SECURITY THAW: lighters can fly, more milk to go

 The TSA has announced that beginning Aug. 4 airline passengers can carry on common cigarette lighters (hotter burning torch-type lighters are still banned) and those traveling with infants can carry larger quantities of breast milk. From the Transportation Security Administration press release:

WASHINGTON – In an effort to concentrate resources on detecting explosive threats, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced it will no longer enforce the ban on common lighters in carry-on luggage. Torch lighters will continue to be banned in carry-ons. The agency collects more than 22,000 lighters a day which represents a high percentage of all prohibited items surrendered at checkpoints nationwide. The measures will be implemented on August 4th.

“Explosives remain the most significant threat to aviation,” said Kip Hawley, TSA administrator. “By enabling our officers to focus on the greatest threats we are using our officers’ time and energy more effectively and increasing security for passengers.”

TSA is also modifying the procedures associated with carrying breast milk through security checkpoints. Mothers flying with or without their child will be permitted to bring breast milk in quantities greater than three ounces as long as it is declared for inspection at the security checkpoint.

About breast milk:

“This rule has been a pain for working mothers who pumped breast milk while on a business trip without their child and wanted to carry more than three ounces home with them.” said TSA spokeswoman Ellen Howe. “They had to throw larger amounts in the trash and that was not only wasteful but emotionally charged.” - AP via USA Today

There’s an economic component to the lighter rule change. It has cost the TSA $4 million per year to dispose of all the confiscated Bics and Zippos.

 

(TSA graphics)