Vape can be a good travel buddy whenever you plan to fly somewhere. But not all airlines see it positively.
Air travel comes with its own set of rules and regulations, especially when it’s electronic devices. Among these devices, your vape is included as well.
Some of them allow you to carry vapes on flights but you need to pack them well and put them in carry-on instead of checked luggage.
Why?
- It stops you from accidental activation
- It helps prevent leaks, short circuits, and fire hazards.
- There are crews to take immediate action
- There are emergency equipment to mitigate the situation
Airline and TSA Regulations
Electronic devices, especially with Lithium-ion batteries emit electromagnetic signals, even if it’s your vape! These signals can interfere with critical aircraft instruments and potentially risk flight operations.
Instruments like:
- Communication Systems
- Navigation Systems
- Radar Systems
- Altimeters
Now enter the regulations!
To mitigate the risk, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and individual airlines set certain regulations. They ensure safety and prevent any hazards that your pal vape can pose.
TSA Regulations on Electronic Devices and Vape Pens
The TSA handles the security of travelers in the US. They’ve formulated rules for electronic devices including e-cigarettes and vape pens.
The good news is– that TSA allows vapes in carry-on luggage but prohibits putting them in checked baggage.
Such a restriction is mainly because of lithium batteries. Almost all electronic cigars or vapes have lithium-ion batteries. Their emission of signals can interfere with the airline systems and pose a fire hazard or vape explosion if improperly stored or damaged.
Besides, there’s a chance of accidental power-on of the heating element of such vapes. And this can end up with serious misfortune.
For this, the TSA regulations say that all electronic devices like vapes, mods, or pods have to be screened separately as you pass through security checkpoints. So you have to remove your vapes from the bag for additional inspection.
So, make sure to check all the regulations before you fly and follow them.
As per the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), anyone who violates federal vaping laws can face fines up to $1,771.
If you’re caught vaping on planes, the consequences can get severe. You might face fines ranging from $2 to $4,000. In some cases, you can even get arrested.
The Regulations of the TSA- Passengers have to take certain steps before getting on a plane.
- Electronic smoking devices or any type of vapes are allowed only in carry-ons.
- Lithium-ion batteries in the vapes must not go over the 100-watt-hour rating.
- In case your vape has lithium metal batteries, the lithium content must be under 2 grams.
- Check with your airline regarding any limitations on the number of devices.
- You must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for e-liquids (3.4 ounces, 1 quart-sized, 1 bag).
- You can’t vape on flights.
Specific Guidelines For Carrying Vape Devices And E-Liquids
Complying with TSA regulations is straightforward. You just have to follow some guidelines.
Vapes
- Put your e-cigars be it your vape, pens, pods, or mods in a carry-on.
- Keep the device turned off.
- Pack the vapes securely to prevent accidental power-on.
E-Liquids
- Carry your E-juice in a 3.4-ounce bottle or less (i.e. 100 millimeters)
- Place the juice in a single bag.
- Make sure the bag is— quart-sized, clear plastic, and zip-top.
How To Properly Pack Your Vape For Air Travel?
Step 1- Disassemble Your Vape
Take apart your vape device. It’s mostly applicable to specific types like mods and sub-ohms. Take out the tank and battery. Remove any other detachable parts if the vape has.
Not only does it help reduce the risk of accidental power-on but also makes it way easier to pack.
Step 2: Empty the Tank
When flying with e-juices, a decrease in ambient pressure can cause them to expand and leak.
So, it’s wise to drain the tank before boarding. You can either use up all the e-juices by taking a good drag or pour them out.
This will help prevent leaks during your flight.
Note: The step is mainly for refillable tanks. Some prefilled juices can’t be poured out. You may either have to make sure it’s within the 3.4-ounce threshold or use the vape up.
Step 3: Secure the Battery
Loose batteries have an infamous nature. If they come into contact with other metal stuff, it can cause short circuits and fire hazards.
So, take out your detachable batteries. Store them in a solid plastic case to prevent that mishap.
Step 4: Pack the Device and E-liquids
Once dismantled, put your vape in one clear bag, its accessories in another, and a bottle of e-juices in another. Make sure the bag is clear plastic, quart-sized, and zip-top.
Pack it nicely and seal the packaging tight enough to prevent leaks and unwanted mess. Next, put everything in a tight compartment of your carry-on.
Not only will it keep your stuff organized but also make it easy to access when it’s time for security screening.
Potential Issues When Travelling With A Vape
Even after taking all the necessary measures, you might still face issues when carrying vapes in your carry-on.
Common Problems
-
Short-Circuit In Batteries
When the terminals of the battery touch something metal, like keys or coins, it can cause the battery to overheat. This can result in short circuits and then in fire hazards.
2. Accidental Activation:
There’s a good chance that your vape might turn on accidentally.
It can happen if something- your hands, keys, coins, or other objects mistakenly press the power button. This can lead the vape to heat up and cause safety issues.
3. E-liquids Leaking
Changes in ambient pressure while flying can trigger the air in bottles to expand. This can make the e-liquids leak.
