Traveling with cigars requires planning to ensure they arrive fresh and undamaged. Whether you're bringing them on vacation, taking them on a business trip or returning home with new additions to your collection, you'll need to consider packing methods, airport security regulations and proper storage. A well-packed stogie will smoke just as beautifully as it would at home, while a poorly stored one can become dry, damaged and even confiscated at customs.

Bringing cigars on your trip, whether you're driving, flying or hiking, doesn't have to be complicated, though. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know — how to pack them, protect them from damage and humidity changes and comply with local travel regulations.

Step 1: Get Your Cigar Travel Essentials

Cigars are an experience. Whether you're heading to a tropical paradise or going on a business trip, having a few quality stogies on hand ensures you can celebrate in style. Likewise, if you visit a country known for its cigar culture, you might want to bring back a few souvenirs. 

However, cigars are delicate. The wrong storage conditions can dry them out or cause them to absorb unwanted flavors. Before packing your cigars, gather the right accessories to protect them from physical damage and maintain proper humidity. Cigars are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb or release moisture from the environment to balance out. Optimal humidity levels are 70% relative humidity (RH) or 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Knowing how to travel with cigars starts with the right kit. Explore the must-have items below. 

Travel Humidor

The best way to travel with cigars is in a humidor. A sturdy, airtight case with built-in humidity control is ideal for transporting cigars. It may also be a good idea to bring a humidification pack, which keeps cigars from drying out or becoming overly moist. 

Options range from small humidors holding a few sticks to larger ones capable of storing a full box. Some of our favorites include:

• Corona Cigar Travel Humidor: An ABS molded plastic travel humidor that is airtight, waterproof and crushproof. It is made with high-density urethane foam to protect cigars and features a molded lock ring.
• Xikar Humidification Crystal 50: The Xikar Humidification Crystal 50 keeps your cigars at 70% humidity using a pre-mixed PG solution. Placed inside, it helps seal the humidor and maintain moisture levels.
• Avo Variety Pack and Humidor: Pack a variety of 20 cigars with a humidor to store them in — an ideal gift, holiday cigar treat or business trip delight.

Essential Accessories

In addition to keeping your cigars in pristine condition, a few accessories can enhance your overall smoking experience. Bring along the following items to make you feel right at home wherever you're lighting up:

• Cigar cutter: A high-quality cigar cutter ensures clean cuts, making for a better smoking experience. Remember to pack your guillotine, punch or V-cutter in your checked luggage if you are flying.
• Cigar lighter: A butane torch lighter is best, but remember to follow the most recent guidelines set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on traveling with lighters.
• Cigar case: If you're only bringing a few cigars, use a cigar travel case made from leather or durable carbon fiber and store three cigars for on-the-go needs.

Step 2: Learn How to Fly With Cigars

When flying with cigars, always keep them in your carry-on bag, as checked luggage is exposed to extreme temperature and humidity changes, which can dry out the cigars. Bags may also fall during handling, which further increases the risk of damage. 

The rest of the accessories must go into your checked luggage. Torch lighters are prohibited on planes, even in checked bags, because they produce an intense flame. If you use humidification gels or liquids, keep them in your checked luggage if they are over 3.4 ounces, in compliance with TSA liquid rules.

Navigating Airport Security and Customs

Knowing how you travel with cigars on a plane also extends to customs. Cigars can be packed in both your carry-on and checked luggage, but carry-on is recommended for better protection. At a glance, this is how you should pack to simplify the customs and security process:

Item	Carry-On	Checked Luggage
Cigars	Allowed	Allowed
Soft Flame Lighter	One allowed per person	Not allowed
Torch Lighter	Not allowed	Not allowed
Cigar Cutter	Allowed at TSA's discretion	Allowed
Humidity Packs	Allowed	Allowed

Each country also has its own rules about how many cigars you can bring home duty-free. Always check your destination's most recent updates on these allowances to ensure you are compliant. Here are some common limits:

Country	Duty-Free Allowance	Additional Notes
United States	You can bring fewer than 100 non-Cuban cigars back if you are a returning resident.	Declare all cigars.
European Union	50 Cigars.	Duties apply beyond this amount.
Canada	50 Cigars.	High taxes on additional cigars.
Mexico	20 Cigars.	Taxes apply for more.

Step 3: Maintain Your Cigars During Your Trip

Proper cigar maintenance ensures they stay fresh and ready to smoke. Leaving them in a hot car or exposing them to freezing temperatures can ruin their taste, so it is essential to keep them in a cool, stable environment. As you maintain humidity levels during travel, for example, you need to do the same during your stay. 

In dry climates like deserts or high altitudes, cigars can dry out quickly. Using a dry humidity pack with a humidor can prevent this occurrence. Humid climates, like rainforests or tropics, are overly humid environments, conditions that can lead to mold and difficult draws. Using a 65% RH pack will help prevent excess moisture absorption in your cigars. 

In cold climates, cigars tend to dry out as cold air holds less moisture. If you're taking the cigars outside, keep them in an airtight case and in your pocket to maintain more heat around them.

