Airline Regulations Affecting Cigar Smokers

Transportation Security Officers (TSO's - formerly called screeners), who work for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), are confiscating items such as matches, torch lighters, and certain types of cutters from carry-on or checked baggage at airports across the country. Cigar smokers who travel with cigars may not be able to cut or light them when reaching their destination, if their accessories are confiscated. It is illegal to bring a prohibited item to a security checkpoint at the airport, even if done so accidently. Laws change, so what accessories should a cigar smoker leave at home, and what good are cigars without cutters or lighters?

Prior to August 4, 2007, all lighters are prohibited as carry-on items. Lighters without fuel are permitted in checked baggage. Lighters with fuel are prohibited in checked baggage, unless they adhere to the DOT exemptions, which allows up to two fueled lighters if properly enclosed in a DOT approved case. Beginning August 4, 2007: Most lighters except torch lighters will now be allowed as carry-on items.

Up to 4 books of safety (non-strike anywhere) matches are permitted as carry-on items, but all matches are prohibited in checked baggage.

Cigar cutters (such as a guillotine) are permitted. However, metal scissors longer than four inches having pointed tips are not permitted.

These are strange times that we live in, but let’s not make a mountain out of a mole hill. Although a small inconvenience, leaving your torch lighter at home is not too great a price to pay for airline safety. Disposable lighters or wooden matches can be purchased for pennies at almost any destination, so why complain over something so trivial. Besides, if you leave your expensive, sentimental, gold plated and/or engraved lighter at home, then you won’t take the risk of losing it while traveling. Although a cheap disposal lighter is no match for a butane torch lighter in a wind storm, it will still do the trick under most conditions.