As vaping has become more popular in recent years, many vapers wonder about the rules for traveling by air with their vaping devices and e-liquids. Can you bring vapes on a plane? Are there any restrictions on the number or type of vapes allowed?
The quick answer is yes, you can take vapes on a plane, but there are specific guidelines surrounding traveling with vapes that travelers should be aware of. The number of vapes allowed on a plane varies by airline, but most allow between 1-3 vapes in carry-on luggage. Larger mods or those with detachable batteries may need to be packed in checked baggage instead.
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about flying with vapes, including TSA rules, airline policies, and tips for traveling safely with your vape gear. Read on to learn the key factors in determining how many vapes you can bring on a plane.
TSA Rules on Flying with Vapes
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows vapes, e-cigarettes, and e-liquids in carry-on and checked bags, but they must follow the existing rules for lithium batteries and liquids. Here’s an overview of the TSA guidelines:
– Vape devices are permitted in carry-on bags only. Having them in checked luggage could lead to a damaged device due to pressure changes in luggage holds.
– E-liquids, e-juice, vape juice, and other nicotine liquids must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule for carry-ons. Containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less and fit in a single quart-sized bag.
– Spare lithium-ion batteries for vapes must be carried in carry-on baggage only. Each battery must be under 100 watt-hours (Wh). Batteries over 100 Wh are forbidden.
– Any lithium-ion batteries in devices must be installed correctly to prevent accidental activation or ignition.
– If your vape uses disposable pods instead of e-liquids, those pods are also fine in carry-on and checked bags.
As long as your vapes and accessories meet TSA criteria for batteries and liquids, they are permitted on board. The TSA does warn that your vaping gear may need additional inspection to determine if it meets guidelines. Be prepared to remove all vaping devices from your carry-on bag if asked by security.
Airline Policies on Vapes
While the TSA permits vapes on flights, individual airlines can set their own rules regarding vape usage and possession. Here are some key points on airline vape policies within the U.S:
– Most major U.S. airlines allow vapes in carry-on bags but not checked luggage. These include American, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue, and others.
– The number of vapes permitted in carry-on luggage varies. Most airlines allow 1-2 vapes, while some are more restrictive or vague in their policy.
– No airline allows using or charging a vape (or e-cigarette) during flight. They may only be used within designated airport smoking areas on the ground.
– If your vape uses removable batteries, those batteries cannot be stored in checked bags even if the device is. All batteries must travel in carry-on luggage only.
– Airport lounges associated with various airlines also commonly prohibit use of vapes inside the lounge.
– Possession limits on e-liquids range from 2-4 bottles not exceeding 2 oz each, depending on airline. Limits on disposable pods also vary.
– Several international airlines ban vapes entirely, including in checked or carry-on bags. Be sure to check policies if traveling overseas.
The table below summarizes vape policies from major U.S. airlines:
| Airline | Vapes in Carry-On | Vapes in Checked Bags | Use During Flight |
|---|---|---|---|
| American | Up to 2 permitted | Not allowed | No |
| Delta | Up to 2 permitted | Not allowed | No |
| United | Up to 2 permitted | Not allowed | No |
| Southwest | Up to 2 permitted | Not allowed | No |
| Alaska | 1 permitted | Not allowed | No |
| JetBlue | Up to 2 permitted | Not allowed | No |
The key takeaway is that while vapes are allowed on planes, usage during flight is prohibited. Carefully check your airline’s stated policies on e-cigarette devices and liquids to ensure your vaping gear meets their carry-on allowance.
Tips for Flying with Vapes
To maximize the chance your vapes make it through security screening and onto the airplane, follow these tips:
– Always keep batteries installed in devices to prevent accidental activation that could lead to confiscation or safety issues.
– Use battery cases or sleeves for any spare lithium-ion batteries to provide extra protection.
– Make sure e-juice containers follow TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule for carry-ons and don’t exceed individual airline limits.
– Consider using disposable pod devices instead of e-liquids to avoid liquid restrictions. Just the device with pods is simpler for security.
– Have your vape tools easily accessible in your carry-on to simplify the screening process if asked to remove them at security.
– Check updated airline policies before flying and know their limits on number of devices and e-liquid volumes.
– Be prepared to place vaping gear in checked bags if needed to meet airline quantity limits for carry-on items.
– Avoid vaping right before boarding and during lengthy flight delays to prevent nicotine withdrawal.
– Never try using bathroom smoke detectors as impromptu vape detectors on board. Doing so may trigger alarm and emergency landing.
– When in doubt, discreetly ask a gate agent about the specific vape rules for your flight before boarding.
Following TSA guidelines and individual airline policies is crucial to ensuring you can travel by air with your vapes. While procedures may vary, sticking to the 1-3 vape carry-on limit is a safe bet for most flights. Now let’s dive deeper into the key factors that determine how many vapes you can bring on a plane.
