A novelty lighter shaped like a grenade caused a brief scare at Philadelphia International Airport on Monday morning, prompting officials to clear the TSA checkpoint that serves Terminals D and E. Travelers in the shared screening area were told to step away while first responders and airport security checked out the suspicious-looking item. Once authorities confirmed it posed no threat, the checkpoint reopened and operations returned to normal. No injuries were reported.
According to PHL17, passengers near the D/E checkpoint were moved aside out of an abundance of caution while first responders assessed the scene. Screening teams examined the object and, after determining it was not dangerous, allowed the checkpoint to resume standard operations. The station reported that the disruption occurred Monday morning and that screening later returned to normal.
Action News (WPVI/6ABC) also reported that the item appeared to be a grenade-shaped lighter and that the shared TSA lane between Terminals D and E was briefly cleared while officials investigated. Passengers were allowed back into the screening area once authorities verified there was no threat. No injuries were reported, and airport spokespeople did not immediately release additional details.
TSA guidance on lighters and novelty items
The Transportation Security Administration’s "What Can I Bring?" guidelines state that disposable and Zippo-style lighters are generally allowed in carry-on bags, while torch lighters and lighters made to resemble weapons are prohibited. TSA reminds travelers that officers at the checkpoint have the final say on whether an item is considered a safety risk, so novelty gadgets that look like ordnance can quickly trigger a stronger security response than their owners might expect. For specifics, see TSA guidance on disposable and Zippo lighters and TSA rules on torch lighters.
How travelers can avoid delays
Even small novelty items that look like weapons can cause outsized slowdowns, especially at an airport that has at times consolidated checkpoints to manage staffing and operations. A recent report on staffing squeeze shutting a TSA checkpoint at Philly’s Terminal C highlighted how those consolidations can ripple into longer wait times. Travelers heading through Philadelphia International may want to give themselves extra time, check the airport’s live flight and checkpoint updates, and pack in a way that keeps anything resembling a weapon out of their carry-ons. For official updates, visit PHL.org.
