Hey Geeks,
I'm gonna be traveling out of the country next month, for 1 week. I want to bring some smokes with me but I've never flown with cigars so I'm looking for a little input and advice from those of you with more experience in this area:
1) I don't have a travel humidor. I was thinking of just bringing a small Tupperware with 10 smokes in it - thoughts?
2) Obviously keeping the cigars with me in my carry on is what I want to do. Lighter and cutter I presume will have to go in my checked luggage....any issues putting a torch lighter in your checked bag?
3) Anything else you guys can think of in terms of advice would be appreciated. Not trying to overthink this just wanna get my cigars, cutter, and lighter down there safely
Thank you in advance! :smoker2:
You can't take torch lighters no matter where they are packed, but you can take disposable lighters. The Soto Pocket Torch solves the problem. Turns a disposable lighter into a torch. You can pack it in your carry on, just pack it in a different part of your luggage and not assembled. Money well spent!
https://www.amazon.com/SOTO-ST-PT-14SB-Soto-Pocket-Torch/dp/B0046UZRNU/ref=asc_df_B0046UZRNU/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312125823820&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17040637877365343218&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004696&hvtargid=pla-350623810061&psc=1
Good advise from Bruce
What I find it is generally easy to find wooden matches, but never a cutter. Always take a cutter
Only take what you are prepared to lose. You never know.
QuoteCfickter - 1/28/2019 9:54 AM
Good advise from Bruce
What I find it is generally easy to find wooden matches, but never a cutter. Always take a cutter
Only take what you are prepared to lose. You never know.
Cutters are permitted now. But that doesn't mean that the TSA agent you are facing knows that or even cares. Like Chuck said, only take one that you are prepared to lose.
I always put my sinks in a little plastic container with a boveda pak.I put a lighter and cutter in with them.Then I just put it in my luggage ,not my carry on.
Ziplock bag and there is always a cheap cutter and a bic lighter in my backpack, even when not traveling. If I am only traveling for a week and my cigars are cello wrapped and zipocked, I don't even worry about humidification because I figure they just can't lose that much humidity in such a short time. If you would have asked this question 10 years ago, well then I might have been more apt to humidify, but today I just can't tell the difference of the humidity over the course of a week.
A cheap cutter in your checked baggage and a bic, have not lost 1 yet. I have snuck a cheap torch in before but if you are gone for a week refilling becomes a problem
I travel a lot,,,,here's what works.
1. Tupperware or Herf A Dor......
2. Bic lighter or any lighter that is a flint/soft flame
3. Cheap Cutter
4. Copy of what is ok to put in your carry on per TSA Rules ( this has saved me those little arguments with a TSA Agent who wants to debate their own policies )
NEVER bring your expensive soft flame lighter on a trip unless you can afford to have it confiscated
Checked baggage does not guarantee that your "stuff" will make it through.....I've had lighters, cigars, cutters taken with a little note inside my checked luggage that said my contents have been taken.....even the unbanded cigars were taken and I assume were smoked by the TSA crew and used my $80 lighter.
Cheap Cutter is consistent above. I have a traveldor and in it keep
1. Cigars
2. Boveda pack
3. Box Matches
4. Cheap Cutter - which I am prepared to lose at any given trip
Have not had any problems in the past 6 trips
Thank you all for the responses! Good to know about the torch lighters being prohibited in checked baggage. I will look up a copy of the TSA approved list and print it out for sure
I usually keister my lighter and cutter.
I usually just take a xikar cutter and have never had any probs. Depending on my travel time frame, I take a herfador or a cigar vault(7 sticks), I prefer a dedicated carry case because it will protect my sticks better, I have tried the ziplock method in the past and had a few cracked sticks when they were accidently crushed. I never bring a lighter, just matches. If I can I buy a cheap disposable right away. I carry all of my cigars in my carryon and have never had any issues. I might start taking a copy of the tsa rules though. But only had a lighter confiscated when I was in a rush and forgot it was in my bag. As others have said, only take when you can afford to lose.
Quotetvolball - 1/29/2019 6:30 AM
I usually keister my lighter and cutter.
:moon: :meansmoke:
My kit that's worked very well:
1) Cigar Traveler lighter system (always broken down, with the "lighter" bit in my pocket just like a cigarette smoker would do); the other bit is in my carry-on.
2) Xikar Scissor / Cutter / Leatherman-like tool AND a punch on a keychain with a couple keys. This is clipped to my belt loop while traveling.
3) 10-Stick Herfador with Boveda in my carry-on luggage (a messenger bag).
Notes
- Sometimes I open up the Xikar tool, mostly I don't. It's clearly under the 4" rule, and nothing on it is pointy and sharp - totally nonthreatening.
- Entering India, they will take all lighters -- regardless of style.
- Only once in 6 countries did I need to open up the Herfador to show the cigars inside... and that was traveling from California to Minnesota!
Good luck, and have fun!
One of the best parts of traveling is discovering new blends, or at least smoking your favorites in new and exotic locales!
