Can You Bring Cigarettes on a Plane? Customs Rules [2024]

No matter where you're flying, you may have one important question: Can you bring your cigarettes on the plane? If you like to have a smoke, there's nothing worse than having to search for tobacco upon arriving at your destination. Let's find out what you can do to bring it with you! 

Before I dive into the details, it's first important to understand that cigarettes can come in many forms these days. You may like to use loose rolling tobacco, standard cigarettes, vapes, or e-cigarettes. The rules may differ slightly depending on your style. 

So, should you include cigarettes in your next vacation packing list? In this article, you'll find out exactly which kinds of cigarettes you can bring on a plane in your carry-on and checked luggage. It'll also cover if you can pack them for international flights! 

In just a few minutes, you'll know the ins and outs of bringing cigarettes on a plane. 

Can You Bring Cigarettes on a Plane? TSA Rules

First things first, you're legally allowed to bring cigarettes on a plane. In fact, you can technically bring every kind of cigarette on a plane, though you'll learn the specific rules of each one in a moment. While this rule applies to most country's customs, it doesn't apply to all of them. Please make sure to double-check your destination country's rules to make sure they're allowed.

Unlike alcohol, tobacco is considered a legal product. As such, it can be transported on all American-based airlines without risk of confiscation or punishment, according to the TSA.

In fact, you can bring standard cigarettes and loose tobacco in your pockets, carry-on, or even your checked luggage. You can bring open cigarettes, used cigarettes, and every other kind of tobacco. That includes chewing tobacco, smokeless tobacco, or pipe tobacco. 

On the other hand, the rules for vapes and e-cigarettes are slightly different. 

Can You Bring Vapes & E-Cigarettes on a Plane?

You may be surprised to find out that you can bring vapes and e-cigarettes in your pockets or carry-on when you board a plane in the United States. But you cannot pack them in checked luggage.

The reason is simply that vapes and e-cigarettes have batteries, which can explode in cargo as the air isn't pressurized. So although you may think packing your vape in your checked luggage will stop you from getting in trouble, it's actually the exact opposite! 

According to both TSA and CATSA (Canadian TSA), vapes and e-cigarettes are allowed as a carry-on, and may depend on carrier for checked luggage. The liquid refills should be less than 100ml or 3.4oz though, standard with any liquid containers.

Something to note is that because many vapes also contain marijuana, TSA agents may check the vape to ensure there's only tobacco inside. And you definitely don't want to get caught transporting marijuana!

What about bringing cigarettes on an international flight?

If you're headed abroad from the USA, you'll be happy to learn that you can take your cigarettes with you. 

Some international airlines, such as Air India, don't allow cigarettes in carry-on luggage, but they do allow them in checked luggage. It's vital that you do a bit of research on the regulations of your specific airline when booking your flight.

Also, some destinations limit the number of cigarette packs, cartons, vapes, or e-cigs that can enter the country via their customs laws. These may also be prohibited in certain countries. Once again, do your research beforehand to avoid having your tobacco taken away upon landing!

If you're choosing a specific airline based on tobacco rules, you can find the most affordable flights available with Skyscanner.

Frequently Asked Questions

So, you understand that you can bring every type of cigarette on a plane in one way or another. Now, I'll dig a little deeper into the details and answer some frequently asked questions about more specific rules. 

Can You Bring Cigarettes on a Plane if You're Under 18?

According to TSA policy, there's no age requirement to bring cigarettes, tobacco, vapes, or e-cigarettes on a plane. So you can bring cigarettes on a plane even if you're under 21 or 18. 

How Many Packs of Cigarettes Can You Bring on a Plane?

Technically, there's no TSA limit on how many packs of cigarettes you can bring on a plane. 

However, you should be aware that more than 200 cigarettes, or one carton, are often considered merchandise. Depending on where you're going, you may have to claim them or even pay a tax to avoid issues with customs. 

Can You Bring a Lighter on a Plane?

TSA regulations on whether or not you can bring a lighter on a plane can be kind of confusing. 

According to the official statement, one disposable lighter, a zippo lighter, or a pack of matches is allowed in a passenger's carry-on. Only empty lighters are permitted to fly in checked luggage. Still, I personally have had a lighter taken off me at a TSA checkpoint when they found it in my carry-on! 

Since you definitely can't fly with a full lighter in your checked bag, you may as well give it a go in your carry-on and enter at your own risk. 

Can You Bring Opened Cigarettes on a Plane?

You can absolutely bring opened cigarettes on a plane. TSA doesn't care if they are opened, closed, new, or used. You're always allowed to bring all cigarettes in your carry-on luggage. 

Will TSA Open My Cigarettes?

When it comes to TSA, you never really know what you're going to get. Some officers are more zealous, whereas others will send you through without opening anything. 

TSA probably won't open your cigarettes. However, they absolutely can if they want to. Essentially, all you can do is be prepared for them to open your cigarettes and hope that they don't. 

Don't Forget These Tips!

As promised, you now know everything there is to know about traveling on a plane with cigarettes of any kind! You can start packing all your travel accessories and ensure you have your tobacco when you land. 

Wherever you're going on this next adventure, don't forget to check out Pilot for all your travel needs!