Using E-Cigarettes and Vapes during Air Travel: What you need to Know?

Introduction

Most people wonder about bringing their e-cigarettes and vapes with them when they are planning to take a flight soon. It is particularly concerning when you are traveling abroad and are unaware of the vaping rules and laws at the destination.

Not many people know the rules about carrying a vape while travelling by air. If you are also one of them, no need to worry because it is rather common to wonder if you can bring your vape or e-cigarette with you.

In this post, you will get to know everything about carrying and using vapes and e-cigarettes during air travel or not.

What are Vapes and E-cigarettes?

Vaping devices or vapes are battery-operated devices that are often used to inhale an aerosol containing flavorings and nicotine. Typically, they resemble traditional cigars, cigarettes, or pipes. However, e-cigarettes with fillable tanks may look a little different. In spite of their appearance and design, these devices often work in quite a similar manner and are also made of similar parts. Currently, there are over 46 recognized e-cigarette brands on the market.

While some e-cigarettes look like regular pipes, cigars, or cigarettes, others often resemble USB sticks and pens.

Typically, most vapes comprise four different components including a mouthpiece used to inhale the liquid, a power source or a battery, an atomizer or a heating element, and a cartridge. A cartridge is also recognized as a pod or a reservoir, which contains your e-liquid. The e-liquid itself contains a variety of chemicals, flavorings, and even nicotine.

In most conventional e-cigarettes, the battery-powered heating device is activated by puffing, which in turn vaporizes the liquid. Then, the person inhales the resulting vapor or aerosol.

Is it possible to fly with Vapes and E-cigarettes on a Plane?

When you travel with a vape, there are certain guidelines and rules that you must follow for security and legal purposes. For instance, in the US, these rules are outlined and indicated by the TSA. The TSA determines:

“Electronic smoking devices are allowed only in carry-on baggage. Passengers are required to take effective measures for preventing accidental activation of the heating element of the device when transporting the devices.”

However, you are not allowed to carry electronic nicotine delivery systems, atomizers, vape pens, vaporizers, and battery-powered e-cigarettes. Instead, you can carry these items on the aircraft either on your person or in bags. Furthermore, in case you pack it in your carry-on baggage and you stopped at the gate for checking, you need to remove all vaping devices and electronic cigarettes.

They also indicate that you should consult and check with your airline for additional information and restrictions. In addition to these restrictions, TSA also determines that each lithium-ion battery should not go over a Wh rating of 100 Wh. Meanwhile, for lithium metal batteries, the content of lithium should not be more than 2 grams.

Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, CAA determines that you cannot take vapes in your hold bagger – the suitcase you will deposit at the check-in desk. In Germany , you are not allowed to vape either on airplanes or at airports. In addition to it, you are not allowed to take your vape with you. You can only take them in your carry-on baggage.

In the case of France, you can take e-liquid or vape kits with you. However, they must be taken in your carry-on baggage through security. Any type of electronic cigarette is prohibited strictly in checked baggage.

When it comes to Russia, you are not allowed to carry a vape and you can be fined if found trying to get a vape through security. Moreover, you are not allowed to smoke at Russian airports. In Singapore, personal vaporizers, e-cigarettes, and nicotine delivery systems are permitted only in carry-on baggage. In the cabin, however, the use of e-cigarettes is prohibited.

In Japan, passengers are permitted to bring their vaping devices on board. However, these devices need to be packed properly and the spare lithium batteries should be stored in carry-on luggage.

Rather than that, you will be required to store your disposable vapes or e-cigarettes in your hand luggage. This is done to ensure that any risk of fire is removed.

In addition, you will be required to ensure that disposable vapes are stored properly in the plastic bag you are offered to store all liquids. Now, each passenger is allowed to only take one liquid bag. While you are allowed to take your e-cigarette with you, be sure to remember that you cannot use it while on the plane. In despite of the absence of government-enforced rules, no airline will actually permit you to use or smoke your vape on the plane.

Using an e-cigarette while you are on board will be treated just like smoking. Therefore, breaking this rule will have severe consequences such as being ejected from the flight.

In case you have done your research well, no need to be nervous in the airport terminal as you pass the security. Whether you are in the US or in the UK, airport security personnel and TSA employees will let you through with your e-cigarette for the most part as long as you are aware of some rules.

First of all, be prepared to explain what type of vaping equipment you are carrying to TSA agents. Security personnel is aware of most types of vaping kits. Therefore, they are not likely to trouble you when you have packed your vape accurately. Moreover, be sure to charge your device before going to the airport as you might be required to show the personnel that you are actually carrying a vape and nothing suspicious or harmful.

Otherwise, it is highly possible that you might be screened thoroughly and it might consume a lot of your time. Therefore, be sure to do your research and get to know the requirements and rules that are specific to the airport you intend to use. Once you have identified all the rules and guidelines, there is nothing to worry about as you will be able to pass through the security without any problem.

What are the Rules for using them at the Airport?

Now, the use of vapes and the respective rules governing them depend on the airport you will be visiting. Still, most airports such as airports in the US, Russia, the UK, and Japan will not allow you to vape. For instance, at many airports in the US and the UK, people are not permitted to smoke or use vapes. However, some airports might have a dedicated space for smoking and you will be able to spot it easily.

If you spot a smoking area, you can just use it to vape at the airport. Otherwise, you should not consider testing the limits of security.

Furthermore, once you are inside the terminal, you will not be allowed to vape or smoke until you have actually arrived at your destination and identified a dedicated area for smoking and vaping. Even if you manage to find such a smoking area, you will notice that these areas are often away from terminals.

You will notice that most airports do not have their smoking and vaping policies and rules available freely. Therefore, you are advised to check with your airport comprehensively before you truly attempt to use your vape. Even though it vapes have been deemed safer than traditional cigarettes, many airlines and airports still have chosen to enforce and implement a no-vaping policy.

You are advised to not vape at an airport because it is likely to get you in trouble. Instead, you should just reach your destination and then vape once you are out of the airport.

Due to these strict policies and regulations, many people just prefer purchasing a vape after reaching their destinations. After all, in modern times, vapes and e-cigarettes have become readily available across different countries. You can just purchase a vape after reaching your destination.

However, if you are still adamant about taking your vape with you, you are required to comply with the rules and policies identified above. It is understandable that some people want to bring their vapes with them as they are quite costly.

Conclusion

Overall, you can bring your e-cigarette and vape with you in carry-on luggage. Otherwise, you must leave your vape behind. In addition to it, you are not allowed to smoke or vape while on board. In fact, even if you try to smoke while using the restroom, the staff will be notified immediately. No airline will permit you to smoke a vape or a cigarette on the plane. Not to mention, most airports do not allow people to use a vape or smoke an e-cigarette. While some airports might have a dedicated smoking area, most airports will not have such an area. Therefore, it is better to vape before you go to the airport or after you have left the airport.