Airline regulations have gotten tough, and if your post-COVID plans include traveling, you need to be aware of the regulations that apply to your vaping materials. Can you bring your vape supplies on the plane? What’s the best way to pack them? We answer those important questions right here.
Article Quick Links:
- Can you travel with a vape?
- In what countries is vaping banned?
- How to transport your vaping supplies
- Can you vape in the airport?
- Can you vape on the plane?
Can You Travel With Your Vape Supplies?
Most of us wouldn’t dream of going around the corner without our favorite vape device, much less travel around the world without it. You can travel with your vape device to most places, but there are some exceptions....
Know the Vaping Laws
What are the vaping laws of the country you're visiting? Before you pack, get some updated information. If you’re traveling within the US or to Canada, Mexico or Europe, you shouldn’t have any problems. We've blogged about age restrictions on vaping before.
Some countries have banned outright the use of all vaping and e-cigarettes. They have severe penalties if you’re caught. We strongly advise you not to bring vape supplies to these countries:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- China
- Dubai
- Hong Kong
- India
- Japan
- Norway
- Singapore
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
Note that laws on vaping can change rapidly, so it’s vital to get updated information before you go. Check with the US Department of State or the embassy of the country you’re visiting.
Carry-On Only: How to Transport Your Supplies
Because they run on batteries, vape kits and pod mods must go in carry-on luggage only. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibits batter-powered items in carry-on luggage.
The Rules Are Clear
They spell it out on the official government website:
“The Federal Aviation Administration prohibits these devices in checked bags. Battery-powered e-cigarettes, vaporizers, vape pens, atomizers and electronic nicotine delivery systems may only be carried in the aircraft cabin, in carry-on baggage or on your person.“
Don’t Break the Law
They mean it. If TSA agents catch a prohibited item in your checked baggage, you must transfer it to your carry-on or throw it away.
This also applies to traveling with vape liquids.
E-Juice or E-Liquid
The TSA requires all liquids to travel in a one-quart zip-top, transparent bag. If you’re carrying juice with you, it must follow the safety regulations of all liquids. That means a 3.4-ounce bottle that fits in your TSA-approved liquids bag.
Standard e-juice sizes of 30 mil, 60 mil and 100 mil are fine. If you have larger e-liquid bottles, transfer them to smaller bottles. You can buy 3.4-ounce travel bottles and TSA-approved plastic bags at travel stores, drugstores and most big-box stores.
If you’re bringing a larger bottle, wrap it securely and stash it in your checked baggage.
Pack Your Vape Supplies Carefully
There are two key things to keep in mind when you’re packing your vaping gear. First, you must protect your luggage and belongings from vape spills. Second, you must keep your vape supplies dry.
Keep Them Dry
Protect your vape supplies by placing them in plastic bags. You might also want:
- Waterproof pouches: These will work while you’re traveling and when you get to your destination. If you’re headed to the beach or another damp area, keep your gear in these pouches.
- Dry bag: This forms a waterproof seal over the items it’s carrying. Campers, rafters, skiers and outdoor adventurers use dry bags to keep their phones and other sensitive devices dry.]
- Vape case: A protective vape case is an excellent idea if you can find one to fit your device’s specifications.
How to Wrap Specific Pieces
- Vape kit: Wrap your mod, tank and other accessories carefully in bubble wrap or a piece of soft cloth. Place in a plastic baggie and seal tightly with tape.
- Pod mod device: Wrap your device in bubble wrap or soft cloth. You can carry it in your carry-on, or pocket when you board the plane.
- E-liquid: Seal the bottle opening carefully with tape. Wrap the bottle in plastic wrap and seal with tape. Place the wrapped bottle in a plastic freezer bag or similar container.
Can You Vape In the Airport?
In most airports, vaping gets the same respect as smoking. If the signs say you can’t smoke, you can’t vape.
You can vape in a designated smoking lounge, however, although only a few airports still have those. They include:
- Washington Dulles International: Smoking lounges in each concourse.
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International: You can smoke if you’re willing to pay $10 for entry to the Graycliff smoking lounge.
- Nashville International: In-store smoking lounges at Graycliff tobacco stores.
- McCarran International in Las Vegas: Smoking and gaming lounges on each concourse.
Can You Vape On the Plane?
Although some vapers claim they’ve been able to “stealth vape” on an airplane, we strongly recommend against trying it.
If you’re caught, you could face fines of up to $4000. If you’re traveling to certain foreign countries, you could be jailed on arrival. It’s just not worth it.
Recently, singer Grant Gustin was caught trying to smoke on a flight to Canada, and a China Air pilot lost his job for vaping in the cockpit.
Be Prepared for Safety
Before you head out to the airport, follow these precautions.
- Make sure your device is fully charged. TSA regulations prohibit charging vape devices on planes.
- Be sure the tank or the refillable pod isn’t full. Pressure from the cabin can cause the tank to fill with air and force the liquid out.
- Turn the device off so it doesn’t misfire while you’re traveling.
Stay Safe When You Travel
You can travel with your vape device if you follow the law. Once you arrive at your destination, follow basic rules of courtesy. Don’t vape in public unless it’s legal, don’t blow vapor into people’s faces and avoid being obnoxious. That will help you avoid problems and enjoy your trip.
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