For an adult smoker or vaper who travels - whether frequently or just once a year - it’s important to know where and when you can use your vape device. Many airlines across the world prohibit vaping, which, in some cases fall under the same set of rules as smoking cigarettes. If you are travelling, you may want to know where it is possible to use a device, and take advantage of a designated area that allows vaping.
Why you can’t vape on a plane
The first country to implement a ban on smoking cigarettes on domestic flights was Australia back in 1987, although it wasn’t until much later that the no smoking rule was enforced on many transatlantic flights worldwide. By the year 2000, the sight of adults lighting up on aircraft was extremely rare.
Most of the major airlines and well-known domestic and international carriers have clear rules that state you cannot use a vape on a plane. Accordingly, you must follow these rules, so we suggest that you keep your device in your hand luggage. Airlines have their own policies about travelling with vapes, and while the language differs slightly, the message is often consistent. Here’s what some of them say:
- Aegean Airlines: You can carry electronic cigarettes including e-cigars and other personal vaporizers containing batteries, for personal use, in your carry-on baggage only. It is prohibited to include electronic cigarettes in checked baggage.*
- Olympic Air: You can carry electronic cigarettes including e-cigars and other personal vaporizers containing batteries, for personal use, in your carry-on baggage only. It is prohibited to include electronic cigarettes in checked baggage.**
- Easyjet: You can carry e-cigarettes and a maximum of two spare batteries in your cabin bag – but not in the hold.***
- Ryanair: You may carry electronic cigarettes on board but are strictly forbidden to use electronic cigarettes or any other type of cigarette on board the aircraft.****
There are many reasons for the introduction of the ban, which has in many cases been extended to vape and other electronic smoking devices. One of the reasons is related to the safety aspects associated with lighting up on an aircraft - and the potential risk of a fire. Vaping in the toilets could potentially set off the detector - raising the alarm which must then be checked out by a flight attendant.
*https://en.aegeanair.com/travel-info/travelling-with-aegean/baggage/dangerous-goods/
***https://www.easyjet.com/en/help/baggage/restricted-and-unusual-items
E-cigarettes and airport security
Incidentally, for adult smokers and vapers wondering whether it is possible to carry your device onto a plane, the answer for many airlines is simple. While the specific rules for each airline and airport may vary, for many airlines there is a requirement for e-cigarettes to be packed in hand luggage and carried through airport security. Just like many laptops and mobile phones, some vape devices use lithium batteries which means they can become pressurized inside the hold. This can pose a potential fire hazard. When packing for a trip we suggest your vape is secure in your hand luggage and inside the original packaging. A vape will also need to be stored in accordance with any other requirements of airport security. If you want to take extra refills or e-liquids with you, it may be possible for these to travel separately in your checked baggage where permitted by the relevant airline, carrier and airport security.
Vaping in an airport lounge
So you packed your things, passed the security check and you are now waiting to board your flight. Are you allowed to vape inside the airport? Although vaping is prohibited during the flight, inside the airports you can usually find designated smoking areas. So all you have to do is ask the airport staff around, so that they can direct you to the right place.
Travelling with a Vape
Store devices in the original packaging at room temperature. If a device has been exposed to excessive heat, cold or moisture, do not use it. If you are travelling with an IQOS VEEV, avoid packing VEEV pods that are open. Due to the risk of VEEV pods leaking with altitude changes, it is not recommended to fly with VEEV pods that have been removed from packaging or have been partially used.
Taking a Vape Abroad
Many countries have enforced some restrictions around vaping, such as where you cannot use a device, for example. There are also some countries that do not permit the use of vapes at all. We recommend you check where you are travelling to and familiarize yourself with the rules specific to that country before packing a vape device and e-liquids, in addition to the rules of the relevant airlines and carriers.
For adult smokers and vapers who have checked the rules of the country to which they’re travelling and are clear that vaping is permitted, refills or additional e-liquid may be needed. This may be the case for those travelling for a prolonged period of time. Many countries may not sell particular e-liquids, or the options abroad may not be compatible with your device. It may be possible to take replacement e-liquid on a plane, but you should check the amount you plan to take is in line with the specific requirements of the airline.
Typically, rules around the use of vapes will often extend to other forms of public transport and these will vary depending on where you are in the world. If you are unsure as to where you may vape, we recommend caution. Wait to use a device, rather than using a vape in an area where it may not be permitted.
With international rules and local regulations about vape devices and e-liquids changing all the time, the best way to make certain you are following the rules is to check the regulations of the country, or countries you are travelling to, before you leave.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Smoking alternatives are not risk free. They deliver nicotine, which is addictive. They are intended for use by adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use nicotine products and are by no means a cessation method.
The best option to reduce the health risks associated with the use of tobacco and nicotine products is to quit their use altogether. However, for those adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, switching completely to vaping or heated tobacco products could be a better choice than continuing to smoke.
