E-Cigs And Airport Security: What You Need To Know

Vaping onboard an airline is prohibited, but you can take your vape kit and e-liquids with you when you fly. However, the rules on flying with e-cigarettes are constantly changing and adapting, so it's important to check the latest guidance before you travel. Here's what you need to know about taking your e-cigarette through airport security.

E-cigs must be in hand luggage

E-cigarettes are not permitted in checked luggage and must be packed in hand luggage only. This is due to the fire risk posed by lithium batteries if they are placed in the hold.

If you are travelling with a vape kit, it is recommended that you separate any pods or tanks from the device, as these will be counted as a battery and must be stored safely. It is also a good idea to disassemble your vaping device before entering the security line, and place the parts (atomizer, tank, mouthpiece, batteries, etc.) in a carrier for easy inspection.

When going through security, remove your e-cigarette/vape from your bag and place it in a tray to be x-rayed separately. This will help to avoid additional screening, as leaving it in your bag could look suspicious.

If your e-cigarette contains liquid, you must comply with the TSA liquids rule. Any liquid containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller and stored in a quart-sized (approx. 20cm x 20cm), clear, resealable plastic bag. You are limited to one plastic bag per person.

You are not permitted to charge your e-cigarette on the plane, and you can only carry a maximum of two spare rechargeable batteries. These must be packed in their original, unopened packaging or with their terminals taped over. Under no circumstances should spare batteries be stored in hold luggage.

No charging e-cigs on planes

If you're a smoker who has made the switch from tobacco to e-cigarettes, you might be concerned about travelling with your e-cigarette when you fly. While e-cigarettes are allowed on planes, there are some important safety rules you need to follow.

Firstly, e-cigarettes are only permitted in carry-on baggage. This is due to the risk of fire that lithium batteries can pose if they are placed in the hold. Each lithium-ion battery must not exceed a Watt-hour rating of 100 Wh, and for lithium metal batteries, the lithium content must not be more than 2 grams. It is also your responsibility to take effective measures to prevent the accidental activation of the heating element of the device.

You are not allowed to charge your e-cigarette on the plane. This is due to the risk of fire and overheating. You are also not permitted to use your e-cigarette during the flight.

You can take a maximum of two spare rechargeable batteries, and these must be either in their original, unopened packaging or with their terminals taped over if loose. Under no circumstances should spare batteries be stored in hold luggage.

Finally, it is important to check the rules for your specific airline and your destination country, as some airlines and countries may have additional restrictions or bans on e-cigarettes.

Max 2 spare batteries

When travelling with e-cigarettes, it is important to remember that you can only carry a maximum of two spare rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These must be stored in your carry-on luggage, as batteries cannot be stored in the hold of a plane due to fire hazards. If the batteries are loose, the terminals must be taped over, or they must be kept in their original, unopened packaging. Each battery must not exceed a Watt-hour (Wh) rating of 100 Wh.

TSA can apply extra scrutiny when you are travelling with multiple spare batteries, as they pose a risk, especially if your lithium batteries have more than 100 Wh. Therefore, you may want to only travel with one spare battery or pack your batteries carefully so that they cannot come into contact with each other.

To avoid any issues, it is recommended that you declare your e-cigarette and batteries to security when going through the airport scanner.

Liquids under 100ml

If your e-cigarette has a tank, you don't have to empty it, but it will need to be included within your liquids allowance. It's also a good idea to empty the tank anyway, as the air pressure on the plane can cause it to leak.

If your e-cigarette has multiple parts, it's recommended that you disassemble it and place the components (atomizer, tank, mouthpiece, batteries, etc.) in a clear bag within your hand luggage, for easy inspection.

Some airlines recommend storing your e-cigarette in a designated carry case, which may have come with the original packaging.

No vaping on planes

If you're an e-cigarette user, you'll need to be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding their use and transportation when travelling by air. While e-cigarettes can be taken on planes, there are strict rules about how and where they must be stored and transported.

Firstly, it is important to note that vaping on a plane is illegal. The use of e-cigarettes is banned on aircraft, and doing so could result in a fine of up to $1,771. This is because e-cigarettes contain lithium batteries, which pose a fire risk. If smoke is detected on a plane, the aircraft must be grounded and a complete overhaul of the systems and engines must be carried out, which can cause significant delays. Therefore, it is essential that passengers do not use their e-cigarettes on board.

When packing for air travel, e-cigarettes must be stored in your carry-on baggage only. This is due to the risk of fire that lithium batteries could pose if stored in the plane's hold. Each lithium-ion battery must not exceed a Watt-hour rating of 100 Wh, and for lithium metal batteries, the lithium content must not exceed 2 grams. Passengers are also required to take effective measures to prevent the accidental activation of the heating element of the device. This can be done by placing the device in a protective case or removing the batteries and storing them in individual plastic bags.

In addition to the device itself, you can carry a maximum of two spare rechargeable batteries, which must be packed in your cabin baggage. The batteries should be in their original, unopened packaging or with their terminals taped over if loose. It is also important to check the rules for your specific destination, as some countries have banned e-cigarettes altogether.

While most airlines will allow you to carry refill bottles on the plane, these must be less than 100ml in size and placed in your carry-on luggage. It is also important to declare your e-cigarettes and batteries to security when going through the airport scanner.

So, while e-cigarettes can be transported on planes, it is crucial to follow the proper procedures to ensure the safety of all passengers and to avoid any fines or penalties.

Frequently asked questions