Airplane Travel and Travel Cases

[_Lac_Man_]

Ok, I'm obviously new, so forgive me if this is in the wrong area! I tried searching first, but didn't find anything on this question.

I'm getting ready to go to Miami for a week...haven't been on a vacation for about 3-4 years, other than driving to a nearby state. So I'm curious and kind of worried about taking my cigars and accessories on an airplane. Plus I've got a friend who works for an airlines, and he always tells me about guys that dig through bags and snatch stuff out of them, I don't need my Xikar 30ct. case to get raided!

So, I'm wondering if anyone has exprienced any problems with taking their cigars on a plane...? Should I check 'em, should I carry them on, are they going to give me problems about a cutter if I do carry-on? Lighter obviously must be checked, so I think I'm going to take my cheap Blazer, just in case it "comes up missing."

Can anyone offer some tips - Dos and Don'ts?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Moro]

Cigar cutters can go carry-on. Torch lighters cannot even go as checked and without fuel; get matches. Cigars can also go carry-on. Post an intro, mate!

 

[tubaman]

First, welcome to BOTL!! Why not post an intro so we can get to know you better.

Torch lighters are ok to transport in CHECKED luggage IF they are packaged in a tranzpack. You should be able to find these at your B & M. I don't use these however because I don't want to run the risk of it being removed. Torches will be confiscated if in your carry on. Cigar cutters and non torch lighters are ok in your carry on. I would not put my cigars in checked luggage. Better safe than sorry.

 

[jmatkins]

First, welcome to BOTL!! Why not post an intro so we can get to know you better.

Torch lighters are ok to transport in CHECKED luggage IF they are packaged in a tranzpack. You should be able to find these at your B & M. I don't use these however because I don't want to run the risk of it being removed. Torches will be confiscated if in your carry on. Cigar cutters and non torch lighters are ok in your carry on. I would not put my cigars in checked luggage. Better safe than sorry.

Yep, what he said!

And Welcome as well.

 

[CWS]

I travel all over. I always carry my cigars since I cannot lock my checked baggage anymore and thae changes in temp and airpressure in the baggage section fluctuate much more drastically than the cabin. I have never had my cgar case opened. Never. They know what a cigar looks like. Just dont put other stuff in there.

. I carry a cutter and pack a cutter. I laso carry a soft flame lighter which is acceptable. I have packed empty torches and checked them. I have carryed empty torches on in plain sight. These are cheap throw aways and sooner or later they will get pulled.

 

[Angry Bill]

Carry your cigars on the plane with you, take your cutter, but don't take a great lighter. I just take the Zino matches on plane travel.

 

[_Lac_Man_]

Sweet, thanks everyone. I'll just take some matches and pick up a cheap-o lighter while I'm there.

Much appreciated!

Oh and I posted an intro. I was looking or an area like that before, but for somereason I grazed right over it.

 

[vperlman]

Under recent TSA changes, you can carry soft flame lighters (Bic's, Zippos without Zplus inserts, etc.) on the plane. You can carry cigar cutters and punches on the plane. You should always carry your cigars on the plane to keep them from disappearing. You can pack torch lighters in checked luggage in Colibri Transpaks and Otter Box carriers (made for Zippos, but will hold lots of other kinds).

I always print out the most recent reg's from the tsa.gov website and carry them with me to show to the people in security, in case I run into a knucklehead.

If you use an airtight cigar case, like a Cigar Caddy/Otter Box, it will be sealed shut when you land, from the pressure changes. The way to open it is to stick a coin in between the two tabs that you can put a lock through and gently twist. If your case isn't stuck when you land, it isn't airtight.

Happy landings!

 

[_Lac_Man_]

vperlman, thanks for the info. I have the Xikar cigar case w/ a pressure release screw, so that's handy. I don't think I'll even pack a torch in a Transpak, some sticky-fingered guy scavanging though my stuff might take a liking to it. Good thinking printing out the guidelines.

 

[Cyrann]

I have used one of Colibri TSA Cases numerous times and never had a problem with it in my checked bag.

I don't put my ST in there, but I have put my Xikar.

 

[_Lac_Man_]

Maybe I'll throw my Blazer in there then. Does it need to be empty? If so, can I pack butane?

 

[CWS]

Maybe I'll throw my Blazer in there then. Does it need to be empty? If so, can I pack butane?

Empty. No butane. I asked my TSA buddy about what to do if there are issues. He said roll with the flow. Like it or not these guys can make your life miserable and no piece of paper can help that. He siad he hasnt seen a cutter taken in a long time.

 

[ElkTwin]

I wrote an article about this last holiday season. LINK The only thing that has changed is that you can now take matches and soft-flame lighters on board the cabin.

Hope that helps.

 

[Boppa-Wasch]

Just got back from Lodi,Ca. Ihad two cutters, four pipes, 12 cigars in my computer bag with no issues. Packed my torch/soft flame lighter in checked bag (in tranzpack) with no issue's.

 

[Moro]

Sounds like me type of holiday shopping, Ray!