The ultimate guide to bringing e-cigarettes and vapes on planes

Did you just replace your cigarettes with a vaping device and you’re wondering whether it’s legal for you to bring it on a flight? Well, this is the right article for you. As you probably know, vaping is forbidden on flights just like smoking but this doesn’t mean you can’t take your best vape with you. However, there are some things you should know before taking your vape on a flight and in this article, we’ll highlight everything you need to know.

Can I carry a vape on a flight?

Vape and e-cigarettes are allowed in your carry-on bag. According to TSA regulations, these devices can only be stored in your carry-on and not in your check-in luggage. However, do note that the fact that you can take it with you on the flight, doesn’t mean you can use it after you board. The only reason why vapes are allowed in carry-on bags is because of the unpredictability of loose lithium-ion batteries in the cargo holds.

When you pass through security, there’s nothing to be nervous about. The security officers might ask you to turn on your device as a part of a routine check to make sure that you’re not carrying an explosive or anything similar but that’s about it (this applies only to bigger devices). Also note that while on the flight, you mustn’t charge your vape. In fact, (as most vape reviews show) most of the mishaps on flights are related to charging, causing most departments of transportation to completely ban charging e-cigarettes/vapes while flying.

What about vaping liquid?

Even the best vaping devices need vaping liquid and this is treated just like any other liquid. This means you can only carry up to 100ml of liquid. If you have more, you have to pack this in your check-in luggage. Also, if you’re traveling in the EU, UK, or Israel, note that you can’t carry a nicotine juice that contains more than 20mg/ml of nicotine.

Additionally, if you want to pack your liquids in your carry-on bag, you have to keep all of your liquids (including, gels and toothpaste) in a single 1-quart clear plastic bag. Don’t take sealed bottles because the pressure in the cabin might cause the liquid to leak. If you have a tank, make sure to completely close the airflow if possible.

Vape on a flight: a few packing tips

In this article, we mostly refer to the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) rules but the rules are very similar in different parts of the world. Because of security threats, most airports and countries have adopted the same standardized procedures and there are some rules you need to follow everywhere. Also note that some countries banned vaping and it’s best not to carry your vapes in these countries. The most important thing to do before taking your vape on a flight is to check the airline’s guidelines. Different airlines have different guidelines and levels of tolerance when it comes to vaping devices. You can access the policies regarding vapes and e-cigarettes of some of the biggest airlines below.

• Air Canada
• Qatar Airways
• American Airlines
• British Airways
• Delta Air Lines
• JetBlue Airlines
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• Deutsche Lufthansa
• Ryanair
• Southwest Airlines
• Turkish Airlines
• United Airlines

Is vaping on airports allowed?

Similarly like normal cigarettes, vaping is forbidden in common areas and restrooms. If you don’t oblige this, you’ll be breaking the rules and you might get a hefty fine for it or even get ejected from the airport in some cities. So, if you want to risk with stealth vaping, you can try, but do have the consequences in mind. Alternatively, if you’re at an airport that has a designated smoking room, you can always pop in and have a vape.

What if you vape during the flight?

If vaping isn’t allowed on airports, then it certainly isn’t allowed on the flight. In most cases, there’s a ban on e-cigarettes/vapes due to the laws regarding vapes in the destination countries and the (dis)comfort of fellow passengers.

I know you might be tempted to hide in the bathroom and take a few vapes, but the potential consequences can be rather rigorous. The smoke detectors in airplanes are incredibly sensitive. Not only do they detect smoke but they are also sensitive to everything that’s denser than air. Sure, we hear a lot of stories about people who supposedly get away with vaping on flights but the risk just isn’t worth it. You can get a hefty fine of $2,000-$3,000 and be detained by the local authorities after landing.

Tips for traveling vapers

• Get some empty vape juice bottles because some airlines don’t allow bottles over 100 ml.
• Empty your vape tank because your liquid might leak.
• Buy vape battery containers to store your batteries.
• Check your airline’s policies.
• Know the laws of the country you’re traveling to.
• Keep your double-bag e-liquids in your check-in luggage.
• Divide your higher nicotine concentration liquid in several different bottles.
• Leave some space in your bottles to avoid leaks.
• Empty your device’s tank before your flight.
• Keep your batteries in protective cases.
• Don’t charge your vape batteries on the flight and remove them from the device before departure.
• Take a nicotine gum on your flight.
• Don’t underestimate local cannabis laws.

There’s one exception

The only airline that clearly allows passengers to use vapes/e-cigarettes onboard is Ryanair. However, there’s a catch; if you want to vape, you have to use the vaping devices they sell on their flights.

Was this guide to taking your vape on a flight helpful? Did you ever travel with your vaping device? Did you ever experience some difficulties while traveling? Let us know in the comments!

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