Do you mean due diligence like emptying the lighters before packing them? The airline's rules, clearly stated on their web site, say nothing about them being empty or full. The rules say not to pack them, period. I can't see how it could be more clear. Don't take them at all, risk them being confiscated with the attendant hassle, or take another mode of transportation.
Why would an airline still want to confiscate empty lighters from checked baggage stowed in an inaccessible part of the plane?
Because they simply don't have time to check every possible source of ignition in checked baggage for the presence of flammable gas? It takes long enough to endure the stylized rectal examination that is flying today.
What more was he supposed to do?
Ask the airline before packing them would seem to be the right answer to me. If then told that they would not be allowed, he could have left his "old friends" home then gone to the airport gift shop and bought a Bic with an adjustable flame that members of the common herd like me uses every day to light cigars.
I just don't see any cause for outrage here. The guy failed to follow the rules and paid for it. If he doesn't like it, let him do the due diligence next time or take the bus.
The AA site also lists this:
There are certain exceptions for personal care, medical needs, sporting equipment, and items to support physically challenged passengers. For example:
Personal Care Items containing hazardous materials (e.g., flammable perfume, aerosols) totaling no more than 70 ounces may be carried on board. Contents of each container may not exceed 16 fluid ounces.
Safety Matches and/or a Lighter may only be carried on your person. However, "strike-anywhere" matches, lighters with flammable liquid reservoirs and lighter fluid are forbidden. There is a maximum of 4 books and 2 lighters per person.
Firearms and Ammunition may not be carried by a passenger on an aircraft. However, unloaded firearms may be transported in checked baggage if declared to the agent at check in and packed in a crush-proof container manufactured specifically for the firearm or a hard-sided suitcase. Handguns must be in a locked container. Properly packaged small arms ammunition for personal use may be transported in checked luggage. Amounts may vary depending on the airline.
Dry Ice (4 pounds/ 2 kilograms or less) for packing perishables, may be carried on board an aircraft in a hard plastic or heavy gauge Styrofoam container, provided the package is vented. Ticket or gate agent must be advised, and a $40 USD/$54 CAD fee (one-way) applies.
Electric Wheelchairs must be transported in accordance with AA requirements. The battery may need to be dismounted.
It appears that he ought to have been able to carry one of his lighters onto the plane, as it was a lighter without a flammable liquid reservoir. Also, I wonder how they define "micro-torches." Do they mean torch lighters or the small micro torches used for home electrical work or cooking?
-PJ
I just don't see any cause for outrage here. The guy failed to follow the rules and paid for it. If he doesn't like it, let him do the due diligence next time or take the bus. Let's face it - had he been carrying an empty 59-cent Bic instead of a empty $300 model, this would never have happened. Some little tin tyrant at the gate saw something she felt like helping herself to, and decided to pull a Silly Rule out of her butt to suit the occasion. Airlines have lots of Silly Rules, designed for instant use when an employee notices that a passenger is for some unaccountable reason having a nice day.
Why not give passengers the option of mailing the offending item home?