I do a great deal of international travel and always pack this kit in my checked baggage, since the airlines consider matches to be contraband; I’ve removed them for that reason. As for the duct-tape I’ve never seen a need, but I may consider adding a couple sheets of rip stop nylon tape which I have used on several occasions to repair rips in my down sleeping bag and parka. In fact this kit is coming due for replacement of dated items and I’ll add the rip stop tape then.

Okay, now I've heard everything.

Would someone mind explaining this boondoggle to me?

-- Craig

The shoebomber tried using matches.

That would explain their being classified as munitions, but not as contraband.

-- Craig

You are allowed up to 4 books of strike-on-the-book (safety) matches on your person.

Pre-filled lighters (Bics) (allowed in checked-luuge if in an approved DOT container), strike anywhere matches or any strike-on-the-book (safety) matches are not permitted anywhere (check-in or carry-on).

TSA

Go to the phohibited (and permitted) link, see page 5 Flammable Items (almost at the bottom of the page)

Pete

Ok, I double checked the TSA site and these are the rules dated as of 12-1-2005

Lighters *; CARRY ON-No *, CHECKED-No *
Strike-anywhere Matches **; CARRY ON-No **, CHECKED-No **

*All lighters are prohibited as carry-on items. Lighters without fuel are permitted in checked baggage. Lighters with fuel are prohibited in checked baggage, unless they adhere to the DOT exemption, which allows up to two fueled lighters if properly enclosed in a DOT approved case. If you are uncertain as to whether your lighter is prohibited, please refrain from bringing it to the airport.

** Up to 4 books of safety (non-strike anywhere) matches are permitted as carry-on items, but all matches are prohibited in checked baggage


What is funny is you can carry on 4 books of safety matches but not check them. Hopes this helps clear things up.

I can't read that thing anymore. It makes my head hurt. <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

The TSA must have killed Zippo's business dead, then.

Technically the Spark Lighter and Tinder from the Ritter kit could be considered a lighter without fuel, OK in checked baggage but not carry on. Trust me, the folks who work screening for the TSA are not the sharpest spoons in the drawer, and it is not worth arguing the point with them. However, my kit passes muster for checked baggage.

A personal survival kit specifically designed to be TSA/airline friendly for carry on would make a great subject for a new thread. You could at least have safety matches in it.

That would be a Best Guess Only survival kit.

The TSA won't override individual airline's decisions, thus we have the same merry-go-round, without the "merry" part, we did before 9/11.

We could still, however, throw in a very simple first aid kit and a Doug Ritter Special Edition Photon Freedom.

We're supposedly allowed blunt-tip scissors, but who knows? It's still a crap-shoot.

My own kit would include a tub of Valium. Don't like planes. Never did. Still don't. And being strapped into one, with perhaps a screaming baby right next to me? THAT's what the Valium is for. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

-- Craig