Cigars & Air travel

[RevSmoke]

I don't do a whole lot of air travel - once a year if that.

I will be flying out to Denver soon, and am wondering about traveling with cigars and what I can and cannot pack/carry-one/etc...

Cutter? What are the rules, should I bring & should I leave at home?

Lighter(s) and/or matches? Bring with me -- Carry-on? Checked baggage? By a bic when I get there?

Cigars - where should they travel? Carry-on? Checked?

Thanks for your help.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Todd

[King James]

cigars I believe I kept with me in carry on but I checked cutter and lighter last time I flew. I also don't fly very often though so I'm sure someone will chime in with different/better advice :tu


edit: just checked a TSA listing and I guess any kind of a torch lighter is not allowed. I must have used matches when I was in florida but couldn't remember. I'm almost certain I checked a cutter though

[Mugen910]

I carry my cutter & cigars with me...No lighter or matches...less hassle. Just pick up matches in the area. :tu

[Texan in Mexico]

Good morning Rev,

I still have a pending item with you, havent forgotten!

I travel by air a couple times a month for work.

There are a few simple rules I always follow be it domestic or international.

1). Cigars ALWAYS travel in the carry on, ALWAYS.

2). The cutter always goes in the checked baggage - some will say you can carry it on however it is at the screener's discretion and they will take it away.

3). Matches can go with you and the torch can "legally" travel if it is in the TSA approved container. I travel with mine in a Pelican Case and have not had any problems as of yet.

I hope this helps you and safe travels!

Respectfully,

Travis

[St. Lou Stu]

Hey Todd,
I travel quite a bit and always with cigars.
I hand carry my travel humi with all nationalities of sticks and my Palio inside.
I never carry any lighters. I always have matches in my checked bags.

Cutters are allowed on-board aircraft... but I wouldn't push it with any fancy schmancy scissor type, just a regular old cutter for me.

Hope this helps,
Tim

Safe travels Rev.

Enjoy Denver and look up the CFRHers while you're there.

[mikeyj23]

What they said.

When I went to Montreal in May I had both my Ronsons confiscated out of my checked luggage on the way back - forgot about the lighter/torch rule, and paid the price (granted the price was like $6).

[loki]

Common Lighters - Lighters without fuel are permitted in checked baggage. Lighters with fuel are prohibited in checked baggage, unless they adhere to the Department of Transportation (DOT) exemption, which allows up to two fueled lighters if properly enclosed in a DOT approved case. If you are uncertain as to whether your lighter is prohibited, please leave it at home. carry on Yes checked No


Torch Lighters - Torch lighters create a thin, needle-like flame that is hotter (reaching 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit) and more intense than those from common lighters. Torch lighters are often used for pipes and cigars, and maintain a consistent stream of air-propelled fire regardless of the angle at which it is held. Torch lighters continue to be banned. Carry on No checked No


Strike-anywhere Matches - One book of safety (non-strike anywhere) matches are permitted as carry-on items, but all matches are prohibited in checked baggage. carry on No checked No

[Texan in Mexico]

Well you take all the fun out of it when you quote directly from the TSA site hahahaha.

How have you been?


Common Lighters - Lighters without fuel are permitted in checked baggage. Lighters with fuel are prohibited in checked baggage, unless they adhere to the Department of Transportation (DOT) exemption, which allows up to two fueled lighters if properly enclosed in a DOT approved case. If you are uncertain as to whether your lighter is prohibited, please leave it at home. carry on Yes checked No


Torch Lighters - Torch lighters create a thin, needle-like flame that is hotter (reaching 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit) and more intense than those from common lighters. Torch lighters are often used for pipes and cigars, and maintain a consistent stream of air-propelled fire regardless of the angle at which it is held. Torch lighters continue to be banned. Carry on No checked No


Strike-anywhere Matches - One book of safety (non-strike anywhere) matches are permitted as carry-on items, but all matches are prohibited in checked baggage. carry on No checked No

[newlifetaxidermy]

I have carried my torches many times in a zippo air case with ZERO problems. Just to be safe, I wouldn't carry my expensive lighters.

[loki]

Well you take all the fun out of it when you quote directly from the TSA site hahahaha.

How have you been?
i'm a real killjoy I know. I'm good how ya been

[King James]

Torch Lighters - Torch lighters create a thin, needle-like flame that is hotter (reaching 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit) and more intense than those from common lighters. Torch lighters are often used for pipes and cigars, and maintain a consistent stream of air-propelled fire regardless of the angle at which it is held. Torch lighters continue to be banned. Carry on No checked No


yah, thats what I read too. I thought I took mine last time, but maybe not

[Mugen910]

i've had matches confiscated..TSA has rules but if they want to be jerks they'll do whatever they want because they know you have a flight to catch.

Just keep it simple..carry on your cigars with a cheap cutter and pick up matches when you land.

