Can You Bring A Vape On A Plane? TSA Regulations and Rules

Key Takeaways

• The regulations and laws on vapes, including device, e-liquid, and battery size, vary depending on different countries and local aviation authorities.
• Can you bring a vape on a plane? Yes, the TSA allows passengers to take vaping devices on the aircraft. Despite that, vaping in airports and during flights is strictly prohibited.
• How should you pack your vape to avoid damage while traveling? Here are some useful tips and tricks. Read on to find out!

1. TSA Regulations for Vaping Devices

Can you bring a vape on a plane? To answer this question, let's examine the details of TSA guidelines!

1.1. Can I Bring My Vape on a Plane According to TSA?

"Can I bring a vape on a plane?" The answer is YES. You can take it on a plane but must pack it in your hand luggage. Here are the details:

1.2. TSA Guidelines for Electronic Cigarettes

According to the TSA, electronic smoking devices, such as e-cigarettes and vapers, use lithium batteries. Therefore, they pose risks of smoke and fire, which are considered dangerous for air travel. Back in 2022, many recorded airline incidents were caused by lithium batteries.

Due to this possible safety risk, passengers must pack vapes in their carry-on baggage. Additionally, the TSA issues requirements for vape batteries, specifically lithium-ion batteries under 100Wh and lithium metal batteries under 3 grams. And, of course, using and charging them on the flight is forbidden.

You can bring electronic cigarettes on the flight in your hand baggage.

1.3. Where to Pack Your Vape: Carry-on vs. Checked Baggage

As mentioned earlier, you can bring a vape on a plane. But, following TSA regulations, you must keep it in your carry-on luggage. Airlines don't allow vapes in checked baggage due to the fire hazards caused by lithium batteries. Plus, before packing, you need to deactivate your device by:

• Remove the battery.
• Separate the battery from the heating coil.
• Store the device in a protective case.
• Use a cover, lock, or safety latch on the power button.

1.4. What Happens if My Vape Sets Off the Alarm at Airport Security?

Airlines prohibit vaping and smoking on commercial flights and at the airport. Smoke detectors can detect the smoke from vapers and set off the alarm at the airport. If you try doing so, you will face serious consequences, including fines and potential legal penalties.

Another issue you should consider is your package. Make sure you disassemble your vapers before the screening process. Also, double-check your lithium pin to ensure no sign of leakage. Doing so allows you to pass the screening easily without any security problems.

Make sure your vape is already separated and no sign of leakage before screening.

2. Airline-Specific Policies

Can you bring a vape on a plane? Here are crucial airline-specific policies you need to know:

2.1. Do Airlines Have Additional Rules About Vaping Devices?

Different airlines have different limits and policies on vapes and e-liquid refills. If you're planning to travel with your vape, here is guidance for a smooth journey:

• United Airlines: You can fly with a vape, but only in carry-on bags. Passengers can carry up to two lithium batteries between 100 and 160 watt-hours, but remember to cover them carefully.
• American Airlines: You can bring a vape in your carry-on. However, you must remove the batteries from the vapes and put them in separate plastic bags.
• Southwest Airlines: Following TSA regulations, you can bring onboard and must be transported in your carry-on luggage.
• Jetblue: You must disconnect electronic cigarettes from the charging system and battery before checking at the gate or planeside.
• Delta Air Lines: You can travel with vapers in a protected carry-case. The airline suggests researching the region's customs laws before traveling. Delta is not responsible for items taken by local authorities.
• Hawaiian Airlines: You can't vape on all Hawaiian Airlines flights, but you can store it in your carry-on baggage.

Because airline policies regarding vaping devices can vary, it's better to check with your airline before departure. Similarly, you should check laws in your destination to ensure you can import them when taking off.

U.S. airlines allow you to carry your vapes while traveling.

2.2.  International Travel with Vapes

Can you bring a vape on a plane when traveling abroad? The airlines' rules can vary depending on where you plan to arrive. Here are the general regulations when international traveling with your vapers:

• Vape supplies, including vape kits and e-liquids, are allowed to be brought on-flight but in your hand luggage only.
• You can't use and charge your vapers on the plane.
• You must cover your vape supplies with protective cases to prevent unintentional activation.
• You cannot vape in the terminal building; you can smoke in dedicated areas.

Despite being common, vaping laws are more or less strict depending on your destination country. It's a good idea to research the vaping restrictions and stopovers in the country you're traveling to. It can save you time and headaches dealing with security there.

