Actually, it's been a violation of regulations for at least 15 or 20 years to pack a lighter in checked baggage, presumedly due to the possibility that it might explode or start a fire. Propane lighters were decreed to be likely to "rupture due to pressure differentials at altitude" in an unpressurized baggage compartment or in the event of "sudden decompression" in a pressurized one.

Extensive "informal testing" in a bell jar failed to produce any such failures, so it must be presumed that this ban was largely a "because they can." Liquid fueled lighters, on the other hand, frequently did exude flammable fuel in the same tests. The actual hazard probably was a lot less than from a bottle of booze, which usually could be carried or checked (then, but not usually now).

The stated limit was one lighter for personal use, although the reg has flip-flopped between "must be on your person" to "must be in carry-on baggage." Local vs Interstate vs International flight have also had slightly differing regulations.

A decade ago I encountered a number of "examiners" who expressed great chagrin that my then-customary "hip flask" was a new sealed bottle, since they were "required to verify" that the contents were indeed liquor if the seal was broken, but were not allowed to break the seal. One of them actually salivated visibly (and was kinda cute that way).

At some, but not all, terminals, you may be offered the option to "mail" prohibited items to yourself or to a friend rather than having them confiscated; but this depends on how much time you have available and the nearness of a mail deposit point, and on the willingness of the inspectors. Unfortunately, postal regulations technically prohibit mailing any item containing compressed gas or liquid/gas fuel, due to "hazards in automatic mail handling equipment." Pocket knives and nail clippers presumedly could be mailed.

An acquaintance a few years back went through several months of "difficulties" with postal authorities when he included two 12 ga shotgun shells in a package of things a friend left at his apartment, which indicates the P.O. sometimes did then, and almost certainly does now, inspect packages fairly carefully.

Ten years ago, I ran into the problem of a compressed gas bottle that was part of an emergency door actuator system. The bottle's certification had expired, so it needed to be removed from the airplane to be replaced, but ICC regulations prohibited transporting it outside the airplane without a current certification (the ramp is under ICC control, not FAA). Took us weeks to figure that out. I believe someone resorted to **SA/LLH transport, but wouldn't want to name names.

Too many regulations. Not enough useful ones.

**(sneak about/lie like hell)

John