[colimo]

one other solution is to buy a cheap lighter when you get here....

what ya comin to denver for?...welcome....let me know if you need a suggestion on where to smoke....know em all

[alley00p]

Todd, when I went to Vegas last month, I took about 60 sticks of various origins (ELVIS herf) and carried on my 30-case with me, along with a box of stick matches in my computer case... 0 problems at either end. I also had my 5, 10 and 15 cases in my checked luggage with no problems either. If you want a cutter, take a cheap one with you in your checked luggage.

My wife carried on a Bic lighter and a pack of matches with no problems at either TSA gate also - And Detroit Metro's TSA people are a real pain in the rear from what I hear. According to some of the frequent fliers I talked to before I left, it was costing big $$ for TSA for properly dispose of all of the soft-flame lighters they were taking, so they allow 1 in carry-ons. Even if they decide to take it, you are only out a buck or so.

I'll send you a PM about some info I received regarding cutters and lighters.

Have a safe trip!!! :tu



:dance:

[longknocker]

cigars I believe I kept with me in carry on but I checked cutter and lighter last time I flew. I also don't fly very often though so I'm sure someone will chime in with different/better advice :tu


edit: just checked a TSA listing and I guess any kind of a torch lighter is not allowed. I must have used matches when I was in florida but couldn't remember. I'm almost certain I checked a cutter though

Last time I flew, several months ago, carried a cheapo lighter, cigars in a ziplock with a 65%RH Boveda Pack, & cutter with me in my carry on. They looked at both of them, and my cigars, and said "No Problem".:2

[longknocker]

Todd, when I went to Vegas last month, I took about 60 sticks of various origins (ELVIS herf) and carried on my 30-case with me, along with a box of stick matches in my computer case... 0 problems at either end. I also had my 5, 10 and 15 cases in my checked luggage with no problems either. If you want a cutter, take a cheap one with you in your checked luggage.

My wife carried on a Bic lighter and a pack of matches with no problems at either TSA gate also - And Detroit Metro's TSA people are a real pain in the rear from what I hear. According to some of the frequent fliers I talked to before I left, it was costing big $$ for TSA for properly dispose of all of the soft-flame lighters they were taking, so they allow 1 in carry-ons. Even if they decide to take it, you are only out a buck or so.

I'll send you a PM about some info I received regarding cutters and lighters.

Have a safe trip!!! :tu



:dance: Charlie, can you send me the updated info, too? Thanks, Bro!:tu

[Jcaprell]

Whenever I fly with gars I always keep them in my cary on.

Cutter I always check

Bic lighter are OKAY to carry on, but if you want to bring a torch, you need to check it and EMPTY it.

Thats how I've always done it. Haven't had any problems yet.

[poker]

I always print out a copy of the allowed items page from their website and keep it in my carry-on. If they want to seize something that is listed as okay, I can just whip it out.

[Jcaprell]

Thats a great idea Kelly. I'll be sure to do that from now on just in case.

[poker]

Heres the list direct from the TSA website:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

Heres more info:


http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_multi_image_with_table_0099.shtm
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/sop/index.shtm

[Sauer Grapes]

Carry on your cigars and cutters. Matches can be carried on, but why bother. Just grab some matches or a bic when you arrive.

As was mentioned, there are travel cases for torch lighters that allow them to be checked with fuel in them. Cases cost about $15 and the store that sells them near me recommends leaving all the tags on them so the TSA can see they are approved just in case.

[longknocker]

I always print out a copy of the allowed items page from their website and keep it in my carry-on. If they want to seize something that is listed as okay, I can just whip it out.

And they agree with you and let you keep the goods?

[Opusfxd]

Just forward them out to the CFRHs and we'll take care of them for you until you get here. Which is going to be when, where and for how long? (we're kind of nosy that way)

[Jcaprell]

You could always buy a prometheus lighter:tu The ones that come apart and are tsa approved!

[Col. Kurtz]

I'm still quite a newb, so pardon my ignorance:

What would be wrong with cutting the cigars you plan to smoke before you pack them away? Grab matches on site and only pack the cut sticks.

I'm sure there's a reason this isn't an option, so I look forward to the education.

[Jcaprell]

I'm still quite a newb, so pardon my ignorance:

What would be wrong with cutting the cigars you plan to smoke before you pack them away? Grab matches on site and only pack the cut sticks.

I'm sure there's a reason this isn't an option, so I look forward to the education.

In my opinion, ignorance is the greatest opportunity you will ever have.

I have found that precut cigars never taste quite the same as freshly cut cigars. Couldn't tell you why though.

Plus, for me, cutting is an important and special (as weird as that sounds) ritual. So, I lose something if I dont have to cut a cigar.

[Col. Kurtz]

In my opinion, ignorance is the greatest opportunity you will ever have.

