SUMMARY: This interpretive rule provides guidance to the public on the
types of property Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
considers to be weapons, explosives, and incendiaries prohibited in
airport sterile areas and in the cabins of aircraft under the TSA
regulations. This interpretation also provides guidance on the types of
items permitted in sterile areas, the cabins of passenger aircraft, and
in passengers' checked baggage.

EFFECTIVE DATE: February 14, 2003.

Flight regulations

Cool. On another list there was a discussion of carrying esbit tablets in checked baggage. Some thought it was prohibited since it is cooking fuel. I still disagree. Those box strike matches are still more dangerous than any esbit tablet I ever used..: )

This is an interesting document. Thanks for posting the link. There are some interesting changes from what ... I believe ... recently had become the rules.

I had always understood we could not carry pepper spray even in our checked luggage. This document says we can carry it in checked baggage - not carry on, of course - as long as it's no more than four ounces and has a safety device to prevent accidental discharge. I'm very glad of this, rule, as not being able to carry my spray has bothered me in the past. (Of course, this is dependent upon it being legal at one's destination.)

We can now again carry nail files. Sanity returns. And I can carry tweezers again! I won't have to mutilate the pseudo-tweezers that are in my NuWick candles anymore.

They specifically allow canes, umbrellas & such.

Allowed cutting devices include Cigar Cutters & Cuticle Cutters. Corkscrews are also allowed. Round scissors are allowed. I had heard that before, but wasn't sure. So are round butter knives. THAT's interesting.

Of course, it also says that Security Personnel can change any of the above rules if an item "looks" dangerous.

One thing I don't like is that this document now talks about matches specifically as "books". I don't want to carry a "book" of cardboard matches. I want to continue to carry my small BOX of Coughlan's Wind/Water Proof matches. I don't suppose they'll lock me up if I try it, but I guess I'd better carry a BOOK of matches also. And they specifically say it's okay to carry TWO lighters.

Anyone know of any place to get a BOOK of wooden windproof waterproof matches? <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

A quick review of the link provided indicates that only 4 packages of book type, strike on cover type, or 2 non refill type butane lighters per person are permitted. It would appear that box type packages of matches and refillable type butane type lighters won't fly in carry on luggage or clothihng. All that said, it also stated that the screeners clearly have the option of making on the spot decisions to deny items they are deem inappropriate.

edit: Looks like Jet & I both posted regarding the same concerns at the same time: <img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />