Lighters banned on airline flights

WASHINGTON – Airline passengers can no longer bring cigarette lighters onto planes or in any secure areas, the Homeland Security Department announced Monday.

Lighters were added to the prohibited items list because of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, which President Bush signed on Dec. 17.

The Transportation Security Administration, the agency charged with prohibiting dangerous items on aircraft, said lighters will be banned from planes and areas beyond security checkpoints at airports.

The rule will be enforced beginning April 14.