US-US Territory: Cigar Travel Law-HELP!

[El Rushbo]

Gents,

I was recently married (on the 4th of July!) and my wife and I are taking a trip from Baltimore, MD to St. Thomas USVI.

Of course, I'd like to take some Habanos with me but I'm a little unfamiliar with what is allowed; especially since I'm not leaving the country, only going from the states to a U.S. territory.

Would it just be safest to pull the bands off? I'm heading out in two days-help a brother out ;-)

Thanks fellas

[Well Armed]

I got married on the fourth too!

I have traveled out of country with them and there is never a problem. Coming back in might be if they are banded. I smoke them all or remove bands for reentry. And I'm sure you will still go through customs even if it is a territory.

[El Presidente]

Congratulations and best wishes on your marriage!

If you are concerned, go bandless. The risk is minimal but assuming you are picked up and lose your cigars you will only get the "I told you so" speach from your wife. You will get plenty of speaches over the rest of your married days....no need for one now.

I should start a marital advice forum...."Dear Prez" ;-)

[Guest cohiba]

My wife is from Puerto Rico !! We spend a couple months a year there. I have never done anything special with my cigars. Just carried them on and no problems. Better safe than sorry. Have fun its going to be hot and humid. You'll be suprised what happens to your stoogies.

Cohiba

[stogies&hoagies]

» Gents,

»

» I was recently married (on the 4th of July!) and my wife and I are taking

» a trip from Baltimore, MD to St. Thomas USVI.

»

» Of course, I'd like to take some Habanos with me but I'm a little

» unfamiliar with what is allowed; especially since I'm not leaving the

» country, only going from the states to a U.S. territory.

»

» Would it just be safest to pull the bands off? I'm heading out in two

» days-help a brother out ;-)

»

» Thanks fellas

I've had a problem traveling only once, out of about 25 or 30 trips. I gave up three "volunteer" cigars when I was questioned aggressively. I kept three other seconary "volunteers" that I was willing to lose. I also kept several boxes that were not bothered with. Most times customs is only interested in something if it will bring down a plane. Another time I actually had someone from TSA go into my travel humidor, which was in my checked baggage, and remove my cheapie lighter. They did not bother the dozen or so banded cigars in there. They did leave a note saying they took the lighter.

In short, I wouldn't worry. If apprehensive, take the bands off. You'll be fine, besides cavity searches aren't all that bad. :-D

[strayvector]

We went to St. John's a few years ago and I can tell you that even though you never leave the US, you still have to go through customs in St. Thomas when coming back to the US. So go safe and unband the sticks.

[DrAlejandro]

well as far as I can tell you shouldnt have any problems because you wont be going through customs... the USVI is an american territory and as such I would assume would be the same as taking a flight from california to florida for example. You will have to go with security but they dont care if you have cigars or not, just that you arent carrying something dangerous... if your still concerned just take the bands off, you should be alright :-)

[El Rushbo]

Thanks guys-always a help. I'm probably just going to take the bands off and play it safe; per Rob's suggestion I'd rather not get the speech.

BTW-I ordered some Monte #4 Tubo's for the wedding and they were a smash. Wonderful presentation, perfect size, and they were a strong box. I've had plenty of 4's and these were some of the better one's I've had. Some of the other guys that smoke the good stuff agreed. Thanks Rob/Lisa.

Thanks again for the advise; I'll be thinking of you all while I'm sitting my pale, white arse on the beach smoking some 00 Diplomatico's! PEACE!:-D