To Whom It May Concern

Short Lived Lighters

I was in Guangzhou 广州 recently with the missus. I chanced upon some cool oil lighters at a small stall along Beijing Road.
I bought two of them without a second thought.



I was glad I took some photos of them back in the hotel room before I packed them in my check-in luggage the day before departure.
While checking in our luggage at the counter, the CSO asked if we have anything to declare like drugs, live plants, weapons or flammable items.
My dear declared that we have lighters in my luggage. The CSO straight out said that no lighters are allowed on board the plane, check-in or hand carry. Funny though, I read that the TSA of USA even allows one lighter to be carried per passenger. Never knew that China of all countries to be that strict.
I transferred my brand spanking new lighters to my hand carry in hopes of convincing the boarding CSOs that they are harmless as there is no fuel in them.
Sure enough, the guy behind the x-ray machine spotted my 2 lighters and ask for my bag to be opened for inspection. I calmly took them out and explained that there is no fuel in them. The lady inspector says that there is still the flint and wheel which can produce sparks, hence it is not allowed on board.
With a heavy heart, I surrendered my gorgeous collectibles to the authorities.
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Fast forward to 2019.
I finally managed to find and 'bought back' the lighter which I got ceased at Guangzhou customs many years back.
Made by Kantai, I'm pleasantly surprised by the rather thick walls of the case. 👍🏼
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/5bVUpwAk

posted by Laurens @ 1:06 AM