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Personally I don't consider my cigar lighter a "gas torch". It's a freaking lighter. It is quite simple to verify it is empty.

Again, American Airlines' posted rules make no distinction between an empty or full cigar lighter of the type that was confiscated. And again, the author of the piece bore the primary responsibility to make sure that his personal property could be transported under the rules laid down by American. This he arguably failed to do.

What danger does it pose?

Your lighter? Probably none. But are you willing to assign the same level of confidence to everybody else's lighter as well?

Why could she not give it back to him?

Their policy their rules. Don't like it? Then don't fly American (or likely any other airline from what I've seen, as they all seem to have similar policies).

It does sound to me like it was appropriated, probably because it was silver or gold.

Then color me amazed that my gold and silver cufflinks and studs, my gold pendant, my Seiko maritime watch, and my ring made it through TSA hell on my recent trip, because all did so without a hitch.

I call this government supported airline induced theft.

I call it failure to exercise due diligence on the part of the author of the piece.

Don't like it? Then don't fly American (or likely any other airline from what I've seen, as they all seem to have similar policies).

BS! That argument was lost when our government sent them checks. Yes, I'm willing to take a chance on everyone else’s lighter. Freedom is becoming an illusion. We are too open a society. It is our strength and weakness. I am not willing to give that up in the name of security. I'm surprised by anyone who would.

I just wanted to commend you on your factual arguments. You are one of the few here (imo, of course) making sense.

Now to all, as a rational, thinking citizen of the United States of America, I want to echo the few who have redirected everyone's attention to the "rules" section. AA has a rules section. AA has a rules section that you can read online, in pamphlet form, on the back of the tickets, in several languages. If you cannot see, and can read Braille, AA would gladly accommodate your need. If you cannot read, you can request that the "rules" be read to you. The FAA also has a "rules" section. Venture over to the Department of Homeland Security on the web, and a few simple clicks will bring you to the Transportation Security Administration, and their "rules."

While just browsing through the TSA website, I found it extremely easy to read. I've cut and pasted two items of interest:

"As of January 1, 2003, TSA began screening 100% of checked baggage at all 429 commercial airports across the United States. You will encounter one of the processes described below at the airport. Please be aware that you will not be able to access your bags after they are screened no matter which process you encounter."

"The prohibited and permitted items list is not intended to be all-inclusive and is updated as necessary. To ensure everyone's security, the screener may determine that an item not on this chart is prohibited."

The TSA provides a list of Permitted & Prohibited items for passengers to follow to make airline travel as safe as can be. Following the rules equates to following the law. Breaking the rules is breaking the law. Breaking the law, means that a person is doing something illegal. Ignorance of the law is still breaking the law.

From what was mentioned in the article, it appears to me that AA was the messenger, as AA does not inspect the checked baggage...the TSA does. Imo, this passenger's grievance should be addressed with the TSA.

What danger does it pose? Your lighter? Probably none. But are you willing to assign the same level of confidence to everybody else's lighter as well?

Yes, if the TSA agent is willing to flick them all first. If it lights, then it is prohibited. If it doesn't, then it's a harmless piece of metal.

-PJ