If you’re a cigar lover, you may wonder if you can bring your cigars when traveling by plane. The upside is that you can travel with cigars on a plane, but you need to know a few things.
While the TSA doesn’t explicitly prohibit cigars from being transported on aircraft, they have strict rules about bringing other types of tobacco products onboard. So, while you might be able to get a couple of cigars with you on your next flight, it’s going to be a lot more challenging to do so.
Do Airlines Allow Cigars On Planes?
Cigars can be brought on a plane either in your carry-on or in your luggage. Flying is significantly safer today, which could be credited to a slew of regulations that, at times, can make the experience somewhat confusing, and it can pose some challenges.
Cigar enthusiasts who travel with their cigars and accessories should check with the airline they are traveling with, including the country they plan to visit, about the rules that apply to the transport of tobacco products and smoking accessories.
Some airlines don’t allow tobacco products onboard, so you must check the airline’s website before packing your smokes. In addition, it would be best to ensure that your cigars aren’t packed in anything else, such as a plastic bag or tin container.
If they are, TSA agents will inspect them and may decide to dispose of the contents – even if they’re allowed on the plane.
What Kind Of Cigar Travel Case Should I Get?
If you want to pack your cigars so they’ll stay fresh while traveling, several options are available. First, you can purchase cigar holders with individual compartments; these holders can be made of wood, plastic, or metal.
You can also purchase travel humidors with a carrying case and individual dividers to hold your cigars in place. These types of cases are available at most cigar shops. It is best to ensure the airline will allow you to carry your cigars in its container.
Whatever type of case or container you get, ensure it’s sturdy enough to withstand being checked by TSA agents without cracking open. You also want to ensure no sharp points on the case that might damage other items in your bag.
How Should You Pack Your Cigars For Travel?
When packing your cigars in their original containers, you must ensure they’re clean before packing them in a bag. You should also ensure they’re dehydrated; otherwise, they may get moldy while traveling.
If you’re packing your cigars in a travel humidor or cigar holder, leave some space around the container so that air can circulate and keep things fresh.
What Cigar Items Can You Bring On Your Flight?
The apparent first item would be cigars. Travelers can safely carry cigars during their flights. Unfortunately, the import of Cuban-made cigars was prohibited in the United States. Luckily that restriction has been lifted, but not without a few exceptions.
Airport authorities always question travelers who bring Cuban cigars into the United States. Therefore, making yourself aware of the laws and limits imposed on cigars is advisable.
Cigar cutters can be brought on the flight. The TSA strictly prohibits scissors with blades that are longer than four inches. Scissor-type cigar cutters with blades shorter than the TSA threshold will be allowed. A punch cutter or V-cutter are also allowed because they aren’t viewed as sharp objects.
Will The TSA Allow Cigar Lighters On A Flight?
Travelers can carry some cigar lighters on a plane if they adhere to TSA rules. Before traveling, it is a good idea to check the TSA rules to ensure that your lighter is allowed onto a flight. Unfortunately, torch lighters, which are a preference by many cigar smokers, are not allowed.
Which Items Are Not Allowed On A Plane?
Any bottle of liquid is not allowed in carry-on luggage so leave these solutions at home. This includes a humidification solution. Torch lighters are also strictly prohibited on airplanes. The TSA is stringent when banned items are found on your person. The restricted item will be removed immediately.
Even though travelers are permitted to bring one book of paper matches on a flight, carrying one will alert the TSA inspectors to search your luggage.
So, If you are fond of lighting your cigars using matches, you should buy them once you have reached your holiday destination. Smoking during the flight is not allowed either.
Before boarding the flight with your cigars and accessories, inspect all the accessories first, so you don’t encounter any trouble with the TSA.
What Should I Do When The TSA Inspects Your Cigars?
If you’re carrying cigars and are selected by a TSA agent for screening, you don’t have to worry – but there are some things you can do to make the process easier on yourself. First, don’t be afraid to tell the agent that you have cigars in your bag.
Ask whether it’s okay to take them out and keep them in their original containers. The TSA agent will either let you do so, or he will use his discretion and dispose of the contents. At least you’ll know what to expect.
If your cigars are inspected and disposed of by TSA agents, you can request a receipt to file a claim with the airline later, if necessary.
What Can I Do If My Cigars Get Confiscated?
If you’re unfortunate enough to have your cigars confiscated by TSA agents, there’s not much you can do about it. If the airline allows it, ask for a receipt so that you can file a claim at a later stage; otherwise, accept the loss.
The good news is that most cigar lovers will smoke one or two cigars while on a trip, so it’s not like your loss is vast.
Can I Smoke My Cigars On A Plane?
Back in the day, smoking was allowed on airplanes. Whether you can smoke cigars on a plane is still up in the air.
The FAA has not yet released a statement on the matter, and it is unclear if they will do so soon. In the meantime, cigar lovers can only hope that they will be able to enjoy their cigars while flying in the future. But, for now, you should keep them in your carry-on or luggage.
In 1998, the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a regulation that banned smoking on all commercial flights. This included cigars, pipe tobacco, and cigarettes.
The ban took effect in 2000, and violators could receive civil penalties or be prosecuted for criminal violations if they refused to comply with the new rules.
In 2004, American Airlines banned all tobacco products on its airplanes because it believed that allowing them would pose a safety risk for passengers, including crew members. The airline also cited second-hand smoke as a reason for the ban.
Do Cigar Smokers Have Designated Smoking Areas?
Many airlines have already taken a stance on the matter. For example, American Airlines allows its customers to smoke cigars in designated terminal areas, while Delta Airlines allows it to smoke cigars in selected lounge areas.
In addition, Hawaiian Airlines allows its customers to smoke cigars on flights if they’re not lit!
