The modern vape device became available in 2010 but did not really take off in terms of sales until 2017. As such, these devices are still relatively new, and for many people, the rules about where you can take them and when you can use them remain unclear. In the air travel industry, there are very few legal precedents for the use of vapes and it has often been left to the vaping policies of individual airlines to set rules about vaping.
Given how restrictive airports can be about the items you are allowed to take aboard, many people have been left to wonder whether or not they can take their vape devices aboard or assume that they will not be allowed to do so. In fact, in most cases, you can take a vape with you when you fly, but there are restrictions you must meet. Here, the experts at EDGE Vaping explain what you need to know about taking your vaping device onto your flight, and highlight some of the important things you shouldn’t forget when planning your trip.
Can I Pack a Vape in My Hand Luggage?
While regulations vary from airline to airline, in almost all cases you can fly with your vape. In fact, if you decide to do so, you must pack it with your hand luggage. E-cigarettes and other vape devices must not be stored in the cargo hold of an aeroplane because they typically contain lithium-ion batteries, which can pose a fire risk.
If airport scanners detect such a device in your hold luggage, you may need to remove it, which can delay your flight. As such, you should consult the airline you are flying with to learn what you are allowed to take on board and make sure to keep your vape in the cabin if you decide to take it. You should also check whether vape devices are legally allowed to enter the country you are travelling to as if they are forbidden, your device may be confiscated before you board.
For many people, carrying a vape in their hand luggage will be no problem. However, in some cases, it can be inconvenient to carry a vape on your person, as some devices are bulky and might take up a lot of the limited hand luggage space passengers are usually allotted. Further, many airlines still impose limits on carrying liquids on board, which can make it difficult to plan how you will transport everything you need on your journey.
The easiest option is often to purchase a small, travel-friendly vape with pre-filled magnetic pods. These pods are just 2 ml in capacity, meaning that they will not exceed any volume restrictions, and they are convenient to replace in your device. In this way, you can also avoid the risk of spills, which can be especially annoying on a trip where you may need to replace your e-liquid in a foreign country, and only have limited sets of clothes to wear.
These restrictions also apply to disposable vapes. Given that most contain only around 2 ml of e-liquid, you are unlikely to exceed the limitations placed on liquids aboard an aircraft. However, some airlines impose restrictions on the number of devices you can carry with you because disposable devices also contain lithium-ion batteries.
A pod system is the best solution, as it is only one device, but allows you to enjoy the same convenience as a disposable vape. Separate pods can be stored in hold luggage, which means that you can also take many more refills along with you. This can mitigate any concerns you may have about liquid restrictions – you don’t want to have to choose between toothpaste and vape juice at the security checkpoint.
Can I Use My Vape During a Flight?
While in most cases, it is permitted to carry your vaping devices abroad on most of the major airlines (subject to specific restrictions that may apply), you will not usually be allowed to use the device during your flight. EasyJet, British Airlines and Qantas Airlines all specify in their regulations for passengers that, while devices can be brought on board, they should not be used in the cabin or the toilets of the aeroplane. Emirates and Virgin Atlantic also forbid the use of vaping devices aboard a flight.
It is important to follow these rules, as there can be serious consequences. For breaching airline regulations, you may face a permanent ban – which could make it more difficult and expensive to fly home – and there may also be legal consequences, depending on your destination. Aeroplane toilets are usually fitted with detectors, meaning that there is a significant likelihood that you will be caught, and as such, you should avoid this behaviour at all times.
This restriction extends to airports, where smoking and vaping is generally forbidden outside of designated areas. This applies to all UK airports, which generally provide smoking areas outside terminals, but these rules may differ if you are flying to another country. As such, it is important to check the website of your destination airport if you are unsure – and, again, ensure that vape devices are allowed in the country you are travelling to.
As a final tip, vapers should also be aware that vaping can affect the premiums you pay for travel insurance. As with smoking, the use of a vaping device (or even nicotine replacement products like gum or patches) means that you may need to pay a higher premium because there are risks to your health that non-smokers or nicotine users do not face.
by Oliver Norman, Content Marketing Manager, EDGE Vaping
