Oh no!!! No more Sky Mall to look at!!!!!!

EEEEKKKKK!!!!!! I love Skymall. All the pretty things I want but don't need. And I'm not allowed to buy since I went a little nuts at TravelSmith, Levenger and a few other places with shiny, pretty things :,(

Since starting this thread, I read an article that explained the rationale. Basically, TSA was spending too much time confiscating matches and lighters. Plus, people could easily smuggle them by using simple tricks. So, TSA punted on this one.

Here's a wild guess that has no evidence backing it. TSA had to ban either marijuana (including medicinal) or lighters and matches. TSA chose the former. See the list.

As Cheech and Chong found out the hard way, you can't smoke even in the lavatory. Not sure I buy your thesis. But that's a funny one!

From the beginnings of passenger flight, it was ok to carry a lighter, matches and to smoke on a plane. The smoking went away, to many health concerns. However, smokers are in dire need of a cigarette when they land, especially at another airport waiting for another flight. How do they light their cig? Buy a lighter and have to ditch it again before the next flight.

Lighters are not much of a weapon, nor are P-38 can openers or tiny Swiss Army knives, yet all were banned for awhile. it makes perfect sense to me to re-think some of the "security" changes made as a reaction to 9/11. I personally do not feel safe on a 40 year old airplane that takes off and lands 10 times a day, or more.

That old plane gets regular care, inspection, and maintenance, unlike many of us. The air frame may be forty years old, but many, if not most of the moving parts are much younger.

I have flown regularly on charter flights to the Channel Islands (U.S.) since 1982 on a plane that was old then. It is probably pushing fifty years. It gets very good care, and I know the pilots are thoughtful and cautious.

With every passing year, I appreciate old things more and more.