Vapes And Airport Security: Beeping Concerns

Vapes and e-cigarettes are allowed by the TSA in carry-on luggage, but not in checked baggage. This is due to safety concerns, as there have been reports of small fires breaking out in cargo holds. When going through security, it is recommended to remove your vape from your carry-on bag and place it in a tray to be X-rayed separately. This is to avoid raising suspicion and causing additional screening. However, some sources suggest disassembling your vape and wrapping its components in clothing to conceal its shape on the X-ray scanner.

Vapes are allowed in carry-on baggage but not in checked baggage

Vaping has become increasingly popular, and many travellers wonder how they can bring their vape devices with them when flying. While most airports and airlines have strict rules against carrying vaping devices in carry-on luggage, vapes are generally allowed in carry-on baggage but not in checked baggage. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for travelling with your vape:

Know the Rules and Regulations

Before your trip, it is crucial to research and understand the specific regulations of the airport, airline, and your destination regarding vapes and e-cigarettes. Some countries have banned or restricted the use and sale of vape products. Checking local laws and regulations will help you avoid legal issues and ensure you comply with safety requirements.

Keep Vapes in Carry-On Baggage

Vaping devices, including e-cigarettes, vape pens, mods, atomizers, and electronic nicotine delivery systems, are typically allowed in carry-on baggage. However, they are prohibited in checked baggage due to safety concerns. Lithium-ion batteries in vape devices pose a fire hazard, and the pressurised environment of the cargo hold can also affect the batteries. Therefore, always keep your vape devices with you in your carry-on bag to ensure safety and avoid confiscation.

Comply with Liquid Restrictions

If you are travelling with e-liquid or vape juice, remember to follow the standard liquid restrictions for carry-on luggage. Transfer your e-liquid into containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller, and place them in a clear, quart-sized (1 litre) plastic bag. This requirement applies to all liquids, including vape juice, to prevent leaks and ensure safety.

Disassemble and Properly Store Your Vape

When passing through airport security, it is recommended to disassemble your vape device and store its components securely. Remove the battery, tank, mouthpiece, and other parts, and place them in separate compartments or pockets in your carry-on bag. Some airlines suggest storing your vape in a designated carry case or neatly arranging the parts within a carrier for easy inspection.

Be Prepared for Security Screening

When going through security, remove your vape device from your carry-on bag and place it in a tray or bin for separate screening. Keeping your vape in your bag may cause suspicion and lead to additional screening. Larger devices may also attract more attention from security agents. Stay calm and comply with the security officers' instructions.

Take Safety Measures

When transporting your vape, take effective measures to prevent the accidental activation of the heating element. Familiarise yourself with FAA regulations and follow any guidelines provided by the airline regarding the number of devices allowed and their storage. Additionally, consider using a vape battery case to protect your batteries during the trip.

Avoid Using or Charging Your Vape Onboard

It is essential to remember that vaping and charging your vape onboard an aircraft are strictly prohibited. Vaping, like smoking, is not allowed on planes, and doing so may result in fines or other legal consequences. Ensure your vape is turned off or placed in safety mode during the flight, and never attempt to use or charge it in the aircraft's lavatory or any other area.

Vapes must be disassembled and placed in a tray/bin for X-ray scanning

When travelling with a vape, it is important to know the correct procedure to ensure a smooth journey through airport security. Vapes are allowed in carry-on luggage but are prohibited in checked baggage. This is due to safety concerns, as there have been reports of small fires breaking out in cargo holds.

To prepare your vape for security screening, it is recommended that you disassemble your device into its component parts. Most vapes consist of a battery, a tank, and a mouthpiece. By separating these parts and placing them in a designated carry case or carrier, security agents can easily inspect each piece. This also helps to prevent accidental activation of the heating element during transit.

When going through security, remove your vape from your carry-on bag and place it in a separate tray or bin for X-ray scanning. This will reduce the likelihood of additional screening, as leaving it in your bag may appear suspicious. It is also important to note that any liquid cartridges, such as e-juice or e-liquid, must comply with the TSA liquids rule. These liquids must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller and stored in a quart-sized plastic bag.

Additionally, if your vape has a removable battery, it is advisable to remove it and place it in a separate plastic bag. This is a safety precaution, as batteries can pose a risk of explosion or fire. Keep these guidelines in mind, and always check the specific regulations of the airport and airline you are travelling with to ensure a hassle-free journey.