I have found that precut cigars never taste quite the same as freshly cut cigars. Couldn't tell you why though.

Plus, for me, cutting is an important and special (as weird as that sounds) ritual. So, I lose something if I dont have to cut a cigar.

I guess I'm just full of opportunities then :r:r

I've never had a pre-cut cigar so I can't say, but I wonder how/why that would affect the flavor....

The ritual part I can understand. I always bang three times on the foot board before I go to bed.... (bizarre O.J. Simpson reference.)

[poker]

And they agree with you and let you keep the goods?

Never had to pull it out. One time a long time ago I was travelling on business and they were thinking about not letting me pass with my Dupont Ligne II. I politely explained that the lighter was a gift and it was worth more than her wages for 27 weeks. She let me take it. That was the last time I traveled with a Dupont though. :r

[RevSmoke]

Actually, flying into Denver, going to Parker for a night (in-laws), then to Yellowstone.

As much as I'd like to, I doubt I will get much of anywhere "out" to smoke a cigar. Will be in the backyard, hiking, on the trail, around the grill.

Thanks to all of you for your comments and assitance in this whole matter, it is appreciated.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[longknocker]

Never had to pull it out. One time a long time ago I was travelling on business and they were thinking about not letting me pass with my Dupont Ligne II. I politely explained that the lighter was a gift and it was worth more than her wages for 27 weeks. She let me take it. That was the last time I traveled with a Dupont though. :r

:tu Great Story!:)

[bigloo]

I never take lighters anymore. Cigars in cigar caddy in carryon. I also have cheap cutters I travel with. Although they have never been taken away, I dont care of they are.

[TripleF]

Great thread and great answers guys!! I am preparing for a flight to Rochester, NY in a couple days...

I did mail most of my sticks, cutters and torches ahead, but I will have a couple sticks with me in my carry on.

[DPD6030]

Heres the list direct from the TSA website:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

Heres more info:


http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_multi_image_with_table_0099.shtm
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/sop/index.shtm

I thought there was an area where it said a cigar cutter was allowed in carry-on bags. I can't find it now. :confused: Might as well just leave my cutter at home :(

[jledou]

I thought there was an area where it said a cigar cutter was allowed in carry-on bags. I can't find it now. :confused: Might as well just leave my cutter at home :(



I have not had problems with a cutter while traveling in the US and overseas. I do not travel with an expensive cutter though just in case someone is having a bad day.

[kydsid]

I thought there was an area where it said a cigar cutter was allowed in carry-on bags. I can't find it now. :confused: Might as well just leave my cutter at home :(

As a former employee of DHS, not TSA thank god, and frequent traveler during those times under official business my suggestion would be no cutter and no lighter. It may say allowed on the website but do you want to wait while someone goes and looks it up? That said I have accidently left cutters, scalpels, dissection kits, vials of alcohol and more banned and not banned substances in carry-on luggage that has never been looked at and at other times chastised for having a can of soda, a regular lighter (not butane, before,during, and after the change in that restriction), chastised for having departmental patches in my luggage because that isn't a secure and on and on. If someone wants to take it you have to decide how much of a fight you are willing to put up if you are right, is that worth it? :2

[mosesbotbol]

Just check it all in and no worries.

[T.G]

I thought there was an area where it said a cigar cutter was allowed in carry-on bags. I can't find it now. :confused: Might as well just leave my cutter at home :(

A few years ago there was a section in the list that specifically stated that cigar guillotines were ok, but this was back when they were more strict on edged objects, now, you can take a 4" long pair of scissors on the plane according to the list, so think about the damage one can do with those, a guillotine cutter pales in comparison.

I seem to recall the change in the list occurring about the time it became necessary for all screeners to be TSA, and that private agencies could no longer be used.

[mariogolbee]

I am flying tomorrow to Long Beach and I have one of these (http://www.cigarsinternational.com/prodDisp.asp?item=M-CLUTB114099N&cat=13&page=5) little yellow Colibra thingies. So, should I put a Bic in it and stuff it on top of everything else in my checked baggage, stuff a Bic in my carry-on bag, or do both and hope for the best? I've read through this thread and the TSA rules, but I'm still a little confused. I'm pretty sure I should NOT bring a torch. Any input?

Thanks in advance!

[ysr_racer]

I travel a lot, and you guys know most of the agents that work for TSA, can't even spell TSA, right?

That being said, I cut my cigars before I leave, and carry them on.

Torch goes in checked bag. Never had any problems.

[mosesbotbol]

I've been flying 16+ flights a month with no check in and never a problem with cutter or cigars. I don't care about lighter; can get one when I smoke or borrow one.