When I travel out of county I take my herf a dor, sometimes I take 15 count and a five count depending. A Xikar cutter which I carry in my pocket, and put it in the tray with my coins and stuff, knock on wood it's made each time. I then put 3 or 4 Ronson jet lights in my checked bag and again I've never had them come up missing. This will be the first year out of the last 7 years I've not been out of county. :biggrin:
I just got one of these https://www.amazon.com/TORCH-Short-Nosed-Pocket-Torch/dp/B00GYM6Y26/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&qid=1548858863&sr=8-24&keywords=Soto+Pocket+Torch
So I leave on Monday. I bought this on Amazon and it seems to work great https://www.amazon.com/SOTO-Soto-Pocket-Torch-2019/dp/B005G3PQJQ/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=Soto+Pocket+Torch&qid=1552671305&s=gateway&sr=8-5
My travel humidor is fully stocked for a week of kid-free fun with the Mrs. in the Dominican Republic :dancing: :dancing: :dancing:
I hope yours keeps working. I stupidly went cheaper and it stopped working... Yours looks higher quality.
Quotearrow34 - 3/15/2019 1:57 PM I hope yours keeps working. I stupidly went cheaper and it stopped working... Yours looks higher quality.
I thought about going cheaper but I figured screw it, for a few more bucks I took the shot. This one came with a refillable lighter too. I will report back next weekend
QuoteSilverstix - 3/15/2019 1:55 PM
So I leave on Monday. I bought this on Amazon and it seems to work great https://www.amazon.com/SOTO-Soto-Pocket-Torch-2019/dp/B005G3PQJQ/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=Soto+Pocket+Torch&qid=1552671305&s=gateway&sr=8-5
I have that one. Works great
If you are traveling to a country that sells cigars, each person is allowed to bring 100 cigars back into the USA duty free.
I have a few of these and they work well. Can find them on Amazon under the name Iroda. Same concept as the Soto which I assume works just as well (I do like that it's smaller).
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I personally have 3 different herf-a-dors...so depending on how many I am taking. I bought them early in this hobby. But you can find 5, 10, and 15 count travel humidors pretty cheaply. CI has a bunch under $20 and if you keep your eyes open...you can get a deal on an auction site (cBid) I prefer them to bags etc...as they really do protect the cigars well from crushing or any issues. For humidification...I do one of 2 things...Boveda is great if you have them...but I also like the little humi care pillow that can be recharged. As for the torch...I personally would go with matches or more than likely purchase something cheap once abroad...if or when travelling in the US...you can go to any walmart and get a Ronson Jetlight for 5 or 6 bucks...cutters...nothing different to say than what has already been said...
So my trip was a success. My wife bought me a 15-ct Cigar Caddy for our anniversary, which safely carried my 10 cigars that I brought on our trip. I also pre-cut the cigars before we went, so I didn't have to worry about the cutter issue. And happy to report that the Soto portable torch lighter tool worked great. Highly recommend buying one if you travel
Good to hear! I always bring a cutter, I don't like to precut due to potential damage in transit after the cut. But understandable that you didn't want to bother. I might be buying a soto... I am not sure though since I don't travel that much and might just bring a few disposibles, now that I know you can fly with them.
So I thought I would revive this thread as I am about to fly for a short trip. I am doing a carry-on only, so I am facing the same questions. And I am a hair away from purchasing the SOTO Pocket Torch mentioned above. But what I am going to do instead is bring cedar spills. I mean, you can find matches ANYWHERE. And so I think it a perfect solution. I don't think there is any danger of confiscation. I will get 25 spills for less than the torch(or 50 for the same price as the torch). I love cigars...but I won't be smoking 25 over a weekend. So I will have some left over for other times and other trips. I may even have some spare veneer to break into spills as well and may not have to purchase. Or for 7 bucks I can get 5 small sheets from Amazon...
I am more concerned about my cigar cutter. I do have a couple cheap cutters (but they cut like....well you know...) I am just so used to the beautiful cuts I get from my Palio's and my Colibri V Cut. I have a couple punches that are also key rings so I will try to bring those. Is it worth the risk of losing a Palio (I mean I can replace it pretty easily from CBid for around $10)??? I don't believe I will bring my cigar reamer...I think that would be taken 100%.
Not so worried about the cigars. As I mentioned above, I have several sizes. I will probably bring the 15 count and a bag with a couple coffins. (I want a selection and have extras for others.)
Pete, it is always a tough call for me. I tend to error on the side of being safe and not losing my favorite cutter by not taking it. I see it as a gamble, never bet more than you could afford to lose.
I started buying Djeep lighters off Amazon because the Fuente ones look cool and are cheap in multiple packs. Fits the disposable bill with a little more style than a Bic if you are into that kinda thing. I think the flame is a bit higher as well. Once I started buying though, I use them a good bit normally. Kind of like a match, the soft flame forces me to slow down and savor the first few moments of my stick rather than torch it. Good for travel, good for home, good overall.
QuoteCfickter - 10/24/2019 11:31 AM Pete, it is always a tough call for me. I tend to error on the side of being safe and not losing my favorite cutter by not taking it. I see it as a gamble, never bet more than you could afford to lose.
