Filled Zippo Pocket Lighters Now Permitted in Checked Luggage

August 12, 2005 -- Air travelers can now pack filled Zippo pocket lighters in checked luggage, provided each lighter is placed in a Zippo Cargo Case by OtterBox, as specified by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The new ruling, effective June 22, 2005, allows passengers to pack up to two Zippo pocket lighters - each placed in an approved case - in checked luggage aboard all commercial airlines.

The Zippo Cargo Case by OtterBox is an airtight container specifically designed to fit a single Zippo-brand pocket lighter. As the only storage container with an exemption from the DOT, the cargo box offers Zippo owners convenience when traveling by air.

This development follows the May ruling by the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) that new, never-filled pocket lighters require no special packaging and may be stowed in checked luggage.

Since the TSA's implementation of Section 4025 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, which banned all lighters from passenger cabins of commercial aircraft, Zippo has exhaustively explored alternatives for safely stowing lighters aboard aircraft. After several months of intense work with the DOT and the TSA, the exemption passed. Greg Booth, president and CEO of Zippo Manufacturing Company, thanked Senators Rick Santorum and Arlen Specter, R-Pa. and U.S. Representative John Peterson, R-Pa., for their assistance in this important effort.

With a variety of airtight, crushproof cases, the OtterBox seemed the ideal solution for stowing Zippo lighters. "We were familiar with the OtterBox and the company's reputation for offering superior products," noted Booth, "so we approached them to jointly devise something to allow customers and collectors to take previously filled lighters in their checked luggage."

The Zippo Cargo Case was born.
"Otter Products looks forward to working with Zippo to offer innovative lighter protection aboard aircraft. With an OtterBox case specifically engineered to securely store Zippo lighters we believe customers will find this a great option for packing their Zippo lighters wherever travel takes them," said Curt Richardson, CEO of Otter Products, LLC.

"We are offering the Zippo Cargo Case to consumers at cost," stated Booth. "This is not an income stream for our company - it's a convenience to our customers." The Zippo Cargo Case by OtterBox will be available in mid-July for $12.95. For additional details visit www.zippo.com or www.otterbox.com.

SOURCE OtterBox