[hdryder]

I always carry my torch lighter in my carry on and never an issue

[DaBear]

Well I guess the TSA guys didn't really care with me the last time I checked a bag. Checked one of my bags with a filled torch, can of butane(I figured if they took it I'd be down the half a can I was down to anyways), and probably 4 or 5 books of matches. That said it was for a cruise, yet we still made it through customs when we came back into Vancouver. I've made it on board with a cutter in my bag and punch on my key ring countless times. Just go with what you feel safe with is my best advice.

[14holestogie]

You don't need to check a Bic, Mario. Those can be carried on. I've had good luck with a torch in the Colibra egg in my checked bag, although it's still on the restricted list. Go with what you'd feel comfortable giving up, because every TSA agent interprets as they feel.:2

[MikeyC]

I am flying tomorrow to Long Beach and I have one of these (http://www.cigarsinternational.com/prodDisp.asp?item=M-CLUTB114099N&cat=13&page=5) little yellow Colibra thingies. So, should I put a Bic in it and stuff it on top of everything else in my checked baggage, stuff a Bic in my carry-on bag, or do both and hope for the best? I've read through this thread and the TSA rules, but I'm still a little confused. I'm pretty sure I should NOT bring a torch. Any input?

Thanks in advance!

I have one of these yellow egg thingies and I've used it a few times. Usually I throw a cheap torch lighter in there. I don't want to risk a nice lighter just in case, but I've never had a problem so far. I usually throw a cutter in my checked bag with the yellow egg and the cigars go in my carry on. I put the cigars in my carry on for the same reason I don't put a nice lighter in my checked bag . . . I'm just not a trusting individual.

[mariogolbee]

Thanks guys for all of the replies. Of all nights I can't find the yellow egg. It looks like I will just have to grab a Bic and pack it with a few sticks in my carry on. I'm not sure how much smoking I'll actually get to do anyway.

[Fia]

I am flying tomorrow to Long Beach and I have one of these (http://www.cigarsinternational.com/prodDisp.asp?item=M-CLUTB114099N&cat=13&page=5) little yellow Colibra thingies. So, should I put a Bic in it and stuff it on top of everything else in my checked baggage, stuff a Bic in my carry-on bag, or do both and hope for the best? I've read through this thread and the TSA rules, but I'm still a little confused. I'm pretty sure I should NOT bring a torch. Any input?

Thanks in advance!

I have that same case and have used it several times with no problems..it is made for torches. Put your torch in it and place in checked baggage. Bics you can toss in your carry on.

[Boz]

Bumping this. I'm flying to New Orleans in a week and have a 40 count traveldor and one those yellow egg things on the way. It seems everyone suggests putting the cigars in the carryon. Is there a reason for that? I'm not sure I'll even take a carryon. Should I remove the bands on the Island sticks?

[CigarNut]

If you put your cigars in your checked bag you risk having them removed...

I always carry my cigars on. If you are travelling domestically there is no reason to remove any bands. There is no one checking.

If you are travelling internationally then you do have a risk when brining CC's into the states. Band on or off the onus is on you to prove the cigars are not CC's.

Many people have no problems. Me, I prefer to smoke my CC's while out of the country and not risk carrying anything in. Much less risk in losing a shipped package than there is if you are caught smuggling by CPB...

Just my :2...

[14holestogie]

If you put your cigars in your checked bag you risk having them removed...
...

..and it happens. :mad:

Carry them. Watch dem bassturds. ;)

[Chainsaw13]

Anyone have any recommendations on a garment bag that can fit two suits, shirts, plus a 40ct traveldor? I don't want to pack my suits for an upcoming vacation in my checked bag, same goes for my traveldor. I don't know if Delta would let me bring both a garment bag with the suits (and hang up in the first class coat closet) plus a small duffel bag with the 40ct and a few other items. I'm going to ask when I"m on my way back from my current trip, but thought I'd throw this out the the public here.

[Boz]

If you put your cigars in your checked bag you risk having them removed...

I always carry my cigars on. If you are travelling domestically there is no reason to remove any bands. There is no one checking.

If you are travelling internationally then you do have a risk when brining CC's into the states. Band on or off the onus is on you to prove the cigars are not CC's.

Many people have no problems. Me, I prefer to smoke my CC's while out of the country and not risk carrying anything in. Much less risk in losing a shipped package than there is if you are caught smuggling by CPB...

Just my :2...


No problems with the TSA agents wanting to peak into the traveldor? Although, I'm sure they wouldnt have a clue what they were looking at.

[Theo Cincy]

My $60 cutter and $65 lighter are not up for check on bags. It is not worth the risk I have heard tomany stories of confiscated expensive cigar tools.

[14holestogie]

No problems with the TSA agents wanting to peak into the traveldor? Although, I'm sure they wouldnt have a clue what they were looking at.

Never had one peek inside the traveldor when I'm watching. Have had some disappear from checked baggage, however.

[Boz]

Never had one peek inside the traveldor when I'm watching. Have had some disappear from checked baggage, however.

Good to know, thanks. I will definitely be carrying them on with me.