While it is hard for many of us to remember a time when you could smoke on board a long international flight, there used to be a time frame when it was accepted. Nowadays we are reminded right away with clear “NO SMOKING” signs throughout the plane. However, while vaping tends to fall in a similar category as smoking, it is not exactly the same thing. Leading many vapers to wonder what exactly is allowed while traveling with a vape. Can you bring your vaping device on the plane? How do you handle the security checkpoint? To understand what is allowed and what you need to do, keep this helpful information in mind.
The answer is both yes and no and boils down to how you bring your vape device onto the plane. While yes you can bring your vape on the plane, you cannot put the device into a checked bag. All battery-powered vape devices (including but not limited to: atomizers, e-cigarettes, vape pens, and dry herb vaporizers) are prohibited from being in checked bags and must either be carried in your pocket or carry on. However, the Transportation Security Administration (or TSA) regulations can slightly alter depending upon the specific airline. Therefore, you should always double-check with your specific airline prior to your flight to ensure there are no further restrictions you need to be aware of.
Similar to cigarettes, while passengers are allowed to bring them on the plane, but you are not allowed to use them on the airplane. The laws and restrictions regarding this are very clear, and if you break them there are very hefty consequences. This includes fines of as much as $4000 and even being arrested.
Vaping on an airplane is not worth the risk. Be considerate to your fellow passengers and do not use it until you are at your destination. Airlines take zero chances when it comes to fire or potential problems, so if your vape cloud was mistaken for smoke, it could set off smoke detectors and or cause the plane to instantly change paths for an emergency landing. Plus, the consequences are even worse if they are able to trace the vapor cloud back to a specific individual.
Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this, because each and every airport has different rules. Some airports provide select areas for smoking and vaping, while others strictly prohibit any and all smoking and vaping on airport property. Therefore, you should always check with the local laws (especially if you are traveling to another country) and the specific airport guidelines before trying to partake.
Due to the popularity of vaping, going through a security checkpoint with a vaping device and or batteries is a lot less complicated than it used to be. TSA officers are given training on how to handle and inspect these devices, to ensure both you and the other passengers are safe.
To help get through the security checkpoint even faster, remember these helpful tips.
Keep in mind, the majority of vaping devices (similar to all electronics, like laptops) are considered a basic security threat in the eyes of TSA. While agents will ask you to prove your device is not an explosive, this generally just means they want you to turn the device on to prove how it works. Therefore, you should always keep at least a little bit of a charge to your device to help pass through security.
Traveling with your vaping device can have its ups and downs. In a perfect setting, you would be able to bring your device and extra batteries with you, easily go through security, take them with you on the plane, and be able to keep and use your device once you arrive. However, our world is far from the perfect setting, and there can be many hiccups and headaches along the way. To help avoid these frustrations, keep these helpful traveling tips in mind.