So you’re packing for your flight when a thought pops up: “can you bring a vape on a plane?”
A vape pen is the single more travel-friendly way to enjoy cannabis, nicotine, or just flavored e-liquid on the go. However, the last thing you want on a flight is to be held up and have your luggage opened up.
Fortunately, the answer to the question is a yes. But first, you'll need to memorize the strict and kind-of finicky rules regarding federal law and TSA policies. We’ll answer all that and more below, so read on!
Can you bring a vape on a plane?
Yes, but only in your carry-on.
The first and most important question is whether your vape pen or box mod can come on the plane at all. The answer, generally, is "Yes". But only on your person or in your carry-on. This is because most vape pens, like many small personal devices today, are powered by lithium-ion batteries. The rules that apply to your vape apply to every lithium-ion device - from smartwatches to electric skateboards. However, because vape pens are likely to have an especially powerful and rechargeable battery, they are particularly closely regulated.
Under no circumstances should you pack a vape pen or box mod in your luggage. Why? Because it can/will explode in the cargo hold.
Expert Tip
Put your vape pen and supplies in a vape pen carrying case to keep in your carry-on luggage. This will keep all of your accessories together so you don't lose anything while traveling.
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Lithium-Ion batteries explode in airplane cargo
Vape pens cannot go in your checked luggage because airplane cargo holds are not temperature-regulated. The temperature can drop to freezing or rise to toasty based on weather and flight patterns, and lithium-ion battery explosions have actually been brought down, and people have been hurt, by fires started from exploding lithium batteries in the cargo hold. These chemically started fires also release toxic fumes, making it dangerous for crew to even fight the fire.
So on this one, we're with the TSA. Keep your vape pen in the temperature-regulated passenger compartment by carrying it your pocket or carry-on.
Can You Fly with Vape Carts?
All Airspace is Federal Airspace
Can you fly with cannabis? Can you bring any vape carts on the plane at all? This is a three-layer question. The most important thing to understand is that all airspace is federal airspace. Legally, this means that between your TSA entry checkpoint and your destination baggage claim is all one national border. So federal law applies.
Yes (mostly): CBD, Nicotine, and Juice Carts
Just like taking a road trip across state lines, there are vape carts you can safely fly with, and those you can't. Federally legal substances including CBD, nicotine, and e-juice-only carts are fine, but you might get hassled and have to throw them out if the TSA can't prove that it's not THC cannabis. So, we wouldn't advise stocking up before your trip. At most, bring one CBD cart to help you make it through your day of travel.
If you pack any non-THC carts, keep them in the sealed and clearly labeled packaging until you're past the security checkpoint.
No: THC > 0.3%
You absolutely cannot bring any THC into the airport and especially not past the TSA checkpoint. If the TSA decides to go hard and finds trace THC in a device, like the bong packed in your luggage, you could get in some serious trouble. Do not try to bring THC vape carts onto an airplane, it likely will not be a fun experience.
However, because you are not actually piloting the plane, you can pre-game a THC one-hitter in the last smoking section to help you make it through the airport and flight experience, then pick up more THC at your destination if you land in a legal state.
Synthetic THC: Don't risk it
Can you bring Delta-8 or THC-0 on an airplane? We wouldn't risk it. The TSA is not known to be lenient on the side of gray-area law and are more likely to confiscate legal CBD carts than to allow synthetic THC through security. If you want to avoid a long argument about legal gray areas from the TSA holding area, leave your Delta-8 at home.
Interestingly, you can legally pack Delta-8 and THC-0 in your luggage under most circumstances, but this also increases the risk of your luggage being searched if the carts are scanned and suspected as contraband. Be careful.
Can you Safely Vape Cannabis on an Airplane?
No.
After you have successfully brought your vape pen on the plane, the next important question is: Can you vape? If you got through with some packaged CBD carts, can you use them to ease your on-flight nausea or airplane-chair batch ache?
