Below is the most recently news article from Zippo on issue of packing lighters into checked luggage.
Now it is official, new Zippo lighters can be put in checked luggage.
Customer Service
www.ChineseGift.cc
New Zippo Pocket Lighters Now Permited in Checked Luggage
Effective Monday, May 16, based on the Department of Transportation (DOT) position that new, empty lighters, such as new Zippo? pocket lighters which are always sold without fuel - are not considered hazardous material, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has revised its prohibited items list, to permit these new, empty lighters to be packed in checked luggage. "This is consistent with long-standing Department of Transportation hazardous materials policy and clarifies that empty lighters are not considered hazardous materials. This is a win for Zippo consumers, collectors, and our company," stated Greg Booth, president and CEO of Zippo Manufacturing Company.
Booth said that the company received immense support from Pennsylvania Senators Rick Santorum and Arlen Specter, and Congressman John Peterson. He further applauded the agencies for working so diligently and carefully with Zippo to make this common sense clarification, that saves jobs, helps American exports and the economy while maintaining public safety.
"The government recognized that a new, never filled Zippo lighter cannot in any way be construed as dangerous. They were also sympathetic to the fact that the exclusion of all lighters on commercial airlines caused a tremendous inconvenience to Zippo consumers," Booth continued.
This revision to the prohibited items list applies only to new Zippo pocket lighters and other lighters sold empty.
On April 14, in response to the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, the TSA banned all lighters from the passenger cabin of aircraft. The new regulation, coupled with the previous DOT ban on all lighters in checked luggage, made it impossible for air travelers who purchase Zippo lighters for personal use or as gifts or souvenirs to transport these inherently safe lighters.
"Zippo was overwhelmed by the response from consumers concerned with this ban," Booth stated. "We appreciate the thousands of calls, letters and emails we received -- particularly those from Zippo lighter collectors and Zippo retailers. Their support is gratifying and it is certainly good news that new Zippo lighters can now be packed in checked luggage," he concluded.