Yeah...I know...I mean I won't be able to replace my Palio for what I bought it for...lol People on CBid have caught on...LOL I will be able to replace somewhat cheaply. So not necessarily worried about cost....I think it is more of the principle of the thing and not wanting to risk dealing with the aggravation...LOL Plus...I love my Palio...There is a sentimental aspect to it...LMAO!!!!(http://www.cigargeeks.com/../images/emoticons/lmao.gif)(http://www.cigargeeks.com/../images/emoticons/lmao.gif)
QuotePETE314 - 10/24/2019 9:36 AM QuoteCfickter - 10/24/2019 11:31 AM Pete, it is always a tough call for me. I tend to error on the side of being safe and not losing my favorite cutter by not taking it. I see it as a gamble, never bet more than you could afford to lose.
Yeah...I know...I mean I won't be able to replace my Palio for what I bought it for...lol People on CBid have caught on...LOL I will be able to replace somewhat cheaply. So not necessarily worried about cost....I think it is more of the principle of the thing and not wanting to risk dealing with the aggravation...LOL Plus...I love my Palio...There is a sentimental aspect to it...LMAO!!!!(http://www.cigargeeks.com/../images/emoticons/lmao.gif)(http://www.cigargeeks.com/../images/emoticons/lmao.gif)
Like you I was stocking up on Palios on C-Bid. Was getting for under $15 (the unbranded ones), can still find some deals
I fly all of the time with a xikar cutter no issues, they dont even bat an eye. They do if and when i bring a torch. So bics it is. But no worries on a cutter. The one issue I have witnessed were cigar scissors on a multi-tool which is a no-no.
QuotePETE314 - 10/24/2019 7:53 AM So I thought I would revive this thread as I am about to fly for a short trip. I am doing a carry-on only, so I am facing the same questions. And I am a hair away from purchasing the SOTO Pocket Torch mentioned above. But what I am going to do instead is bring cedar spills. I mean, you can find matches ANYWHERE. And so I think it a perfect solution. I don't think there is any danger of confiscation. I will get 25 spills for less than the torch(or 50 for the same price as the torch). I love cigars...but I won't be smoking 25 over a weekend. So I will have some left over for other times and other trips. I may even have some spare veneer to break into spills as well and may not have to purchase. Or for 7 bucks I can get 5 small sheets from Amazon... I am more concerned about my cigar cutter. I do have a couple cheap cutters (but they cut like....well you know...) I am just so used to the beautiful cuts I get from my Palio's and my Colibri V Cut. I have a couple punches that are also key rings so I will try to bring those. Is it worth the risk of losing a Palio (I mean I can replace it pretty easily from CBid for around $10)??? I don't believe I will bring my cigar reamer...I think that would be taken 100%. Not so worried about the cigars. As I mentioned above, I have several sizes. I will probably bring the 15 count and a bag with a couple coffins. (I want a selection and have extras for others.)
I was worried about the cutter too. My solution was just to clip the cigars at home before I left, that way no worries about my cutter being taken and not getting my balls busted
The soto lighter torch/case really worked great though, I can vouch for it. It allows you to just bring a regular bic lighter with you, or just buy a cheap lighter while you're on vacation and VOILA!
Been traveling a bunch lately - Cutter is fine.. Lighter that I had forgot I brought with me got snagged and tossed. I bring a cheap cutter or punch with me now and just pick up matches or cheap lighter at my destination
QuoteMurphy223 - 10/24/2019 3:00 PM Been traveling a bunch lately - Cutter is fine.. Lighter that I had forgot I brought with me got snagged and tossed. I bring a cheap cutter or punch with me now and just pick up matches or cheap lighter at my destination
Was your cutter in checked or carry-on???
QuotePETE314 - 10/24/2019 12:14 PM QuoteMurphy223 - 10/24/2019 3:00 PM Been traveling a bunch lately - Cutter is fine.. Lighter that I had forgot I brought with me got snagged and tossed. I bring a cheap cutter or punch with me now and just pick up matches or cheap lighter at my destination
Was your cutter in checked or carry-on???
Carry On Backpack with my Herf-a-dor . Never had a problem but use a cheap one just in case
QuoteMurphy223 - 10/24/2019 12:16 PM
QuotePETE314 - 10/24/2019 12:14 PM QuoteMurphy223 - 10/24/2019 3:00 PM Been traveling a bunch lately - Cutter is fine.. Lighter that I had forgot I brought with me got snagged and tossed. I bring a cheap cutter or punch with me now and just pick up matches or cheap lighter at my destination
Was your cutter in checked or carry-on???
Carry On Backpack with my Herf-a-dor . Never had a problem but use a cheap one just in case
Same here i travel with both a large herfador and an aluminum 7 count carrier. Never even bee questioned on the butter. Glad others have the same experience. I used to bring a cheapo, but dont now that i know i will get hassled more about my laptop then my cigar cutter
I fly with a cheap cutter in my suitcase, usually placed inside a shoe, with a sock hiding it. Hasn't been an issue yet...yet! :biggrin: