Above the Clouds: Can You Bring a Vape On a Plane?

When taking e-cigarettes or liquids on a plane, you may be faced with many questions about bringing your vape on a plane. Where do I pack it? How do I pack it? What is TSA’s (Transportation Security Administration) policy? What about the other passengers and crew members’ health and safety concerns?

This article will answer those questions as well as discuss other things to consider when travelling by air with your vape device.

In short, the answer is yes you can take your vape on a plane

You can take an e-cigarette or e-liquid on a plane, but there are some things to consider.

First, let’s review the TSA E-Cigarette Policy

• You must store your vape device and batteries in your carry-on luggage.
  
• E-liquid must not be stored in containers larger than 100ml or 3.4 ounces in your carry-on luggage.
  
• E-cigarette batteries or vape devices are not allowed in checked luggage.
  
• Bottles over 100 ml must be packed in checked baggage.
  
• When going through security you must put the e-cigarette into the tray for scanning.
  

Make sure to keep your vape gear with the rest of your liquids and battery-powered devices in your carry-on bag as well as making sure that it’s packed with care. The maximum container size for liquids on an aeroplane is 100ml, so your vape liquid needs to be in a container equal to or less or packed into your checked luggage.

A top tip when packing your e-liquid is to empty some of the e-liquid from the bottle. When up in the air, cabin pressure can make full bottles, expand, or even break completely, so taking partially used bottles could save from an e-liquid spillage.

Check your E-Liquid is compliant with local laws

Check the local laws of your travel destination before you pack your e-liquid, the strength of the e-liquid is important to note, for example, if travelling from the US where 50mg e-liquid can be purchased, into the EU, the e-liquid would not be prohibited as the legal maximum strength in the EU is 20mg. Bottle size also needs to be a consideration, the maximum allowed on planes by UK law is 10ml and 20mg.

In some countries vaping is banned all together including Australia, Turkey, Thailand and parts of Mexico to name a few. If you are unsure whether vaping is illegal where you are going then do your research beforehand!

The United States – The TSA has not yet set any guidelines on travelling with vape devices, so you should confirm with them before arriving at the airport. Limitations on domestic flights may also apply. Check the current airline restrictions on vapour devices to stay safe and within the law!

United Kingdom – Vaping is legal and allowed throughout the UK. Airline restrictions apply for vapour devices like vape pens. Check your airline’s current policies to stay safe!

Battery Safety

According to expert George Mouratidis, you need to take into consideration what type of e-cigarette you own and how it works since not all devices are considered safe for travel. For example, some types of e-cigarettes include batteries that cannot be turned off or can be easily turned on while the device is in the passenger compartment of an aeroplane.

For safety the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) only allow lithium batteries to be boarded onto the aeroplane in carry-on baggage only. Batteries must be switched off before boarding the plane. The TSA’s website also states that Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries are limited to 2 grams of lithium per battery. Lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries are limited to a rating of 100-watt hours (Wh) per battery.

This means that if your device is not a variable voltage or variable wattage device, meaning it doesn’t have a CV (control voltage) or VW (variable wattage) setting to show how many volts/watts make up the battery’s output, then you can safely bring this type of e-cigarette on board an aeroplane as long as the battery itself does not contain more than 100 Wh.

If you have a variable wattage or voltage e-cigarette and do not know what the control voltages and watts are, then contact the manufacturer to confirm before taking your e-cigarette on board an aeroplane. They will be able to tell you the specifications of your battery.

Also, consider a disposable vape device as an alternative to take with you on your holiday if your battery is not suitable for taking on board the aeroplane. These are compact, all in one device, perfect for travelling, you can get more info about disposable vapes here.

Packing your E-cigarette

1. Charge the battery to 50% or more and make sure all of your components are securely in place. Ensure your vape tank is completely airtight.
2. Drain your tank of e-liquid.
3. Make sure to disassemble the components of your device and keep them in an empty compartment in your carry on bag. It may be a good idea to invest in some containers so that nothing gets crushed or damaged by other items inside your bag.
4. In line with the FAA guidelines Make sure the battery is completely switched off.

Stock up on supplies

It can be hard enough travelling without also having to worry about where you will find your next vape supply. Therefore, it is best to plan and carry plenty of e-liquid with you so that your vaping experience abroad doesn’t have to take a hit!

Remember to pack some spare coils, you don’t want to be stuck with a device you can’t use because a coil burnt out too quickly. If your device uses external batteries, pack a couple of spares.

Can you use your vape on the plane?

No, it is essential to note under no circumstances to use your vape on the aeroplane, this will result in your vape being confiscated, the possibility of a fine and even a delay.

Vaping Etiquette whilst abroad

When travelling abroad it’s important to note that some countries have restrictions for vaping indoors, or in public places so always check before you vape. In most cases, you can still vape outdoors- just not in public places or where smoking is banned.

Enjoy your holiday, check the laws of your destination country on vaping and your airline’s policy on e-cigarettes before you travel.