Flying with pipe - Suggestions

[winton]

So next month I will fly for the first time in 10+ years. I will be visiting family. I suspect I will have a opportunity or two to smoke with my brother. Any suggestions on how to get a pipe and tobacco there without causing security issues?

 

[sablebrush52]

I've never had an issue bringing pipes and tobaccos with me on an airplane. Just don't have a scraper on you if it's carry on as they may confiscate it if it looks like a blade.

 

[jpmcwjr]

In your carry on is safest, but packed and checked luggage o.k. Just arrived in Cooperstown NY with six in the messenger bag and a couple more in the big suitcase.

Tobacco in plastic bags and one tin.
Note: No torch lighters. Lighters on person or carryon only, but pipe tool in checked bag only. Matches seem to vary by airline, so I don't bring 'em.
Safe travels!

 

[zack24]

No problems ever....just stick your lighter in your checked luggage...or have a soft flame lighter that you demonstrate to the security folks...

 

[davet]

The only problem I've had is with lighters, it varies from airport to airport. A Zippo is fine but no Bics, next airport it's the opposite :crazy:

 

[ashdigger]

I only fly with a bic, that way if you get an overzealous TSA agent it's no big loss. But other than a lighter issue I always just carry a little pipe nail, not a pipe tool with a blade.

 

[jefff]

I just bury a pipe or two in the middle of my carry on to protect it. I toss in an open tin of something and a czech tool. I have never had an issue. I don't worry about lighters, I just buy a bic wherever I am.

 

[warren]

Never a problem over the years. I even chew on my pipe during flights when I'm awake. All is subject to change moment by moment though.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Lighters in luggage is not allowed per FAA, FWIW. No problem carry on unless it's a torch. In first instance unlikely to be caught but if so fines etc. In second instance they may think any butane is a torch.

 

[duffer]

I have flown every week for the past two months with a pipe - no issues yet.I have taken both my Zippo and cheap Bics. My pipe tool has not gotten a second look. I always carry in my backpack or computer badge. Usually three or four pipes. I usually buy a couple tins also and only challenged at the Canadian border - going in......

 

[jpmcwjr]

Unless flying to a country with Import restrictions, the only potential problems are lighters, matches, and pipe tools that look vaguely like they might harm someone.

 

[didache]

I was flying yesterday - home from Krakow. I fly 4 - 6 times a year.
The advice given so far is good: tobacco and pipes are no problem, even for carry on luggage. The risky one is a pipe tool as most of them can be regarded as a sharp object which is not permitted in carry on luggage. If you have one, it is best to put it in your hold luggage.
Re matches etc, I put a small matchbox in my pocket as I fly and that has never been challenged. Then buy more matches or a bic at your destination.
Mike

 

[mso489]

I've traveled with pipes, tobacco in baggies, pipe cleaners, a pipe nail or two, with no problem. My pipe nails are the basic item with a flat tamper head and a rounded scoop, no blades or moveable parts. The only item I've had unpacked to examine was a harmonica which looked to the x-ray like a pistol clip with the reed chambers. I've thought about tobacco in baggies, but it smells so much like ... tobacco, it is self-explanatory.

 

[warren]

I know one or two who fly with a pipe who, have never set foot on an airplane.

 

[dread]

I travel with pipes, bic lighters, pipe nail and tobacco in a pipe case. I had security scrutinize my pipe nail once but let it pass. I fly 2-3 times a month.

 

[fishingandpipes]

I bring pipes in my carry-on regularly and I usually have a bic or two in my pocket while going through security that go in the xray tub, as well as pipe tools in my carry-on.
Never had a problem.
Only times I've had a problem flying was with a full box of business cards that looked like a black box on the scanner, and when I left a bluetooth speaker in my bag when they asked for us to take electronics out. It's the only time that speaker has caused a problem by being left in my bag, usually they only care about laptops.
I won't bring a fountain pen or a nice lighter just to be safe, but I think you're fine with pipes and tobacco.

 

[joshb]

I just flew with five pipes, my czech tool, 2 bics, a tub of Carter Hall and a 2ftx1ft humidor with no problems at all. Pipes, tool and lighters were on my carry on as i wanted to have a smoke before my flight if possible.

 

[jpmcwjr]

the moment you realize how screwed up it is, that bringing a pipe and tobacco to a flight is even an issue....of course the excessive controls are neccesary in times like ours, yet they make a mountain out of a molehill. It's just a freaking pipe tool, and some dried leafs - unless you're a trained Ninja, you'll have problems hurting anyone with it.

Actually pipe and tobacco aboard US flights is not a problem at all. It's the paraphernalia that we're trying to caution about. Of course, times they are a changin'....

 

[patiobum]

Same here with no issues.
Pipe bag that holds 4 pipes, cleaners and pipe nail. Bulk tobacco marked in a ziplock bag and tins each in a ziplock. Bic lighter
Never an issue, have a safe flight.