It has been a coupe years since I have flown and they have changed some stuff... the rules are pretty damn vague about it so I thought I would ask the people in the know. :-)

I have a xikar that I wanna take with me... its a soft flame and if it has no fuel I can take it on with me... is that correct?

I don't wanna have to mail myself my lighter or worse have to leave it behind...:-)
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I personally would not bring anything that you treasure especially as carry on. You might be better off packing it in your checked baggage. If they tell you you can't bring is for whatever reason it is not like you have the ability to debate it for one you will proabably miss your flight, and two they may decide that your are becoming a problem and then you will miss you flight while sitting in a little room with no windows and a two way mirror.
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Colibri makes a airline approved case for lighters.

http://www.cigary.com/tranzpack.html
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I use this all the time and have never, ever had a problem.
Just make sure it goes in your "checked" luggage and don't attempt to carry it on board.
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Matches...just start using matches!
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Supposedly soft flame lighters are allowed.
But the general rule of thumb at present day airports is that ignorance rules.

Which means... if the TSA representative thinks they know more than the printed ruling, they will take your shiznit and you have no recourse besides a great deal of inconvenience to attempt to make them understand.

Conclusion - Check it.
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Zach, The tranzpacks are a must for traveling because they remove any doubt, as long as they're in you're checked bags. I could have lent you one. They'll fit 2 lighters if you remove the foam ring.

They eased the ban on common cigarette lighters such as bics in carry on bags but play it safe and empty the fuel and keep it in your carry on. Carry on some match books for emergency smokes. Before I had the tranzpacks, I stashed torch lighters in my checked bags (in toiletries kit, inside shoes, etc.) and never had one confiscated even though the bags were searched by the TSA.
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When I travel I put my lighter in a pocket of my jeans in my checked baggage. Plus, I don't recommend bringing your favorite lighter either. I have a cheaper travel torch lighter that I use. Have not lost it but don't want to take any chances.
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Kind of what I was thinking is I will leave the good ones at home... maybe just buy a Ronson when I get out there or use some matches...

Thanks guys! :-)
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Have fun in Vegas!
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I definitely will... I'm a bit sad that I am flying out on the same day that your friend comes into town... I would've loved to smack him around with some FRH love... :-)
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You'll be lighting them up indoors anyhow...just use matches..it's more fun! :-)
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Well idk about fun lol... I was never a guy for matches... I might have to get over it anyhow lol...:-)
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I just through a bic in my backpack and carry it on. Since they changed the rules and now allow you to carry on soft flame lighters I have not had a problem.

I kind of like lighting cigars with matches, but it can be a pain in the casino and touching up the wrapper with matches kind of sucks. :-)
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GOt one of those fancy Colibri cases from a BOTL, they're cool. (Thanks Dave :-))

Here are the pertinent regulations from the TSA website:

"Common Lighters - Lighters without fuel are permitted in checked baggage. Lighters with fuel are prohibited in checked baggage, unless they adhere to the Department of Transportation (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 leave it at home.

Torch Lighters - Torch lighters create a thin, needle-like flame that is hotter (reaching 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit) and more intense than those from common lighters. Torch lighters are often used for pipes and cigars, and maintain a consistent stream of air-propelled fire regardless of the angle at which it is held. Torch lighters continue to be banned.

Strike-anywhere Matches - One book of safety (non-strike anywhere) matches are permitted as carry-on items, but all matches are prohibited in checked baggage."

Also: "As of August 4, 2007, in an effort to concentrate resources on detecting explosive threats, TSA will no longer ban common lighters in carry-on luggage. Torch lighters remain banned in carry-ons."
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