Cigars vs Airport Security?

S

Sander

Joined Mar 2004

47 Posts | 0+

Discussion Starter
• May 9, 2005

• #1

Hi all,

About to head off for a business trip and I'm just curious about people's experiences bringing their cigars with them on the plane.

I'm leaving the lighter and cutter at home, so no problem there. But I am just curious about how the security folks treat cigars when they show up on the old x-ray machine.

It's not illegal, of course, but what are the chances that I'll have to stop and open up my bag for a search so they can figure out what's in my little leather 2-finger case?

I hate getting hassled at the airport - if there's a chance I'll have to stop and open up my bags, I may just leave my sticks at home and look for a cigar shop when I land...

thanks!

 

A

axegod75

Joined Jan 2005

2K Posts | 0+

So Cal

• May 9, 2005

• #2

The chances of having your carry-on searched are much greater then before 9/11. I've been on several dozen trips since then and they had me open my travel humidor numerous times. Then again, they always check my laptop also. As long as you don't have any illegal stow-aways in there you should be fine. Then again, if the state you are traveling to has a lower tobacco tax, by all means buy them there.

 

B

BigTom

Joined Apr 2005

348 Posts | 0+

Tidewater, Virginia

• May 10, 2005

• #3

No additional problems with the cigars traveling anywhere but the good old USA. The only real hard look I normally get is when I come back into the USA. No lighters or cutters but you can carry a cork screw!!!!! Go Figure.

 

R

RAVYN

Joined Jan 2005

930 Posts | 0+

PA

• May 10, 2005

• #4

I just flew this weekend. Took about 8 cigars with me. A few in tubes. Put them in a tupperware container with a cutter and put them in my carry on. You are allowed a cutter but no lighter. Matches are ok. They went right thru the x ray and nobody said a word. The same with my brother.

 

M

Macallan

Joined Jan 2005

1K Posts | 0+

Chicago

• May 10, 2005

• #5

Yes cutters okay. I am not sure why becuase if you pull really hard on the end of one it immediately becomes a box cutter. But I am not going to say anything becuase airport security is getting a little rediculous. I have never had a problem traveling with cigars. But do yourself a favor and pick up a cigar caddy. I will never fly without one. Savoy also make some really nice travel cases

 

M

montnoir

Joined May 2005

186 Posts | 0+

Toronto, Canada

• May 13, 2005

• #6

I'm always been a bit indecisive when it comes to bringing cigars into or out of the country (for me, it's Canada). Has anyone ever had their cigars taken away by customs? I think I'd cry if that happened while bringing a box back from the Caribbean..

 

Z

zdpin

Joined May 2004

81 Posts | 0+

• May 15, 2005

• #7

you are allowed to bring a cutter on board and up to 5 books of matches (no matches allowed in your checked bag)

i travel with my 5 stick cigar caddy. i typically take robustos so i can put my cutter (metal) and matches in it as well (at the top of the box). if i'm traveling with my laptop i put the cigar caddy through with it in a bin. otherwise i tell the operator that i have a cutter in my bag

on occassion, i've had to open it for inspection, but i haven't any problems.

 

M

Macallan

Joined Jan 2005

1K Posts | 0+

Chicago

• May 16, 2005

• #8

yes cigar cutters are okay. They took my xikar out of my bag and played with it. Told me it was fine. By the way if you every fly throuh washington dulles, bring your smokes. My flight was delayed three hours but they had a smoking lounge inside the airport where you could smoke cigars

Talk about a plesant surprise.

 

R

RAVYN

Joined Jan 2005

930 Posts | 0+

PA

• May 17, 2005

• #9

I think I just heard some lighters are now ok for carry on. Saw it on a news blurb.