E-liquid cartridges are subject to the TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule

E-liquid cartridges are subject to the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) 3-1-1 liquids rule. This rule applies to all liquids, gels, aerosols, and creams that passengers wish to bring in their carry-on luggage. Here's what you need to know about complying with the 3-1-1 rule when travelling with e-liquid cartridges:

Understanding the 3-1-1 Rule:

The 3-1-1 rule gets its name from the following guidelines:

• 3.4 ounces (or 100ml) is the maximum allowed per liquid container.
• All liquid containers must fit into one quart-sized (or 1-litre) bag.
• Only one quart-sized bag of liquids is permitted per passenger.

Preparing Your E-Liquid Cartridges:

To comply with the 3-1-1 rule, follow these steps:

• Ensure your e-liquid cartridges are 100ml or smaller. Most vape juice cartridges are much smaller than 100ml, so finding compliant cartridges shouldn't be difficult.
• Place the cartridges in a quart-sized (or 1-litre) clear plastic resealable bag. The TSA recommends using a clear Ziploc bag. The cartridges must fit comfortably, meaning the bag should not be overstuffed.
• If you don't have TSA PreCheck, remove the liquids bag from your carry-on luggage and place it in a bin for separate screening at the airport.
• Consider transporting your e-liquid cartridges in your checked baggage, especially if you're concerned about leaks at high altitudes. However, always use a sealed bag to prevent leaks.

Additional Tips for Travelling with Vapes:

• Disassemble your vape device before passing through security. Separate the atomizer, tank, mouthpiece, and batteries, and neatly place them in a carrier for easy inspection.
• Remove your vape device from your carry-on bag when going through security. Place it in a tray or bin to be scanned separately.
• Be prepared for additional screening. Vape devices may attract further scrutiny, but as long as you're not carrying any illegal substances, you have nothing to worry about.
• Research the local regulations at your destination. Some countries or states may have stricter rules regarding vaping, so it's important to be informed to avoid legal issues.
• Always comply with the airline and airport regulations regarding vaping devices and e-liquids. While the TSA allows electronic cigarettes and similar devices in carry-on luggage, some airlines and airports may have more restrictive policies.

Vape batteries must be stored in carry-on baggage and not exceed 100 Wh

Vape devices and batteries are only permitted in carry-on luggage and must not be packed in checked baggage. This rule is in place due to safety concerns, as there have been reports of vape devices causing small fires in the cargo hold. Therefore, it is crucial to store your vape devices and batteries in your carry-on baggage.

When packing vape batteries, it is important to adhere to the watt-hour (Wh) rating restrictions. Each lithium-ion battery must not exceed a Wh rating of 100 Wh. For lithium metal batteries, the lithium content must not be more than 2 grams. These restrictions are in place to prevent the risk of battery explosions and fires.

To ensure safety and comply with regulations, it is recommended to store your vape batteries in a safe plastic battery case. This will help prevent accidents and keep your batteries secure during your travels. Additionally, if your vape device has a removable battery, it is advisable to remove it and place it in a separate plastic bag, making it easily accessible during security screening.

It is important to note that different airlines may have specific limitations on the number of vape devices allowed for personal use by a passenger. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with your airline before your travel to understand their specific regulations and avoid any issues at the airport.

Vapes containing THC are not allowed, and CBD is not recommended

Vapes and e-cigarettes are allowed in carry-on luggage and personal items such as backpacks. However, they are prohibited in checked baggage due to safety concerns. Lithium batteries, which are commonly found in vapes, have been known to cause explosions and fires in the cargo hold. Therefore, it is crucial to keep them in your carry-on baggage.

When passing through security, it is recommended to remove your vape or e-cigarette from your bag and place it in a tray or bin for separate screening. This will help prevent additional screening and reduce the chances of raising suspicion. Additionally, disassembling your vape into its component parts before entering the security line is advisable.

Now, regarding THC and CBD vape products, it is important to note that marijuana, including THC vape pens, is illegal at the federal level in the United States. Therefore, it is not allowed to be transported through airports, even when departing from a state where marijuana is legal. If discovered by TSA, you may be asked to dispose of it or face more severe consequences.

CBD vape products, on the other hand, exist in a legal grey area. While the TSA changed its policy after the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp production, CBD products are still considered illegal by some states. The TSA may refer suspicious items to airport security, leading to potential arrests and delays. Therefore, it is highly recommended to avoid travelling with CBD vape products to avoid legal complications.

Frequently asked questions