Vaping is a popular choice among ex-smokers looking to change a habit, young people who enjoy the array of flavors, and social vapers who like a puff with friends. Age groups with higher vaping numbers have lower levels of traditional cigarette use. People enjoy the more discrete nature of vapes, the potentially less harmful nature of vaping when compared with cigarettes, and the fact that they don’t leave a smell on the user’s body. 

Vapes can be a convenient way to get a nicotine hit while on the road, too. Travelers who vape have lots of questions before they pack their bags with essentials like underwear, sunscreen, and vapes, like whether they are allowed to pack them, where to pack them, whether vaping is allowed on planes, and if airlines have different rules. Here, we look at the dos and don’ts of vapes on a plane. 

General Airline Policies on Vaping Devices

According to the TSA, nicotine vapes are permitted on airplanes if stowed in carry-on luggage during the flight. Smoking of any kind is not allowed on any flights across the board. Traditional cigarettes that produce smoke were banned on domestic U.S. flights in 1988, with a ban expanding to a global ban by the early 2000s.

E-cigarettes that resemble traditional cigarettes but create vapor and modern vapes received a ban on all flights in 2016. Most airlines follow similar rules, but it's important to double-check your chosen airline's regulations before the departure date. 

FAA Regulations: What You Need to Know

The Federal Aviation Administration's website states, "Electronic smoking devices when carried by passengers or crew members must be carried on one's person or in carry-on baggage. Electronic smoking devices are battery powered and have a heating element that vaporizes liquid. Passengers are required to take effective measures for preventing accidental activation of the heating element of the device when transporting the devices."

The main concern for airlines is the accidental activation of vapes on airplanes. The practical measures the FAA outlines are:

• Removing the battery from the electronic smoking device
• Separating the battery from the heating coil
• Placing the electronic smoking device into a protective case
• Using a protective cover, safety latch, or locking device on the electronic smoking device's heating coil activation button

The FAA bans all use of e-cigarettes and vapes on all U.S. commercial flights to comply with the ban on all smoking on airplanes.

Packing Disposable Vapes for Air Travel

Vapes are only permitted in carry-on luggage on aircraft, never in checked baggage, due to the lithium battery being potentially dangerous in the stowed area of the airplane if it is damaged, short-circuits, or overheats and causes a fire.

Passengers must store vape batteries inside the device or securely in plastic battery cases, and cannot exceed 160 watts. One tip is to empty your vape liquid before setting off to avoid leakage caused by pressure changes.

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If you can, keep your disposable vape in its original packaging during the flight. While most airlines will allow multiple vapes or e-cigarettes in a passenger's carry-on luggage, it's helpful to check with your airline before you fly. 

Due to the TSA's 3-1-1 rule, which only permits containers with less than 3.4 oz of liquid that can fit into a 1-quart-sized plastic bag and only allows one bag of liquids on board, passengers shouldn't pack too much if they are planning on bringing vape liquid.

International Travel Considerations

While the FAA and TSA are American bodies, most of the airplane vaping rules are similar worldwide. However, when you land, you may find vaping restrictions, too. If you’re looking for a nicotine fix in the sky, consider purchasing nicotine pouches like ZYNs instead.

Make sure you research your final destination’s rules on vaping in public places before whipping your e-cigarette or vape out of your carry-on outside arrivals. For example, vapes and e-cigarettes are entirely banned in Thailand, India, and Singapore, with the possession of a vape, use, or sale of one illegal and hefty fines and jail time on the cards if you break this law.

Meanwhile, Australians can only get their hands on a vape with a prescription, and other countries like Mexico and Hong Kong don’t allow the sale or promotion of vapes. 

Special Considerations for Disposable Vapes

Refillable vapes are safer to travel with because they have removable batteries and are less likely to be a fire risk on an aircraft. Unlike refillable vapes, disposable vapes are often activated by pushing a small button and are never entirely switched off, which means they can be activated and overheat. The best thing to do on a flight is to keep your vape in its original packaging, which should prevent accidental activation and leakage on board. 

Potential Issues You Might Encounter

Keeping your vape in its original packaging should pass through airport security in your carry-on luggage without being flagged. Or, take the vape out of your pocket and place it in the plastic tray before you step through the metal detector to save yourself time and potential embarrassment. I

t is unlikely that security will confiscate your vape, especially in its original packaging. While most airlines and airports allow vapes through security, it’s good practice to check the rules of the airport you’re heading to before you travel. 

Conclusion

Nicotine vapes are permitted on airplanes if stowed in carry-on luggage during the flight. Vapes and e-cigarettes are not allowed in checked baggage on any flights. If you plan on taking vapes with you while traveling, try to keep them in the original packaging or take measures to make sure they don’t accidentally activate in the air.

Check the rules and regulations of your airline and the rules in the destination you’re heading to before puffing, as some countries have strict rules on vaping in public places.