Zippo wins part reprieve on US lighter ban

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Gavin Lipsith

7-Jun-2005

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The Transport Security Administration has decided to allow passengers to pack new, empty lighters in checked luggage

US lighter manufacturer Zippo has successfully lobbied the US government to allow new, empty lighters to be carried through airports in checked-in luggage. However, the group—which claims to have lost sales of $3m since legislation banning passengers from carrying lighters through airports was introduced—is still aiming to win a further amendment allowing lighters to be sold in post-security airport stores.

Zippo has estimated that the original legislation, which has been in force for little over one month, would have dented its total sales revenue by 30% as a result of its dependence on souvenir sales to travellers. However, the company quickly enlisted the support of three senators, and petitioned the Transport Security Administration (TSA) and the Department of Transportation. The agencies agreed that new lighters that had never been filled should be exempt from the regulations.

"Effective today, the TSA will allow airline passengers to pack cigarette lighters without fuel in checked baggage," a statement dated May 16 said. " Many people purchase these signature lighters as souvenirs and gifts for friends and family while on vacation or travelling."

However, empty new lighters such as those that would be sold in airside stores if it was allowed are still included in the ban. Zippo said that it was still seeking for ways to package filled lighters so that they can be transported safely, and is still hoping for a repeal on the legislation preventing passengers from carrying lighters on their person while travelling.

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