Cigars to Bring on Your Trip

Some cigars travel better than others. Look for sturdy wrappers and slower-burning blends that hold up in different conditions. Your location can also affect your smoking experience, from humidity to altitude to local culture. Here is what you need to consider:

• Beach destinations: Choose a milder, drier cigar that won't be overwhelmed by the moisture in the air, like the Arturo Fuente Hemmingway or a Montecristo White Series, both of which are Connecticut Shade-wrapped cigars.
• Mountain retreat: Opt for full-bodied cigars with oily wrappers to combat the dry air and help the cigar retain its moisture better. A Padron 1926 Serie Maduro or a Liga Privada No. 9 will hold up well in these conditions.
• Desert of high-heat locations: Go for thicker-ring-gauge cigars, which take longer to dry out. A My Father Le Bijou 1922 or an Olivia Serie V are solid picks.
• City getaways: Finding a good place to smoke and carrying cigars discreetly can be challenging in various cities. Opt for compact options like coronas or Robustos, such as a Davidoff Winston Churchill or a Romeo y Julieta 1875, for a quick, elegant smoke.

It's good practice to ensure you know the local smoking laws where you're going, as some cities and resorts have strict smoking regulations. Look for cigar lounges or designated smoking areas beforehand. 

Traveling is also a great way to network or introduce friends to cigars, so bring a few extra for a shared smoke. The Macanudo Cafes are smooth and mellow enough for newbies, and their complex flavor profile is appreciated by aficionados, too.

Step 4: Exercise Best Practices for Bring Your Cigars Home

When you're bringing your cigars back home, adjust your humidor, ensuring they are properly humidified before you pack them away. Remember to separate fresh and smoked cigars, as even those partially smoked can leave a strong residual odor that may affect the fresh ones. 

New Purchases and Souvenirs

If you picked up some cigars during your trip, remember to follow these best practices for bringing them home:

• Check local laws: Ensure your cigars comply with customs regulations for your country. Remember that you cannot legally import Cuban cigars, even from countries like Canada and Mexico.
• Duty-free purchases: If you buy cigars from a duty-free shop, keep the receipt handy in case customs asks for proof of purchase.
• Declare at customs: Be transparent about how many you are bringing back. If you exceed duty-free limits, be prepared to pay the applicable taxes.
• Inspect for damage: Before heading home, check your cigars for any signs of cracking, dryness or mold. This way, you can buy a humidity pack for transport to stabilize them if necessary.

Step 5: Store Your Cigars After Returning Home

When you're back home, inspect the cigars for damage before putting them back in your main humidor. Check for unusual odors, signs of mold and cracks or splits in the wrapper that can affect burn quality, 

If your cigars were exposed to dry air during your travels, don't immediately place them in a high-humidity environment. This shock can cause the wrapper to expand too quickly, leading to cracking. Instead, store them at 60% to 65% humidity for the first few days and then gradually bring them toward your normal 70% range. Use a humidity pouch or dedicated humidor with distilled water to slowly restore moisture to overly dry cigars.

Remember to rotate your humidor stock. If you're adding new cigars to your humidor, make sure they aren't too moist or dry in comparison to your existing collection. Rotate your cigars occasionally to ensure even humidity distribution. By taking these precautions, you will ensure that your cigars arrive home in the same condition as when you packed them — ready to be enjoyed whenever you want.

Step 6: Understand All the Nuances

While you can travel with cigars, it brings up a lot of questions, from storage tips to airline regulations. Here are some of the most common questions cigar lovers ask when taking cigars on a trip or bringing them back home:

Can You Bring Cigars on a Plane?

Yes, in fact, it's recommended you don't pack them in your checked luggage. Do, however, keep them in your carry-on and don't take them out during the flight.

Can You Travel Without a Humidor?

If you're going on a trip that lasts more than a few days, you should store your cigars in a travel humidor. Try to keep the cellophane wrapper on the cigars, as this adds another protective layer to their integrity.

Can You Bring a Lighter or Matches on a Plane?

While torch lighters are prohibited on planes, soft flame lighters and book matches are allowed in carry-ons but not in checked luggage. Keep in mind, though, that sulfur matches can negatively impact your cigar's taste. Opt for wooden matches or cedar spills.

Do You Need to Declare Cigars at Customs?

Yes. Always declare your cigars when entering your home country. If you exceed the duty-free limit, you may need to pay import taxes. Failing to declare them can result in confiscation or fines.

What Happens if Customs Confiscate Your Cigars?

If your cigars violate customs regulations, they will likely be seized and destroyed. You may also be fined or face other legal penalties. The consequences will depend on your specific violations. 

What Should You Do if Your Cigars Dry Out During Travel?

If your cigars dry out, do not try to smoke them immediately, as they will burn too hot and taste harsh. Instead, place them in a humidor with a humidity pack and let them slowly rehydrate for a few weeks to avoid cracking. When they feel firm and slightly springy again, they are ready to smoke.

Prepare Your Cigars for Travel With Corona Cigar Co.

Traveling with cigars is a breeze when you have the right gear and follow regulations. A travel humidor, humidity pack and proper accessories ensure your cigars stay fresh and undamaged. Always check airport security rules and customs regulations to avoid surprises. Whether you're enjoying a cigar on vacation or bringing back a prized box, a little preparation goes a long way.

Corona Cigar Co. is the largest, most user-friendly online cigar store. With us, you will find only the best hand-made stogies, humidors and other cigar accessories at low prices. Expand your palate by shopping our cigar deals, variety packs and more while stock lasts —  backed by a money-back guarantee if you are unsatisfied with your cigars. We are also a member of the board of directors for the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailer's Association (IPCPR).

Upgrade your travel humidor and stock up for your trip today and get fast, free shipping when you order $125 or more.