That seems very odd that they would take a lighter. Mind you I've been on very few domestic US flights, and on a few flights in/out of the US, but I never had problems with lighters. I just drop it on the plate they send through the X-ray and pick it up afterwards, no issues.
This was within the last 4 years though, maybe procedures have changed?
Here in EU I've never had any problems either.
The only thing that I know they frown upon is Zippo lighters, unless it's brand new and still sealed. Something about the petrol being used in those lighters they don't like.
Some lighters. Regular ones are okay, I think, but I had my butane torch confiscated last May in San Francisco. I'd been carrying it around for three or four years and had never been stopped.
I've also brought a swiss army knife on numerous flights, pretty much always by accident.
This was within the last 4 years though, maybe procedures have changed?
Here in EU I've never had any problems either.
The only thing that I know they frown upon is Zippo lighters, unless it's brand new and still sealed. Something about the petrol being used in those lighters they don't like.