raveling by air has stricter rules than when you travel by road, and there are items, gadgets, and devices that must not be brought with you on a plane trip—is a vape among the prohibited devices? Nope, but, when you travel with a vape, there are stringent rules on how to store it and keep it away from sight all through the trip.
This article delves deep into explaining the things you must know if you intend to get on the plane with your vape, whether it is an international flight or a domestic one. It is important to understand the TSA and FAA rules for bringing battery-powered electronic devices on a plane since they could potentially trigger a fire incidence if the battery gets overheated in the storage.
Can You Bring a Vape on a Plane? Is it Legal?
Yes, it is completely legal to bring a vape on a plane, but your vape must meet specific requirements, and for most airports, the vape must be kept in a carry-on case. Also, if the device’s battery is removable, you may be instructed to remove the battery from the main device and store it separately.
Below are the key regulations for carrying vapes on a plane; these rules are implemented across domestic and international flights, although additional airline-specific restrictions may apply.
Carry-On Requirement
Vaping devices must be carried in the cabin, not in checked baggage. This is because lithium batteries can overheat or short-circuit if not monitored, posing a significant fire hazard. The TSA mandates that all vaping devices and spare lithium batteries remain in carry-on luggage.
Battery Specifications
Each lithium battery is limited to a maximum watt-hour (Wh) rating (typically 100 Wh for lithium-ion) or a maximum lithium content (usually 2 grams for lithium metal batteries). Your portable vape is expected to conceal a battery that aligns with these specifications.
E-Liquid Requirements
E-liquids or vape juices are subject to the TSA’s liquids rule. Each container must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, and all such liquids must be stored in a single quart-sized, resealable bag—maybe use Ziplocs.
What Happens if You Put a Vape in Carry-On?
It is believed that vapes and accessories are best safe when stored in a carry-on than any other traveling gear. The reason is always to make sure you’re in full control of your vape at every point in time of the travel.
Yes, your carry-on bag may be scanned, and vaping devices are easily identifiable by TSA officers due to their distinct shape and the presence of lithium batteries, but in most cases, the device will be cleared without any issues if you pack it according to guidelines. If you pre-arrange your carry-on and keep your vape accessories in different pockets, the security officers can quickly verify that your device is deactivated and that spare batteries are securely encased. This speeds up the process and minimizes the likelihood of delays.
On the contrary, if your device inadvertently turns on during screening, the TSA officer may request a manual inspection. To mitigate this risk, ensure that your vape device is completely switched off and, if possible, disassembled before the flight. More so, should a spare battery appear to be loose or inadequately protected, the security personnel may confiscate it to prevent any risk of short-circuiting. This reiterates the need to use special—ziploc—battery cases or insulated pouches to store your vape batteries for flight travels.
In rare instances, if security officers determine that your vape device poses a risk, they would request for a more detailed manual inspection; in extreme cases—such as if the battery shows signs of damage or the device is found to be non-compliant with TSA guidelines—the item may be confiscated.
TSA and FAA Guidelines
Carry-On Only: Vaping devices, due to their lithium batteries, are strictly required to be in carry-on luggage. Checked baggage environments can exacerbate battery malfunctions, which might lead to overheating or explosions. This is why regulatory agencies have consistently mandated that any item containing lithium batteries must be accessible during the flight for immediate intervention if an issue arises.
Prohibition of Charging Onboard: Charging a vape device during the flight is not allowed, as it could inadvertently initiate a malfunction. Passengers are encouraged to fully charge their devices prior to boarding and to refrain from using them until after the flight has safely concluded.
Liquid Restrictions: All vape juices must conform to the standard liquid limits. This means carrying them in containers no larger than 100 ml, placed in a clear, quart-sized bag. The rationale is straightforward: by limiting the volume, the risk of spillage and subsequent electrical or fire hazards is minimized.
How to Store Your Vape for Flight Travel?
Here are some useful tips on how to pack your vapes when getting on a plane trip, whether domestic or international.
