I have just read a news report about baggage handlers finding luggage smouldering or on fire when people have packed matches and lighters in their checked baggage. See http://www.iol.co.za/html/frame_news.php?click_id=13 for te article. <BR>Please think about what you are packing in your luggage. You may be on my flight.

Lisa, <BR>thanks. <BR>did the article mention carry-ons? <BR>I am not a smoker, but I have been in the habit of always having a small candle and a pack of matches with me, when I travel. <BR>don't ask where this weird quirk came from! <BR>

Nancy - <BR> <BR>A small flashlight, like one of those mini-maglights might be more practical to carry, as one of those "just in case" items. <BR>

See-the-light; How do you light a candle with f flashlight? <BR>Nancy - Carry the matches on you or in your carry-on, or do what I do, collect matches where you travel. <BR>Cheers <BR>Art <BR>

Art- <BR> <BR>Suggesting that the flashlight be used IN LIEU of the candle --- unless of course, Nancy's purpose in bringing her own candles is to create romance at a moment's notice. Then we're off on a completely different discussion . . .

Hey, see the light, are you some kind of rocket scientist or what? Of course she wants it for romance or just for a relaxing way to have a tub with a nice little travel aromatherapy candle. I'm sure tons of people travel with one, I never leave home without one myself. Also great for getting the smell out of musty rooms or to get rid of cig. smells

Thanks everyone, <BR>I certainly would not mind a bit of romance on my travels! <BR>But, batteries wear out, matches don't. <BR>And Art, I will be collecting matchbooks (if they are interesting) <BR>I have one from decades ago, <BR>placed served the <BR>*best* margaritas! <BR>Wake-up, <BR>great idea, I 'll switch to a scented candle.

"Wakeup", your mind reading skills are amazing ! Now tell us what Nancy had for breakfast today.

<BR>Nancy, according to the article, they encourage people who are carrying matches to pack them in their carryons rather than their checked baggage because if they do catch alight, then at least there are people who will notice it. If it is sitting and smouldering in the hold, then there is nobody there. <BR> <BR>The slogan to draw attention to this is, <BR>"Don't pack light" I had a good laugh, thinking of all the instructions on the Fodors board. <BR> <BR> <BR>For those who have tried to access that article using the URL I gave, I apologise. It is no longer available. The headlines and news articles change daily and I haven't seen if it is availbale int he archives. <BR> <BR> <BR>Just to summarise the article, they say do not pack matches and lighters in checked luggage. I don't remeber if they mention candles as well.

Nancy <BR> <BR>Oddly enough I often pack a candle, a scented one in a metal container with a snug metal lid, and yet I have only actually remembered to light the thing once!!! <BR> <BR>I usually intend to get it out for those hotel bubble baths, and while I do have the bubble baths I usually forget the candle... <BR> <BR>I think it might get left at home on the next trip, luggae 12 kg MAX per person including weight of all camera and handluggage bags... for just over 2 weeks.... <BR> <BR> <BR>Kavey

I think this stems from a episode, that occured 29 yrs ago. <BR>I lived in an all electric house, and there was a huge 3 day blizzard over Thanksgiving. <BR>Boyfriend's truck died, no way to contact outside world. <BR>Got pretty cold, dark and hungry. <BR>Ever since then, I have lived in a house that is heated with wood, and have lamps ands candles. <BR> <BR>But, I still can not shake tha one small candle and matches bit.