier but if you must then just don't take anything - so much B.S. Just like someone mentioned the rules are different at every airport and all subject to interpretation.

For sure don't take anything of more value than you are willing to throw away at the airport!

[captain53]

Originally Posted by jonan

ugghh, i bring it with me everywhere i go...so i feel naked without it...guess i'll just have to buy a box of cedar matches when get to CA...

i read on a few other sites that people have had their lighters stolen from them by TSA agents that were stored in approved TSA cases...ahh well, guess it's not worth the risk...

When you go thru a Rapid Scan you will be naked so might as well leave your lighter at home and get used to the feeling.

[cmitch]

I had a buddy at the cigar shop tell us he had his $100 lighter confiscated in Nashville. Best thing to do is don't travel with them.

[Stinky]

I've suggested the local B&M's promote a Lighter Rental program for visitors. Deposit equal to full price. . . Rental only $1.00 per day. Return to store or send back by mail. . . still a new way to draw out-of-town customers.

Or, just sell some really cheap torch lighters. One local shop had a clearance on torches for $1.50! ! ! FWIW: when we travel, I can always find a cheap torch for $5 to $12. . .

REMEMBER:
Taking torch lighters on a commercial airline is risky. You're a big boy. . . make your own decision.