Planning a trip and wondering How To Travel With A Vape? This comprehensive guide answers all your questions about flying with your vape, from airline regulations to international vaping laws. Learn how to safely and legally travel with your e-cigarette, ensuring a smooth vaping experience wherever you go.
Vaping on Planes: Common Questions Answered
Traveling with a vape can seem complicated, but understanding the rules and regulations is key. Here’s a breakdown of the most frequently asked questions:
Can I Take My Vape on the Plane?
Yes, you can bring your vape on a plane. However, it’s essential to pack it correctly. Vapes, e-cigarettes, and vape pens must be stored in your carry-on luggage.
Airlines prohibit vapes in checked baggage due to the lithium batteries they contain. These batteries pose a fire hazard and are therefore restricted from the cargo hold. Treat your vape like your laptop – keep it with you at all times.
When packing, the vape device itself must be in your carry-on. Extra refills and e-liquids can be packed in your checked luggage. To prevent leaks caused by changes in cabin air pressure, store refills in a plastic bag or container.
Expert Tip: Consider using a vape carry case. These cases provide organized storage for liquids, batteries, and accessories, making it easy to keep track of your vaping essentials while traveling.
Can I Take My Disposable Vape on a Plane?
Yes, disposable vapes are allowed on planes. The same rules apply: keep them in your carry-on luggage, not your checked baggage.
Can I Take Vape Juice / E-liquid on a Plane?
Yes, you can bring vape juice or e-liquid on a plane. However, be mindful of the 100ml liquid limit for carry-on luggage. All liquids, including e-liquids, must adhere to this restriction.
If you plan to bring toiletries or other liquids, factor in the space available for your e-liquids. Avoid bringing short-fill bottles, as they can quickly consume your liquid allowance.
Can I Vape On a Plane?
No, vaping is strictly prohibited on airplanes. Under no circumstances should you attempt to use a vape on board.
Carrying your vape on the plane is only permitted because lithium batteries are banned from checked luggage. Vaping on a plane can result in severe legal penalties. Airlines have installed detectors in onboard toilets to catch individuals attempting to vape discreetly.
A passenger was recently arrested and banned for life from Spirit Airlines for vaping in the airplane toilet. Ignorance of the rule was not an excuse.
Can I Use My Vape at the Airport?
The use of e-cigarettes is often restricted at airports. Many UK airports have banned vaping inside the terminal.
You may only be able to vape in designated smoking areas, which are usually located outside the terminal. Policies vary by airport, so it’s best to check with your departure airport before your trip.
While e-cigarettes don’t produce tobacco smoke and the risks of passive vaping are considered small relative to tobacco cigarettes, airports and airlines generally enforce a no-vaping policy.
Specific Airline Policies on Vaping
Airlines have varying rules regarding e-cigarettes. While you can generally bring e-cigarettes on board, using them is forbidden. Lithium batteries must be carried in hand luggage.
- EasyJet: “All electronic cigarettes and a maximum of two spare batteries in a carry-on and on one’s person.”
- British Airways: “Electronic cigarettes may be carried in hand luggage but must not be used on board.”
- Emirates: “All Emirates flights are non-smoking – this also includes the use of e-cigarettes. No e-cigarettes can be used on board Emirates flights.”
- Virgin Atlantic: “Electronic cigarettes are a device that looks like a cigarette and works by creating a vapor, which contains nicotine. Electronic cigarettes are NOT permitted to be used onboard our aircraft.”
- Qantas Airlines: “The use and charging of all e-cigarettes and other personal vaporisers are not permitted on board an aircraft. They must be carried in hand luggage.”
The core message remains consistent across airlines: keep your vape in your hand luggage and refrain from using it on the plane.
How Do I Buy Vape Juice and Refills Abroad?
If you’re traveling for an extended period, you might need to purchase refills for your vape.
Be aware that the sale of e-liquid is restricted in some countries. Some ban the sale of cartridges, while others only allow nicotine-free products or limit nicotine levels. In countries like Thailand, e-cigarette use is banned altogether, with severe penalties.
Singapore and certain Indian territories also have strict vaping regulations and hefty fines. Dubai and other parts of the UAE have relaxed their views on vaping but still maintain restrictions.
Expert Tip: Research the vaping laws of your destination before traveling. Consult resources like foreign travel advisories for the most up-to-date information.
If vaping is permitted in your destination, finding e-liquid is generally straightforward. However, be aware of local customs. In some European countries, nicotine products may only be available at licensed tobacconist stores.
Also, consider the nicotine strength of the e-liquid. The UK has a maximum nicotine strength of 20mg, while the United States may have e-liquids with significantly higher concentrations.
How to Take Care of Your Vape While Abroad
Protect your vape from the elements. Heat, light, and air can negatively affect e-liquid.
Direct sunlight and heat can alter the flavor of your e-liquid. Store e-liquid in a cool, dark place, such as a drawer or cupboard in your accommodation, to maintain its nicotine content and flavor.
Vaping Etiquette Around The World
Be prepared to answer questions about vaping. Vaping is still relatively uncommon in many countries, and locals may be curious about the vapor you’re producing.
Always err on the side of caution and be considerate of your surroundings. What you consider normal might seem unusual to others. Just because smoking is permitted in a certain area doesn’t mean vaping will be equally accepted.
Thanks for Reading!
This guide provides essential information for traveling with a vape. Remember to research the regulations and attitudes of your destination beforehand.
Follow the rules when carrying a vape on a plane and behave responsibly. Your cravings are important, but they don’t outweigh the potential consequences of fines or arrests.