Examples of Incidents
Several cases were found where travelers had their vapes seized just because they didn’t follow regulations.
A traveler at LAX airport had their vape confiscated as it was packed with the battery attached.
In another case, a traveler at New York’s JFK Airport was fined. Because he was carrying e-liquids in bottles over 3.4 ounces.
Tips for Avoiding Issues- Make sure to double-check.
- Pack your vapes and their components and store them properly.
- Go through the regulations of TSA and individual airlines and adhere to them strictly.
- Be prepared for additional screening.
- Take out the device and its parts and put them in a separate bin at security checkpoints.
Safety Considerations For Vaping Devices
Why Vapes in Carry-On Luggage?You might wonder why regulations allow vapes in carry-on but not in checked-in luggage. There are two related reasons–
Lack of Temperature and Pressure Control
The cargo hold isn’t pressurized or temperature-controlled. It means the part can get too hot or cold. Since batteries are sensitive to both temperature and pressure changes, it can affect them.
So, when you put your vape in a checked-in bag and it goes to the cargo plane, the device can get exposed to extreme conditions. If the battery gets too hot or cold, it can act up. And a bad battery has a big chance of getting overheated or catching fire. This is even more dangerous if it happens on cargo because there won’t be anyone to notice the hazard and take a step.
Accessibility and Immediate Actions
The passenger cabin has the upper hold here. You have the presence of flight crews (expert rescuers) and the availability of emergency equipment.
So, if any issue arises related to vapes, there are people and essential tools to take immediate action.
Batteries in the vapes, once malfunction, can occasionally overheat, short-circuit, or even catch fire. If any of them happens, the flight crew can quickly detect and respond to it.
Fortunately, they’re all well-trained to handle such emergencies. They’ll either use a fire extinguisher or other safety equipment to handle the situation and ease it.
Such quick responses can prevent minor issues from turning into something disastrous on the flight.
Safety Concerns- Short Circuit
- Overheating and Fire hazards
- Improper handling
- E-liquid leakage
- Explosion
- Store the lithium-ion batteries of your vape in a clear, tight, well-sealed protective case.
- Never carry loose batteries in your pocket or bag.
- Check your vape batteries for signs of damage or wear. Bulging and leaking are the telltale signs.
- Discard bad batteries and get new ones for carrying on flights.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
International Travel With Vapes
International Regulations
The regulations by TSA aren’t only followed in the US but also in different parts of the world.
That said, individual airlines have their own ones. So, the regulations regarding vapes can vary from one spot to another.
Some countries have outright bans on vaping devices. Meanwhile, some have strict regulations on their use and import.
So, make sure to know about the country's regulations on vapes before flying there.
A 2023 report by the World Health Organization mentions 34 countries where the use and sale of vapes are illegal. There are 4 countries that allow vapes with some restrictions.
Countries like Thailand and India have strict bans. UK and Canada have lenient policies, yet there are certain guidelines you need to follow.
Individual airports also impose severe regulations on carrying vapes. Some allow vapes in carry-on whereas some impose downright ban.
Major Airlines With Different Regulations
Figure: 6 Major Airlines Regulations on Vapes
Researching International Laws
The wise thing to do here is to research the vaping laws of the country you’ll fly to. This will help you avoid unwanted hassles, confiscations, fines, or jail time.
What you can do is:
Scour TSA, Airlines, and Government Websites
Visit official websites to find deets, data, and info regarding vape regulations.
Consult Travel Forums
Go through travel forums and online communities. They can give you valuable insights from other travelers who have experience with vaping in the country you’ll fly to.
Contact Your Airlines
Because some individuals have specific rules. You can check their websites to learn about their policies on vape or contact them directly to know.
Prepare All The Documentation
Carry proper documents of your vape device. This can be proof of purchase or product specifications. Such documents can be helpful in case a situation arises where you need to explain your device to customs officials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Carry My Vape In My Carry-On Bag?
Of course, you can. You just need to make sure the vape is well-packed as per TSA regulations. Batteries have to be well-secured. E-liquids have to be in the 3.4-ounce bottle, packed in a quart-sized bag.
However, some airlines might not allow vapes in both carry-on and checked-in because of certain regulations. So, check the government websites or airline websites to get the info.
What Should I Do With Vape Batteries When Flying?
Simply put the vape batteries in a solid, well-sealed case when on flights.
Pack them nicely and put them in your carry-on. Make sure the batteries aren’t loose or damaged since it can cause short-circuit which further can bring bad news.
Will Tsa Pull Out My Vape?
Yes. TSA will tell you to take out your vape from your carry-on during screening at the security checkpoint. Make sure you put them in a bin provided by them.
Can I Put Vapes In My Checked Luggage?
Putting vapes in checked luggage is a big NO. Because there’s no presence of experts or emergency equipment in the cargo hold to take action if a problem arises.
Fly With Vapes Following Regulations
Traveling with vapes is easy. You just have to follow the guidelines and regulations properly.
Check policies by TSA, airlines, and the government to know the necessary info and ensure a hassle-free travel experience.