Traveling tips anyone?
 

Hey everyone! I'm going to be flying out to Savanna, GA this Saturday (6 week cruise aboard the cutter USCGC Eagle). Much to my dismay, the TSA website specified "torch lighters" as prohibited items for both carry-on and checked luggage. I recently purchased one of the yellow Tranz-Packs "approved by the TSA".

Does anyone know if I'll be able to bring my torch lighter on the plane with the TSA approved travel case? :confused: Also, would a small can of butane (1 oz.) be out of the question? I rarely fly, so any travel stories or experiences would be much appreciated. Thanks! :tu

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

Why not just buy a cheap one in Savanna?

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

You should be able to put the torch in the tranz-pak and pack it in your checked luggage.

The can of butane would be out of the question though.

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

I've used the Tranz-Pack all the time when I travel with no problems both here and oversea. Put it in your check luggage.

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

No go for the Butane canister. Send the torch through checked baggage and you should be fine. Worked for me.

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

Your choices are slim.

You cannot take butane on the plane in any form. This means that you will have to pick some up at the other end. I'd scrap the torch and pick a cheapie up when you get the butane. As an alternative, you can just get a BIC lighter and use that for the trip (probably get several in a pack at the grocery store).

In the future, if you want to bring specific items that you can't take on a plane or ship USPS (butane is in the no-go list), UPS or FedEx a package to the ship in your name.

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

I flew out to California a couple months ago and just picked up a nice cheap torch for around $6 at a local B&M, then I just gave it away before I went home.

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

I'm flying to St. Louis on Thursday and will be taking some wooden matches and pre cut cigars since I figure you can't take a cutter with

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

I got a dozen of the Ronson (not-quite-jet-lites) for about a buck a piece from some deal-of-the-day site. (A site which then pimped out my credit card number.) I use these when travelling. I'm batting better than .500 on getting them through security. When I surrender one, I just pick up matches and/or Bic at destination. I do turn down the flame and when one is found by a screener, I try to tell them that it is really just a soft-flame model. Gotten a couple past with that line. Last time I flew, the screener was a BOTL who very kindly purged it and handed it back to me. I'll keep trying to get them through just for kicks - worst case is a 3-5 minute delay and loss of a very cheap lighter.

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

Never had any problem with a cutter - Xikar or Palio. Always in carry-on and never been questioned. Once or twice it was taken out and looked at. Never was asked to surrender one.

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

I wouldn't put an expensive torch in the Trans-Pack (as all torch lighters are prohibited), but I've had good luck getting Jet-Lites through. About the time you put a $100 lighter in one, you'll get the TSA agent that goes by the book. :2

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

If you are going to be anywhere near River Street before you head out there are a couple of shops where you could score a cheap lighter and butane. If I recall correctly neither had a great selection of sticks but the lighters I would imagine are fine. In North Georgia all of the Walgreens and Rite Aids seem to carry Ronson Jetlites so if there is one of those near you that may be an option as well.

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

1) Buy a cheap torch lighter when you get to your destination
2) Can of butane is a no go
3) Cutters are fine according to TSA but bring a cheap one just in case or buy a cheap-o the same time you buy a cheap torch at your destination.

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

Another option is a non-torch butane lighter. I have two soft flame lighters just for traveling. Always have one and a cutter in my bag, never have a I been stopped.

I accidentally had a triple torch in my bag for months, probably went through security a minimum of 10 times and never and issue.

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

I just flew to Mexico a couple weeks ago. I put my cutter in my checked bag. I wasn't going to smoke at the airport, so I didn't think there was a need to carry it on me. My cigars were in my carry-on (checked bag on the way back, and I was very nervous because of customs lol).

I just bought a lighter when I got there, as I was unsure of the policy, and I rarely use a torch.

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

I would definitely do as others suggest and pick up a cheap torch lighter in town before you board. If your ship does not allow butane (I don't know any that do) then pick up a few extras -- especially if you are going to be out for awhile.

The soft-flame lighters and matches do not work very well for me -- when I am outside at sea and there is a little breeze over the deck it can be really difficult to light a cigar with matches or a soft-flame lighter.

Just my :2

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

do you think I can take a cutter on my Carry on since I wont be checking a bag?

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

Yes, cutters are allowed in a carry-on.

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

Thanks for the info I'll take a cheap just in case and leave the Palio at home

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I stick with BIC

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Didn't work for me leaving the US last year.

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

WOW thanks for the awesome feedback and stories, everyone! I'm not going to chance losing my Colibri, so I'll see if there are any bics or jet lights when my plane lands!

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

I flew to Houston to a wedding and chose not bring a lighter not wanting it confiscated with plans to buy a cheap one when I got there. In the chaos around the wedding no chance to grab a cheap one. Fortunately there was a very nice cigar shop around the corner from the reception location but no throw away lighters so grabbed a 40$ Xicar. Not wanting to throw/give it away I just put it in my dop kit in my checked luggage and hand no problem bringing it back. Point being there is not always a close source for a cheap lighter and TSA doesn't seem terribly vigilant on lighters in checked luggage. As my grandma used to say use your own poor judgement. :D

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

That's a lot of travel! I just passed 50 flights this year and I thought I travelled a lot!

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

Am I over thinking this but for the folks who bring their lighters, do you drain the butane out as not to cause them to potentially explode due to pressure changes?

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

You are overthinking... :D
You can't bring butane, so fill that sucker up pre-flight.

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

I've not yet traveled with a lighter, but I've been a wet-shaver for awhile now and regularly travel with DE blades which are a no-no in carry-on. For short trips (3 nights or less) I load one blade in my DE and put it in its case in my cary-on. I've never had anything confiscated or even questioned. For longer domestic trips (up to 5 nights) when I still do cary-on only, I'll mail a few blades ahead to my hotel. For international trips I usually have a checked-bag, so it's not a problem.

I have a short trip coming up, but there will be some golf involved. I plan putting several filled Jet Lites and a few other lighters in a small tupperware in my golf bag, with a couple of small Black-Ops herfadors to get 10 or so sticks there.

Re: Traveling tips anyone?
 

Makes my glad I fly Navy....I bring 3 cans of butane and multiple lighters and cutters.