To Dovster. I had a similar question. I smoke cigars, and asked if it was ok to carry on an EMPTY butane lighter. I waited 5 days for a reply, and got the same answer that you did. CAll them. Well I tried that and after ringing and ringing for what seemed like forever, I was transferred to an outsource company in INDIA. Imaging that, our own government outsourcing federal jobs to India. That sure sets an example. Well, the person who answered said no, not even an empty lighter. Doesn't make any sense at all. You cannot carry butane fuel, so what danger is there in an empty lighter????