Taking Cigars on Board
Nov 15, 2007 | 1:32 pm
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: LA, CA, US
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Taking Cigars on Board
Hi,
I am not a big cigar smoker but I was given some nice ones including a cuban. I would like to take them home for the holidays and give them to people. Should I be concerned that they will be taken away from me at security?
Just curious, thanks.
R
I am not a big cigar smoker but I was given some nice ones including a cuban. I would like to take them home for the holidays and give them to people. Should I be concerned that they will be taken away from me at security?
Just curious, thanks.
R
Nov 15, 2007 | 1:40 pm
#3
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Nov 15, 2007 | 1:50 pm
#6
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I think you underestimate the desire of screeners to earn Eagle Eye Awards. Taking Cuban cigars thru a TSA checkpoint, even on a wholly domestic flight, is just askin' for trouble. TSA screeners have been known to call CBP when they suspect passengers are carrying more than $10k, and one could easily notify an LEO if they suspected a Cuban cigar.
Nov 15, 2007 | 1:59 pm
#8
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I think you underestimate the desire of screeners to earn Eagle Eye Awards. Taking Cuban cigars thru a TSA checkpoint, even on a wholly domestic flight, is just askin' for trouble. TSA screeners have been known to call CBP when they suspect passengers are carrying more than $10k, and one could easily notify an LEO if they suspected a Cuban cigar.
of course not that I would ever do this as it would be illegal and wrong and stuff
Nov 15, 2007 | 2:52 pm
#9
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Well may be there is such a test. I got caught red handed by CBP for bringing in one box of Cuban cigars in its original packaging from Europe (BTW, that was the last time I did it, seriously) The agent told me I had a choice of either to destroy and dispose the cigars right there and then, or they would be send to a lab for testing to verify its origin. If they were not of Cuba origin, they would be return to me in three weeks. However, the cigars would be virtually destroyed during the testing process.
Nov 15, 2007 | 2:55 pm
#10
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Nov 15, 2007 | 4:50 pm
#13
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As a general rule, always switch bands, tubes, and boxes when flying with Cuban cigars, especially when returning to the US from elsewhere.
I never had a problem carrying them on in my luggage (even in original "Cuban" packaging) prior to 9/11, but there's no point in risking the loss of a fantastic cigar when you can easily avoid it.
I never had a problem carrying them on in my luggage (even in original "Cuban" packaging) prior to 9/11, but there's no point in risking the loss of a fantastic cigar when you can easily avoid it.
Nov 15, 2007 | 8:37 pm
#14
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absolutely correct-only customs can sieze them from you and only when you are passing thru customs on your way into the u.s.. the tsa can go pound sand if they say they are gonna try and confiscate them.
Nov 15, 2007 | 9:03 pm
#15
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If you're hellbent on keeping the original bands, just carefully slip them off the 'gars and stow them inside a book. Or just stick them down your bra ... either way.