The following list will give you highlights of vaping regulations at airports:

• The U.S.: The U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issues the same regulations as mentioned above.
• The U.K.: Electronic cigarettes are allowed on the plane in hand luggage. Some airports, such as Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport, allow passengers to vape inside the terminal.
• Canada: Transport Canada requires travelers to keep the device on them rather than in their carry-on bags.
• E.U.: When flying to Europe, you can only bring e-liquid bottles up to 100ml (3.4oz). You must also pack them in a resealable plastic bag.
• China: Airport security officers allow you to carry a vaping device and all spare batteries in your carry-on baggage. However, local authorities in China, like in other countries, prohibit smoking in airports.

Remember to check your destination's regulations on vapes.

3. Packing Your Vape for Air Travel

Can you bring a vape on a plane? Yes, if you follow the TSA regulations about storage and packing.

3.1. How to Pack Your Vape Safely for Your Flight

Here are some practical tips about packing to keep in mind:

• Packing Tips for Vape Devices

To pack your vape device, you can follow these steps:

• First, switch your vape devices off, not just in sleep mode.
• Then, separate every part of your device.
• Wrap the spare batteries carefully in a sturdy bag, paper towels, or wipes.
• Place all the parts in the interior pocket in your on-hand luggage.

A tip to avoid devices breaking or cracking during flights: You can invest in a good-quality carrying case or sleeve. With a small amount of spending, your trip will be more enjoyable. And another note for you: Prepare an extra set of batteries if you plan a long day's travel.

Packing vape devices.

• How to Pack Vape Juice

Can you fly with a vape e-liquid or juice bottle? Yes, you can. The good news is that you can place it in your carry-on luggage or checked baggage. But first, let's pack it properly with these steps:

• Fill it in containers with a capacity below 3.4 oz or 100 ml (for checked baggage) and 1 quart or 950 ml (for carry-on luggage). It applies to all liquids in your bag, including aerosols and hygiene products.
• Put the containers in your luggage, and get ready to go!

Unlike batteries, additional vape juice can exceed the permitted limits. Therefore, a good tip is to buy e-liquids at the place you travel to. It's also a favorable chance to try a new taste.

Packing vape juice.

• Battery Safety Precautions

To avoid risks of overheating and fire, here are some golden rules of vape battery safety you need to know:

• Turn off all vaping devices running on the battery.
• Remove the batteries and check their condition, ensuring there is no short-circuiting risk.
• Carry it in a sturdy sleeve or protective case to avoid leaks and damage.

3.2. Best Practices for Traveling with Disposable Vapes

It suggests bringing disposable vapes in your carry-on baggage. Because they contain liquid, it's better to store them in the same bag with your liquid items. Make sure the total liquid count in your bag is under the allowance. Remember to cover them carefully as well to avoid leakage and wet your clothes.

Packing disposable vapes.

4. Can I Vape on a Plane?

Can you bring a vape on a plane? Yes, possibly. Can you vape during the flight? The answer is a big NO.

4.1. Federal Regulations Prohibiting In-Flight Vaping

Complying with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), smoking and vaping on the aircraft is prohibited. This action put all the passengers in danger and offended the federal law.

Those who may suffer nicotine withdrawal on flights over 10 hours can use alternatives. Nicotine gum, patches, and chewing tobacco are among the advisable options.

4.2. Penalties for Vaping on a Plane

In case you ignore the law and still vape, you will be subjected to a huge fine, ranging from $2 to $4,000. In some countries, you may even face the court for your guilt.

And don't even think about breaking the smoke detectors in the airplane bathrooms to trap the security system. This federal crime could get you fined an extra $2,000. So, vaping on a plane could cost you up to $6,000 in total. It's not worth the risk.

Vaping on planes is prohibited.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

5.1. Can I vape in the airport terminal?

Unlike "Can you bring a vape on a plane?" there is no certain answer to this question; it depends on the airports' regulations. Some airports, such as Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport mentioned above, allow travelers to vape inside the terminal buildings. Meanwhile, others enforce vaping at designated smoking areas.

5.2. What if my vape breaks during the flight?

No one wants their vape to break and damage during the flight. Unfortunately, the airlines are not responsible for this problem because it belongs to on-hand items. Therefore, to avoid this horrible situation, you should cover and pack your vape carefully. You can follow the above simple tricks for your packing process.

5.3. Can I charge my vape on the plane?

The TSA prohibits charging electronic devices, including vapers, on aircraft. Ideally, you should fully charge your vape at the airport before departure. Check the airport's policy to find out where you can charge your device before boarding.