Just got back from Belize. No problems with customs, but I did remove the bands from the CC's that were not smoked. They never even checked. My sister-in-law tried to be nice and buy me a cigar. One more person duped. It's not even a quality fake.
Leaving the States with CC's
- Thread starter boltman
- Start date
ChefBoyRG54
BoM Sept '14 & BoY 2014
Jeez one of the best fakes I've seen. Couldn't even lay the band right?
I always wonder how the shopping for a friend person and the salesman conversation goes.
I would like to buy a cigar for a friend.
Oh great, you came to the right place! Let me show you our wonderful selection of fine tobacco from all over the world. And then we have these, genuine real incredible not-fake delicious fresh Cuban cigars. Does your friend like Cubans?
Yes I think so.
Then he will love this, but it is more expensive than the rest, you know being Cuban and all
Great, I'll take one. He will LOVE IT!!!
I always wonder how the shopping for a friend person and the salesman conversation goes.
I would like to buy a cigar for a friend.
Oh great, you came to the right place! Let me show you our wonderful selection of fine tobacco from all over the world. And then we have these, genuine real incredible not-fake delicious fresh Cuban cigars. Does your friend like Cubans?
Yes I think so.
Then he will love this, but it is more expensive than the rest, you know being Cuban and all
Great, I'll take one. He will LOVE IT!!!
I would take blank bands and remove the CC ones coming and going. Just to be on the safe side. There are some seriously overzealous TSA peeps, and some of them live to make your life (or trip) miserable at the conclusion. Going seems fine to me leaving bands on, but coming back I would de-band them. Just came back from Nicaragua and the CBP lady (who was kinda hot) asked me what my business in Nica was...I said charity...and she asked me what "charity" means....dealing with this type of intellect....I'd rather unband when coming back. I'd also band up if going in. heh heh 
Torch style lighters are prohibited by TSA and can be confiscated. There is a procedure to file a theft claim with TSA and they almost always pay for things like electronics. Advise not putting valuables in checked baggage. When traveling with cigars however they are less likely to be seized if they are in a checked bag. Don't ask me how I know this but it is based on both personal experience and insider knowledge.
I should add that TSA is looking for bombs and weapons (obviously) and not cigars. One tip I always tell people is not to pack books or magazines in checked baggage. The X-ray machines cannot see thru these and your bag will likely get kicked out for a hand search, increasing the chances of both seizure and theft. Happy travels to all.