⭐Disassemble if Possible
If your device can be disassembled – most vape kits can be disassembled – do it. This will save you both time and energy when you meet with TSA officers.
⭐Use a Protective Carry Case
If you will be traveling with vape batteries, get ziplocs or a dedicated vape carry case.
⭐Seal Your Liquids
To comply with TSA liquid rules, ensure that all vape juices are in containers that do not exceed 100 ml and placed in a clear, resealable bag. Double-bagging your liquids can offer an extra layer of protection against leaks due to pressure changes during the flight.
International Travel Concerns When Carrying a Vape
Well, vapes are banned in some countries, you can’t come into such companies with a vape, regardless of whether it is well stored and kept in your carry-on. Some countries where vapes are banned outrightly include Thailand, Singapore, and some certain Middle Eastern countries. Be sure to confirm the vaping laws of the country you’re traveling to, before carrying your vape alongside.
For domestic flights too, you need to confirm the vaping laws of the state or city you’re traveling to, some states have stringent laws on vaping, especially flavored vapes. The truth is, when it comes to traveling with a vape, you need to be fully aware of the vaping laws and regulations of your destination, as well as airline-specific rules for carrying such electronic devices.
Can We Vape on a Plane?
On flights, the situation is even more serious. There have been reports of passengers vaping mid - flight. In one case, a pilot allegedly called out a vaping passenger during a cabin - wide announcement. The pilot emphasized that the act of one person vaping "risked the lives" of all on board. This has led to a heated debate among the public.
Some people on social media chimed in with various comments. Some made sarcastic remarks like "Just be a frequent user of the bathroom vape," suggesting that some might try to vape secretly in the plane's bathroom. Others expressed their concerns about the safety risks vaping poses on flights, while some argued about the appropriate way to handle such rule - breakers.
We, as vapers, have a responsibility to vape politely and not disrupt others. This means scrupulously adhering to all anti - vaping regulations, particularly in sensitive zones such as airports and airplanes.
In response to the vaping issue, there are diverse opinions. A traveler proposed, "Bring back a smoking area," and interestingly, some US airports do permit smoking in designated zones. For example, at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City, although smoking is prohibited in Terminal 4 and aeronautical operations areas, there are specific areas immediately outside the terminal where it is allowed. The Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas has its own designated smoking areas within the airport, including in Barney’s Lounge and the Bud 29 Track Lounge. Miami International Airport permits smoking inside Concourse D at the TGI Friday’s smoking lounge.
Conclusion
It’s understandable why you want to travel with your vape; however, to avoid possible delays due to airline-specific regulations for such items, it may be best to keep your vapes at home, and get some new ones when you arrive at your destinations—well, except you’re trying to navigate the tax laws in the destination state or country, where vape prices may be more expensive.
Either way, it is legal to bring vapes on planes, but you must package and store its accessories in a particular manner, which may slightly differ by airline. Also, you cannot use a vape while on a flight; most airlines also have an outright ban on vaping anywhere within the airline area. Not adhering to these regulations could lead to confiscation of your device, and maybe, legal actions, depending on the scenarios.
FAQs
Can I Travel With My Vape on a Plane?
Yes, you can bring your vape on a plane as long as it is carried in your hand luggage. The vape device and spare batteries must be in your carry-on to comply with TSA and FAA regulations. Nevertheless, there may be airline-specific rules too.
Is it Safe to Put a Vape in Carry-On?
Yes, that is actually the best place to put your vape when traveling by air. Properly packaged vape devices are generally cleared without any scenarios. However, if the device is found to be active or the batteries are loose, the clearing officer may conduct additional inspections or even confiscate the item.
Can I Charge My Vape on a Plane?
Hell NO. You cannot charge your vape on board. Airlines prohibit charging electronic devices on flights to prevent potential fire hazards associated with battery malfunctions.
Are there any Restrictions on Vape Liquids While Traveling by Flight?
Yes, there is. Your vape juices or e-liquids must be in containers of 100 ml or less and stored in a quart-sized, resealable plastic bag, as per TSA’s liquids rule.
