Roberta Aguirre
Vape cartridges, commonly known as carts, are a common item that travellers may wish to carry with them on their journey. However, travelling with vape gear can be a source of anxiety for many, especially when it comes to navigating airport security and complying with varying airline and TSA regulations. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows vape cartridges, weed pens, and e-cigarettes to be transported in carry-on baggage, local laws and airline policies may differ. It is therefore important to understand the rules before packing your vape gear to ensure a smooth journey without any unwanted surprises.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cart type | Folding luggage cart, small utility cart, vape cart, or e-cigarette |
| Cart content | CBD, THC, or nicotine |
| Destination | Domestic or international |
| Rules | Must meet carry-on or checked baggage requirements, including size, weight, and safety guidelines |
| TSA rules | Vape cartridges, e-cigarettes, and electronic smoking devices should be kept in carry-on luggage due to fire risks associated with lithium batteries |
| Battery limits | Devices with lithium-ion batteries must not exceed 100 Wh, and those with lithium metal batteries must have 2 grams or less of lithium content |
| In-flight use | Prohibited |
| Container size | 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller and kept in a clear, quart-sized plastic bag |
| Container number | One container for each type of liquid |
| Container material | Plastic |
| Container state | No leaks |
| Container preparation | Double bagging, bubble wrap, or soft cloth |
| Container placement | Top of the bag |
| Information | Transparent with TSA agents |
| Compliance | Compliance with all rules |
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What You'll Learn
Vape cartridges and airport security
Vape cartridges, or "carts", are allowed in carry-on baggage when going through airport security. However, there are some important guidelines to follow. Firstly, it is illegal to vape inside airports, except inside designated smoking lounges. Secondly, passengers are required to take effective measures to prevent the accidental activation of the heating element of the device during transportation. This includes ensuring that the battery is safe from turning on accidentally, such as by keeping it in its original box or a plastic case.
If your vape cartridge contains cannabis or cannabis-derived products, it is important to check the laws of your departure and arrival locations, as well as any countries you may be travelling through. Even if cannabis is legal in your home state, it is illegal under federal law to transport it across state lines or through airports. Bringing a vape cartridge with cannabis on an international flight is not recommended, as it could be confiscated by customs.
For vape cartridges containing CBD, it is crucial to follow the laws of the country you are visiting. While federal law in the United States allows CBD with less than 0.3% THC, state laws may vary. If your CBD is a liquid, follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: it must be in a container that is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller and kept in a clear, quart-sized plastic bag.
Nicotine and CBD vape cartridges are generally allowed in most countries, while THC is strictly prohibited in most. It is recommended to avoid travelling with cannabis, THC, or other hemp-derived cannabinoid vape cartridges to prevent potential issues with airport security.
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Cartridge contents and legality
The legality of cartridge contents varies depending on the destination and departure locations. It is crucial to understand the legal implications of the contents of your cartridges before travelling. Even if your cartridge is legal in your home state, it may be illegal at your destination or illegal to transport across state lines or international borders. For example, in the US, federal law prohibits transporting cannabis across state lines or on flights, even if it is legal in your state.
THC cartridges might pose legal risks due to varying state laws and federal regulations. Rules vary, but products with more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis are federally illegal in the US. Penalties for getting caught can include fines, arrest, or jail time. Even if TSA workers might not be looking for cannabis oils and vapes, federal rules apply in airports, so even if THC is legal in your departure state, it could still be illegal under federal air travel laws.
CBD cartridges with less than 0.3% THC are generally acceptable for air travel in the US. However, other countries have their own laws about CBD, so it is important to look up and follow the laws of the country you are visiting. Nicotine is generally allowed in most countries.
TSA officers are focused on potential threats to aviation security, but the discovery of illegal drugs can lead to involvement from local law enforcement. Even if something is legal, there is a chance it could be confiscated by customs. To avoid any issues, it is generally safest to leave cartridges at home when travelling internationally.
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Battery safety
Lithium batteries are commonly used in power banks, cell phone battery charging cases, and rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries. All battery packs face strict guidelines for air travel. Lithium-ion batteries can be a safety hazard as they are capable of overheating and undergoing thermal runaway, which can occur without warning if the battery is damaged, overheated, exposed to water, overcharged, or improperly packed. Thermal runaway may also occur due to manufacturing defects.
To ensure safety, lithium-ion batteries and portable batteries that contain lithium-ion can only be packed in carry-on baggage. They are limited to a rating of 100 watt-hours (Wh) per battery. If you are carrying extra batteries, they should be kept in your carry-on luggage and protected from short circuits.
