I Feel Safer Already…
Transportation Security Administration implemented a nationwide ban on lighters on planes and beyond security gates at airports. While lighters are banned, matches are still permitted.
In fact, on TSA’s website, there is a list of banned items that includes:
Beginning April 14, 2005, all lighters will be prohibited as carry-on items. Up to four (4) books of safety matches are permitted as carry-on only. Lighters and Matches are always prohibited in checked baggage.
According to USAToday, the lighter ban came about because of Richard Reid, who tried unsuccessfully in late 2001 to light explosives hidden in his shoes with matches on a trans-Atlantic flight.
Richard Reid was caught when a flight attendant saw him attempting to light a match on the tongue of his sneaker.
The Paradies Shops, which has more than 400 airport shops across the United States and Canada … might not see a bump in lighter sales because they offer free matches to each customer who buys cigarettes. Free matches also are given to visitors of the smoking lounges in the Denver International Airport.
There will come a day when the federal government starts using common sense.
