[supercat]

gas torches (including micro-torches and torch lighters) ...

Does the term "torch lighter" refer to ordinary cigarette/cigar lighters, or to devices used for lighting torches?

Also, out of curiosity, which style of lighter was this? Many butane lighters have an integral non-removable vessel which holds the gas; gas is injected into the vessel through a one-way valve, but there isn't necessarily any particularly easy way to inspect a lighter and confirm that it is in fact empty.

I guess the biggest question in my mind, though, is why the airline couldn't give the lighter back to the passenger while he was outside the security area given that they could have given it to any other person of the passenger's choosing?

[Political Junkie Too]

Does the term "torch lighter" refer to ordinary cigarette/cigar lighters, or to devices used for lighting torches?

Torch lighters are a new style of butane lighter that produces a low, high-intensity flame, similar to a blowtorch, for lighting cigars, or for use in windy locations (such as a beach) where a conventional lighter would blow out.

-PJ

[longtermmemmory]

if they gave it back they could not steal it. The has to be documentation for the passenger. They can't just take it without filing a report. Miami international broke up a ring of British airways baggage handlers who were regularly opening and stealing from london bound flights.

[strela]

Does the term "torch lighter" refer to ordinary cigarette/cigar lighters, or to devices used for lighting torches?

I would assume that a "torch lighter" in this context refers to a device designed to emit a fairly intense and high flame to light cigars or pipes. But that's just my opinion - you'd have to ask the airline to be sure. Which is what the author of this piece should have done.

Also, out of curiosity, which style of lighter was this?

There is a web site with a picture of one. Looks at first glance like a standard Zippo with a little bar poking out of the top of it. I guess the little bar is the part that drives the cost up to $150.

Many butane lighters have an integral non-removable vessel which holds the gas; gas is injected into the vessel through a one-way valve, but there isn't necessarily any particularly easy way to inspect a lighter and confirm that it is in fact empty.

Yup. The cheapie plastic ones are translucent or clear, which makes it easier to check them. Which leads me to believe that the expensive lighters confiscated were opaque.

I guess the biggest question in my mind, though, is why the airline couldn't give the lighter back to the passenger while he was outside the security area given that they could have given it to any other person of the passenger's choosing?

That bothered me too. Seems the easiest way to resolve the situation to me.