For the most part, our first day of enforcing the lighter ban went relatively smoothly. I think during my shift we came across between 50-75 lighters out of the 5,000 passengers we processed at my terminal. The private contractor ticket readers reminded everyone that all lighters were now banned and had a can available where people could dispose of them prior to entering the checkpoint. I don't know how many lighters people voluntarily surrendered, but the can was pretty full.
Out of all those lighters confiscated (using that term lightly), only two people had either verbally or submitted a written complaint all day long. We offered the option of either taking the lighter back to a car (if applicable), giving it to a non-traveling companion or mailing it (the local business center will mail empty lighters). Most people elected to just leave the lighter with us. One individual decided to take his back to his car because it was a classic Zippo (originally made in the late 1940's).
As for detecting them in the x-ray; no problem whatsoever. Didn't really slow the pace of our operations.
I still believe this is a well-intentioned but poorly executed public policy and still disagree with the idea of banning all lighters. I don't think it adds anything to your security as passengers. However, we have a job to do and will do so.
Some of you may be tempted into thinking of ways to sneak lighters past the security checkpoint and may even succeed. I caution you by reminding you that it's one thing to be caught with a prohibited item; it's quite another when it appears that you tried to artfully conceal that prohibited item from routine screening. You may find yourself being questioned by law enforcement; I think you can definitely count on a federal fine issued by TSA. No matter what you think of the policy, there are definite consequences for trying to sneak any prohibited item past security.
You're all big boys and girls. Do what you think you have to, but be aware of the consequences. It's your choice. Always has been. Always will be.