Does anyone else out there find it odd that they still allow such items as Bic lighters and match books on commercial airline flights? The FAA prohibits us from taking nail clippers and razors on flights, yet they still permit us to fly with lighters. Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't the most serious airline terro-attempt since Sept. 11 involve a lighter (Reids attempt to light exlosives in his shoe)? No has of yet attempted a hi-jack with nail clippers.
Rumor has it that lighters were on the FAA's orginal post Sept. 11 prohibited list, but "Big Tabacco" successfully lobbied to the Bush administration against a final inclusion of lighters and matches. They figured that most smokers would enjoy a smoke after they landed and that it wouldn't be fair to make them buy a new lighter (in the name of national security) at their final destination. I don't know if there is any truth to this, but I still find it amazing that we continue to allow these items aboard commercial flights. I doesn't take much imagination to ponder the potential danger that fire has on an airplane. Just my $0.02................
Rumor has it that lighters were on the FAA's orginal post Sept. 11 prohibited list, but "Big Tabacco" successfully lobbied to the Bush administration against a final inclusion of lighters and matches. They figured that most smokers would enjoy a smoke after they landed and that it wouldn't be fair to make them buy a new lighter (in the name of national security) at their final destination. I don't know if there is any truth to this, but I still find it amazing that we continue to allow these items aboard commercial flights. I doesn't take much imagination to ponder the potential danger that fire has on an airplane. Just my $0.02................