Okay, I really *should* just go to bed now...

I can't tear myself away from the TSA's website.

On June 23, 2005, the Department of Transportation (DOT) granted the Zippo Manufacturing Co an emergency exemption that allows passengers to pack up to 2 fueled Zippo lighters in checked luggage. The lighter must be in DOT-approved packaging. The packaging is a vapor-tight plastic box that can accommodate a single Zippo lighter. These packages must be clearly marked by their manufacturer to show that they comply with the DOT regulations. This enables TSA security officers to easily identify them during screening.

*blink* America's Security: sponsored by Zippo.

You may not bring matches in your checked baggage because of safety regulations. You may, however, bring up to four books of safety (non-strike anywhere) matches in your carry-on baggage or on your person.

You can't check matches. Okay, fine - you don't want highly flammable things in the cargo hold. A bit touchy, I think, but logical. You can't bring lighters as checked baggage or carry-ons for the same reason. But you can bring four books of matches in your carry-on, because it's not like anyone ever tried to use matches to set off a bomb in a plane.

Yeah. Because if we use logic, the terrorists win.

Fascinatingly, hammers, drills and drill bits are prohibited, but "tools (seven inches or less in length)" are permitted, as are "wrenches and pliers (seven inches or less in length)".

Personally my biggest worry about flying these days is the snow-globe problem.