New Policies for Lighters, Electronics, and
Breast Milk
For Travelers
Related Info
In an effort to concentrate resources on detecting explosive threats, TSA will no longer ban
common lighters in carry-on luggage as of August 4, 2007. Torch lighters remain banned in
carry-ons.
Lifting the lighter ban is consistent with TSA's risk-based approach to aviation security. First and
foremost, lighters no longer pose a significant threat. Freeing security officers up from fishing
for 22,000 lighters every day (the current number surrendered daily across the country) enables
them to focus more on finding explosives, using behavior recognition, conducting random
screening procedures and other measures that increase complexity in the system, deterring
terrorists. The U.S. is the only country in the world to ban lighters – all other nations, including
Israel and the U.K., do not.
Lighter Timeline
When dealing with security issues, threats evolve. In aviation, terrorists hijacking and diverting
planes was the threat for decades. On 9/11, aircraft were used as weapons, and recent plots have
included liquid explosives. Below is a timeline of the evolution of the lighter ban.
December 21, 2001 - Richard Reid made a failed attempt to detonate an improvised
explosive device in his shoe onboard a Paris to Miami flight. His shoe-bomb device
malfunctioned and he was overpowered by cabin crew and passengers. He was using
matches as an ignition source.
In an effort to address this threat, TSA soon required travelers to remove their shoes for
security screening.
December 17, 2004 – The President signs into law the Intelligence Reform and
Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 which, among other measures, requires TSA to add
"butane lighters" to its prohibited items list. (Torch lighters have long been prohibited for
hazmat reasons.)
March 31, 2005 – TSA recognizes Congressional intent and adds all common lighters to
the prohibited items List.
The United States becomes the only nation in the world to prohibit lighters from carry-on
luggage.
April, 2005 – Lighters immediately become the number one prohibited item surrendered
at checkpoints across the country – at times, almost 39,000 a day.
October 4, 2006 -- Congress passes the Department of Homeland Security
Appropriations Act which gives the TSA administrator the discretion NOT to enforce the
lighter ban.
August 4, 2007 -- Common lighters are no longer banned from carry-ons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are lighters not a threat anymore?
A. Lighters are not a serious threat. Lifting the ban is a common sense, risk-based security
decision. This change allows officers to focus on finding explosives and IED components. TSA
collects 22,000 lighters a day.
Q: Why were all lighters banned as carry-on items in the first place?
A. In April of 2005, TSA began enforcing a Congressional mandate to ban common lighters on
the secure side of airports or onboard airplanes.
Q. What is a torch lighter?
A. Torch lighters create a thin, needle-like flame that is hotter (reaching 2,500 degrees
Fahrenheit) and more intense than those from common lighters. Torch lighters are often used for
pipes and cigars, and maintain a consistent stream of air-propelled fire regardless of the angle at
which it is held. Torch lighters continue to be banned.
Q. Does your lighter need to be in a baggie since it contains liquid?
A. No. TSA's common-sense approach harmonizes with worldwide standards for lighters.
Q. Why is breast milk not a threat?
A. Breast milk is a medical necessity and it is being classified as such. It must be declared at the
checkpoint.
Q. How do you ensure liquid explosives disguised as breast milk or medications are not
brought through the checkpoint?
A. Since September 2006, certain liquid medications have been permitted at the checkpoint as
long as they are declared to security officers and are subject to additional screening.
Q. Do passengers carrying breast milk need to taste it to prove it is not a liquid explosive?
A. No. We will not ask a traveler to taste breast milk.
Q. What does "additional inspection" of exempt items include?
A. We don't discuss our specific security procedures. Since the liquid ban, passengers have been
required to present exempt liquids at the checkpoint to undergo additional scrutiny.
Laptops, Full-size Video Game Consoles and Other Large
Electronics
Effective August 4, 2007, laptop computers, full-size video game consoles (for example
Playstation®, X-box®, or Nintendo®), full-size DVD players, and video cameras that use video
cassettes must be removed from their carrying cases and submitted separately for x-ray
screening. Laptop computers and video cameras that use cassettes have long been subject to this
policy.
What Needs to be Screened Separately
Laptops
Full-size video game consoles
Full-size DVD players
Video cameras that use video cassettes
CPAP breathing machines
Small and portable electronic items do not need to be removed from their carrying cases.
Breast Milk
TSA is also modifying the rules associated with carrying breast milk through security
checkpoints. Mothers flying with, and now 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.
Breast milk is in the same category as liquid medications. Now, a mother flying without her child
will be able to bring breast milk through the checkpoint, provided it is declared prior to
screening.