I heard recently that although you can't bring a cigarette lighter onboard, you can take 3 or 4 packs of matches. Does anyone know if this is true? And - can you take them in your carryon or do you have to put them in your check-in luggage! Thanks!

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The countdown's begun!
January 30th to February 27th!

When we just flew on United to Miami, they said you couldn't even have matches in your carry-on

Although I did hear that sometime soon the restrictions will lighten up (sorry for the pun) a bit, to focus more on just bomby stuff.

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We just flew Delta Dec. 4th and they asked us if we had any "lighters in our carry-ons", we said "no", they said "do you have any matches" we said "yes", and they said, "that's OK". Coming back from Aruba,same thing. I think the new "lighter" rule went into effect Dec. 22nd.

Thanks pg... so that means that I can carry matches in my purse but no lighter????

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The countdown's begun!
January 30th to February 27th!

Elaine, when I flew down to Raleigh at Thanksgiving, my lighter was confiscated in NY but not the matches. Coming home, from NC the (new) lighter was NOT confiscated. Very confusing!

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Thanks Corrine. I just went on US Air's website. Cigarette lighters are not allowed, but it doesn't say anything about matches. I think I'll do both in my purse and see what happens! Worse case scenario, they'll take them from me.

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The countdown's begun!
January 30th to February 27th!

Elaine S,
That was Delta's rule the dates we flew earlier this month. Matches, YES, Lighters, NO.
But I must confess that just prior to our leaving our house for the Atlanta airport I decided to change purses, I opted for one that was thinner and not so bulkie as I was putting it into my carry-on. Well, when we arrived in our unit at LaCabana Paul asked me for a Tum, so I was searching through my purse and I found 2 of those mini lighters, and there was also one in the bottom of my carry-on that I had not seen while packing stuff in it. Now, you have to understand that they x-rayed my purse and my carry-on and apparently did not see them, either that or they just ignored them.
But to answer your question, matches are a yes, at least on Delta. You could always email your airline and ask them, they will reply with an answer.
Off the subject of matches, I can't tell you how many pair of twizzers and tiny pair of scizzors (yes, I know that is probably wrong spelling),Atlanta has confiscated from me. Not this time though, I packed them into my checked baggage. HaHa Delta!!!!!!
When I went in Feb. this year I had both confiscated from me, the guy that found them in my carry-on said to me,"do you want me to throw them in this bin with all of the others we confiscated or do you want to go out to the main lobby and fill out a manila envelope and mail them to yourself for a $5.00 fee?" I said, "hey, you keep them, I'll get new ones".
And I looked at the bin he pointed to and it was full of that type of thing.
But if a rule is a rule to get me safely to my destination, I'll let them keep whatever they want, except my swimsuits!!!!!!

Got here (Aruba of course) Friday and I was so excited.They didn't find my lighter (small) in my purse or my lighter (big) in my carry-on bag. I also had 2 boxes of stick matches and 2 books of matches (don't remember where I hid them - maybe my suitcase). Well anyway, they all got here. I can't beleive it - I was so happy about my lighters.

Saturday I lost my small lighter - I think in Alhambra Casino. Last night I left the big lighter in Madam Janettes. Now I was down to 2 book & 2 boxes of stick matches. I hate using book matches; especially with the wind in Aruba. Luckly I found a lighter in the pull-out couch in my room at La Cabana (not much fluid left though).

Around 12:30 this afternoon I went to check my e-mail at the internet computers at La Cabana. Then went back to the room to make lunch. What a downpour we had. Went back to the pool to collect my stuff. All my magazines and packs & books of matches are ruined.

I think the new rules went into effect about allowing scissors (up to 4 inches) so maybe they are going to be not as strict about lighters from now on.

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March 25-April 22, 2010
Aruba since 1985

Thanks Liz!! Of course I'm hysterical about the "happenings of your lighters and matches." I can't imagine using matches in that wind either!! Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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The countdown's begun!
January 30th to February 27th!

OMG Liz, you are too funny!!!!!!!!
Go to the little market at end of hallway near The Captains Table right there at LaCabana and treat yourself to a new lighter. Buy a pack of 3, it's cheaper that way!!!!! I bet not even "men" can light up with matches with that tropical breeze in Aruba.

I don't think I'm funny. I was flipping out since my lighters were gone and the matches were destroyed. I had to light my cigarettes from the kitchen stove. Wouldn't be too bad if it was a gas stove, but it's electric. I can't live without lighters. Not "a lighter" but lighters because I'm always losing them. I am a major "smoker". No anti-smoking lectures please.

It was really hot yesterday. First sunny day since I got here Friday.After 5 hours on the beach I had to out of the sun. So I went downtown to "lighter hunt". Last year I had bought real nice "big" lighters with Aruba on them at one of the shops at the Seaport Village @ $4.00. No one sells them anymore.

But I did find normal size upstairs in Royal Plaza mall. They have pretty scenes on them and says Aruba. Got 3 of them at $3.00 each. It's 31 hours now after I brought them, and I'm so happy with myself that I didn't lose any yet.

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March 25-April 22, 2010
Aruba since 1985

Hey Liz.... can you leave one for me at the airport??? lol

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The countdown's begun!
January 30th to February 27th!

You reminded me Elaine that I want to leave my stuff (especially my lighters LOL) here in Aruba since I will be back in April.

Too bad I won't be here when you are here in Feb.

I will be back in Aruba and looking for a "smoking roommate".

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March 25-April 22, 2010
Aruba since 1985