Some airlines have banned the use of power banks during flights, while others require passengers to keep them within arm's reach and out of overhead bins. It is important to check the specific rules of the airline you are travelling with.
If you are carrying a vape cartridge, commonly known as a "cart", it must be placed in your carry-on baggage. This rule is in place to prevent the risks associated with lithium batteries, which can pose a fire hazard if placed in checked baggage. If your cart contains cannabis or cannabis-derived products, be aware that federal law prohibits transporting cannabis across state lines or on flights, even if it is legal in your state.
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Luggage carts and size/weight restrictions
When travelling with a vape cartridge, commonly referred to as a "cart", it is essential to be aware of the relevant laws and safety guidelines. While you can generally carry a vape device, including a cart, in your carry-on luggage, the laws of your destination and the contents of the cart will determine whether you can bring it with you.
Carry-on Luggage Size and Weight Restrictions
Carry-on luggage size restrictions vary depending on the airline, the class of service, and the specific route. Most domestic airlines permit carry-on luggage with a total linear size of 45 inches. A common carry-on bag size is 22" x 14" x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm), which includes the handles and wheels. Some airlines, such as Southwest, allow slightly larger carry-on bags, measuring up to 24" x 16" x 10". It is recommended to check with your airline before travelling to ensure your carry-on luggage meets their specific size requirements.
Regarding weight restrictions, while some airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags, others have restrictions in place. For example, Air Canada requires that carry-on bags be light enough to be easily lifted into the overhead bin. Most airlines have a weight limit of 40 pounds for carry-on luggage, while some international airlines may have different restrictions. It is always best to check with your specific airline to understand their weight restrictions.
Vape Cart Restrictions
Vape carts containing cannabis or cannabis-derived products, including THC and CBD, are prohibited by federal law from being transported across state lines or on flights, even if it is legal in your state or departure location. If travelling internationally with a vape cart, it is crucial to research the regulations of your destination country, as some countries have strict laws prohibiting vape devices and cannabis products.
For nicotine or CBD vape carts, it is generally allowed in most countries. However, it is important to check the laws of your destination country, as regulations may vary. When packing your vape cart, ensure it is secure and won't leak. If it contains CBD liquid, follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: the container must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller and kept in a clear, quart-sized plastic bag.
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Preparing for security screenings
It is also crucial to familiarize yourself with the TSA's rules and regulations regarding prohibited items and carry-on restrictions. For instance, knives must be placed in checked baggage, while prescription drugs and medications should always be carried in your carry-on bag. Other items that should be placed in your carry-on include electronic devices, valuables such as cameras and jewelry, and liquids that comply with the 3-1-1 rule: containers holding no more than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) of liquid, placed in a clear, quart-size plastic bag. If you are travelling with a laptop, be prepared to remove it from its bag and place it in a separate plastic bin during screening, unless it is in a "checkpoint-friendly" bag.
Additionally, certain items may require special consideration. For instance, if you are travelling with a vape cartridge ("cart"), it must be placed in your carry-on baggage due to the fire hazard associated with lithium batteries. If your cart contains cannabis or cannabis-derived products, be aware that transporting these across state lines or internationally is prohibited, even if you are flying within a state where it is legal. Similarly, for medical devices such as insulin pumps or prosthetics, inform the TSA screener, as you may be subject to additional screening measures such as a wand inspection or pat-down.
To ensure a smooth screening process, it is recommended to wear slip-on shoes and clothing that is not too loose-fitting. Bulky clothing may require additional screening or a pat-down. It is also important to remain alert during the screening process, especially when handling valuable items, as thieves may target security checkpoints. Maintain a positive attitude and be polite to the TSA officials. Avoid making jokes about bombs or terrorism, as these are taken very seriously.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on what type of cart you are referring to. If it is a folding luggage cart or a small utility cart, you can bring it to the airport as long as it meets carry-on or checked baggage requirements. If it is a vape cartridge, you can bring it to the airport but you must store it in your carry-on baggage.
Vape cartridges contain lithium-ion batteries which can catch fire if they are in the cargo area.
Yes, the legality of the contents of your vape cartridge will determine if you can successfully travel with it. THC is strictly prohibited in most countries, and even in places where recreational or medical marijuana is legal, it is usually illegal to transport across international borders. CBD is generally allowed in most countries, but you should always check the local laws of your destination.
Make sure to pack your vape cartridge securely in your carry-on so it doesn't leak. Be prepared for inspection and communicate proactively with TSA agents about your vaping devices.
No, using any form of vape device or electronic cigarette at the airport or on board is strictly prohibited.
