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.