Unfortunately, no. There is no vaping (or smoking) permitted on any US airliner, and you are also responsible for preventing your vape pen from "firing" (button press, heating up) while in the air. With or without a cart screwed in.
We advise keeping your cart and vape pen separate so that if you do pocket-tap your vape button by accident, nothing happens except a little power is lost.
You can vape in airport smoking lounges
If you need some CBD to help you get through a flight, you're not totally out of luck. You can actually vape in most airports - in smoking lounges. Many airports still have a few smoking lounges - or airline lounges with a smoking terrace. You can often gain access just by signing up as a lounge member online, paying a small fee, or finding the rare free access smoking lounge.
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In a smoking lounge, you are free to fire up any federally legal cartridge in your vape pen and pre-load your body's supply of CBD (and even low-spectrum THC below 0.3%). This can help you get through shorter flights.
Final Tips on Flying with Your Vape Pen
Now you know all the essentials for safely flying with your vape pen. Of course, vape travel has it's little nuances, and we're here to help. Let us leave you with a few parting words of wisdom from vape pros with a penchant for travel.
1. Keep Your Vape Pen On Your Person
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First and foremost, always keep your vape pen with you. You can tuck it safely in your carry-on if your pockets are the "drop everything" type, but we advise the inner pocket of your jacket or a buttoning pocket of your pants just in case. This ensures that your vape pen is not only nearby, but also that it can't accidentally "fire" when your carry-on is packed into other baggage in the overhead compartment.
2. Don't forget Your Charge Cable
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As with all small devices, don't get caught without a charge cable, or you'll be kicking yourself on day 2 or 3 of your trip. Or, more likely, making an emergency run to the store for another cable.
3. Pack Backup Batteries Safely
If you are bringing more than one vape pen or backup lithium-ion batteries for a box mod, pack them tightly in your carry-on. Never, even accidentally, allow a lithium-ion battery or vape device to wind up in the cargo hold with the checked luggage.
4. Bring CBD Gummies for a Long Flight
We know it can be tough to go your entire flight without hitting the vape, especially if you use it for the stress, nausea, or physical discomfort of travel. Whether or not you can find a smoking lounge on either end of your flight, a packet of CBD gummies can help you tide over those vape-free hours on a long and painful flight.
5. Know Your Cart Source Upon Arrival
Finally, know where you're going to stock up on carts when you arrive. Because it's best to travel light and you are always at risk of the TSA taking even legal carts, make plans for a trip to or delivery from a local dispensary at your destination to ensure your vape pen is fully enjoyed on your trp.
To sum it up
As vaping becomes more mainstream, airlines are adapting and becoming increasingly vape-friendly. However, as a traveler, you need to be informed and prepared. Understanding each airline's guidelines, combined with a dash of prior planning, can turn potential travel hiccups into smooth sailing. Remember, when in doubt, check out the airline’s respective policies.
FAQs
Will TSA take out my vape pen?
Usually, TSA won’t take your vape pen out during the screening process if it’s easily identifiable through X-ray. However, if there's any ambiguity or suspicion regarding its contents, they might inspect it closer, potentially taking it out for further examination.
How do you take a vape pen on a plane?
First, you have to be aware of your respective airline’s policies regarding vape pens. Generally, though, vape pens are allowed in your carry-on bag or on your person. Also, take note that most (if not all) airlines don’t allow vaping inside the plane at any time during the flight.
Do airlines check vape cartridges?
According to the TSA, marijuana and certain cannabis products are illegal under federal law, except for products that are FDA-approved or have no more than 0.3% THC. In general, though, we don’t recommend traveling with any weed or THC vape cartridges, as there’s a chance you may have to surrender them to airport security.
Can you bring a vape on an international flight?
Yes, but it depends on your destination. While vapes are legal in most countries, there are still countries where they are illegal. Always check your destination’s laws on vapes and vaping supplies before your flight.
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