[Political Junkie Too]

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

[strela]

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.

That wasn't made clear in the story. I found a web site that sells them, but didn't note the fuel source of the lighters in question. Do they use lighter fluid or something? - $150 for a lighter is a wee bit out of my price range.

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?

I would throw my butane-powered soldering iron into this category as well. The guy should have asked ...

[KiaKaha]

It never ceases to amaze me the amount of bleating and whining I observe on this forum from the ill informed and down right ignorant. (This comment was not directed at you “Political Junkie Too” as you have taken the time to research your comment it’s just an observation on my part).

The simple fact of the matter is a pipe lighter where the flame can be locked on is a prohibited item “dangerous good” as classified by IATA.

These rules have nothing to do with September 11th they are all to do with the safety of the Aircraft, crew and passengers.

A prime example of lighter is your “Zippo” or similar whether fueled by liquid or gas the lighter itself is ok, spare fuel in either you carry-on or hold luggage is not.

If you are unsure if an item you have is prohibited read the back of your ticket or ask a representative of your airline. If you cannot be bothered to do this and get caught out you only have yourself to blame.