There’s nothing quite like enjoying a well-aged cigar while on holiday or after a long business trip. But travelling with cigars isn’t as simple as tossing them into your bag and hoping for the best. Cigars are delicate and sensitive to their environment, meaning a little planning goes a long way in keeping them fresh and ready to smoke.
Whether you’re heading on a weekend getaway or a long-haul flight, here’s how to travel safely with cigars without sacrificing their quality.
Why is it important to protect your cigars while travelling?
Cigars are more than just tobacco; they’re carefully crafted products that react to changes in humidity, temperature, and pressure. When cigars dry out, they burn too fast and lose their flavour. If they absorb too much moisture, they can become difficult to light or even develop mould. And if they’re jostled around in your luggage, they can crack or unravel—completely ruining the experience.
By taking the right precautions, you can avoid these common pitfalls and enjoy your cigars as they were meant to be smoked.
How should you prepare your cigars before travelling?
A little preparation can make all the difference in keeping your cigars fresh during your journey. If your cigars come in cellophane wrappers, leave them wrapped. This provides a basic layer of protection against physical damage and helps them retain cigar humidity.
Think about how many cigars you’ll actually need. Taking more than you plan to smoke increases the risk of exposure to fluctuating conditions, especially if you don’t have a proper storage setup at your destination. If you’re using a travel humidor, make sure it’s properly humidified before packing your cigars. Adding a humidity control pack can also help maintain the perfect environment, reducing the risk of your cigars drying out during your trip.
What’s the best way to store cigars for travel?
The right storage method depends on how long you’ll be away and how many cigars you’re bringing.
Travel humidors
For longer trips or if you’re carrying multiple cigars, a travel humidor is the best option. These portable cases maintain humidity and offer solid protection against knocks and drops. Many come with built-in humidification systems, making them ideal for keeping your cigars in perfect condition no matter where you go.
Cigar cases
If you’re only taking a few cigars for a short trip, a simple cigar case will do the job. These cases are designed to keep cigars from getting crushed while on the move, but they don’t regulate humidity. If you’re not smoking them within a day or two, consider pairing your cigar case with a small humidity pouch to maintain moisture levels.
Tubos
Some cigars come in metal or aluminium tubes, which provide great protection. If you have cigars without tubos, you can buy empty ones to keep them safe. Tubos aren’t airtight, so they won’t maintain humidity on their own, but they’re a great option if you want an extra layer of defence against damage.
How can you maintain humidity while on the move?
Humidity control is crucial, especially if you’re travelling for more than a couple of days. The easiest way to maintain cigar humidity is by using a small humidity pack, such as a Boveda pack, inside your travel humidor or storage bag. These regulate moisture levels and prevent your cigars from drying out or becoming too damp.
If you don’t have a travel humidor, a simple ziplock bag with a humidity pack can work as a short-term solution. Just be sure to store the bag in a cool, dark place and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures. Direct sunlight, car glove compartments, or freezing conditions can also rapidly alter the humidity inside your storage, potentially ruining your cigars.
What are the rules for travelling with cigars on a plane?
Always pack your cigars in your carry-on bag as plane cabins are climate-controlled, unlike the hold, where extreme temperatures can dry them out. Checked luggage also gets knocked around, increasing the risk of damage.
Bring only as many cigars as you’ll need for the trip to save space and avoid unnecessary hassle. While there’s no strict limit, carrying too many might raise questions at customs. That said, if you’re travelling abroad, you should always check local import rules!
Most airlines allow cigar cutters, but torch lighters are usually banned. However, soft flame lighters and matches might be permitted, but it’s best to check before flying.
Travelling with cigars doesn’t have to be stressful, but it does require some preparation. By using the right storage methods, maintaining the right humidity, and following travel regulations, you can keep your cigars fresh and undamaged, ready for when you want to sit back and enjoy a smoke.
