Lights Out
Air travelers can say buh-bye to their bathroom smoke breaks. At least we'll know what the REAL odor is coming from lavatories.
Courtesy of the Associated Press:
WASHINGTON - Airline passengers can no longer bring cigarette lighters onto planes or in any secure areas, the Homeland Security Department announced Monday.
Lighters were added to the prohibited items list because of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, which President Bush signed on Dec. 17.
The Transportation Security Administration, the agency charged with prohibiting dangerous items on aircraft, said lighters will be banned from planes and areas beyond security checkpoints at airports.
"By creating policy to add lighters to the Prohibited Items List we are closing a potential vulnerability in air travel security," said Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Rear Adm. David M. Stone.
The TSA said butane, absorbed-fuel (Zippo-type), electric/battery-powered and novelty lighters were included in the ban.
The rule will be enforced beginning April 14.