Airline Carry-On Limits
The primary factor that dictates how many vapes you can bring on a flight is the carry-on baggage allowance for your airline and flight. Most airlines have set limits on the size and number of carry-on bags permitted per passenger. This in turn limits how many vapes can fit in your carry-on while still meeting airline guidelines.
Most U.S. airlines allow 1 personal item like a purse or backpack, plus 1 standard carry-on bag measuring up to 45 linear inches (22 x 14 x 9 in) and weighing up to 40 pounds. Depending on the size of your vape gear, 1-3 small to medium-sized vape setups can typically fit in a standard carry-on while still leaving room for other essentials.
However, budget airlines like Spirit or Allegiant have tighter restrictions on carry-on baggage that only allow a single personal item sized 18 x 14 x 8 inches that must fit under the seat. These restrictions will limit you to 1, maybe 2 smaller pod-style vapes in your personal item.
Premium airlines like JetBlue Mint allow 2 carry-on bags, enabling you to likely fit 3 or more vapes across your bags. If uncertain of your airline’s carry-on policy, check online or call before leaving for the airport. Understanding their baggage limits is key to knowing what you can bring onboard.
Vape Types and Sizes
Assuming you stay within your allotted carry-on allowances, the next factor determining your vape count is their size and style. Larger vape mods will take up more space than smaller pod vapes or disposables, reducing your options for multiple devices.
Some guidelines on carry-on compatibility based on vape types:
– Pod vapes or pod mods like Juuls are smallest and easiest to fit multiple of in a carry-on. Up to 3-4 may be permitted.
– Smaller box mods or AIO (all-in-one) vapes allow 1-2 in a carry-on depending on airline limits. Measure dimensions to be sure.
– Medium mods may only allow room for 1 device plus limited e-liquids once batteries are added.
– Large triple battery mods are hardest to fit more than 1 of in limited carry-on space.
– Disposables like Puff Bars take up minimal room. Airlines may limit the total quantity.
– If also packing e-liquids, pods, batteries, etc. space will be tighter for multiple devices.
The key is choosing compact vaping options focused on portability if aiming to pack several in your luggage. Prioritize pods and smaller mods when possible over bulky devices if aiming for a higher vape count.
Consider Checking Larger Vapes
If you prefer using larger box mods, sub-ohm tanks, or other substantial vaping equipment, flying with multiple setups becomes difficult. To transport these, you may need to place 1 or more in checked baggage rather than your carry-on limit.
Most airlines do not permit vape devices in checked suitcases due to potential damage. However, some may allow 1 or 2 with proper padding and protection. Contact your airline to see if checking larger mods is an option.
The safest way to check a larger vape is:
– Remove all e-liquid to prevent leaks in flight.
– Remove batteries and carry those yourself in carry-on bag only.
– Disassemble remaining sections and wrap carefully in padding/clothes.
– Place in the center of your checked bag with ample cushioning.
This protects each piece and prevents shifting and collisions with other luggage during handling that could cause harm. While not ideal, checking a careful packed mod allows you to bring your preferred setups.
Following Airline Liquid Restrictions
Bringing multiple vapes also means bringing enough e-liquid or disposable pods to last your trip. Be aware of TSA liquid rules limiting individual bottles to 3.4 oz capacity. Also follow your airline’s restriction on maximum e-liquids permitted, typically 2-4 bottles of 2 oz or less each.
To maximize your e-liquid supply:
– Opt for higher nicotine concentrations to require less frequent vaping.
– Use smaller 15 ml bottles over 30 ml or larger.
– Mix a few nic salt bottles with lower concentration freebase juices.
– Use disposable pods instead of bottled e-juice to avoid liquid limits.
– Transfer e-liquid to travel-size leakproof bottles to meet container limits.
– Split larger amounts between carry-on and checked bags if airline allows vape devices in checked luggage.
Careful e-liquid planning ensures you have sufficient supplies for your vaping needs without exceeding TSA or airline limits on volume. Check all guidelines for your flight and pack accordingly.
Following Other Security and Customs Regulations
In addition to airline and TSA policies around vape devices and batteries, also be aware of the following rules if crossing international borders:
– Some countries ban vape products entirely, in which case they will be confiscated on arrival if declared. Research before traveling.
– Countries with legal vaping may still have limits on nicotine content allowed in e-liquids. Verify the local laws on nic level caps.
– Duty-free allowances vary, but most countries let you bring at least an open e-liquid bottle and a vaping device for personal use.
– Be prepared to pay duties or taxes on vaping products above the duty-free limits. Have paperwork ready declaring items.
– Never attempt to conceal or smuggle illegal quantities of vapes/e-liquids when traveling abroad. Penalties are severe if caught.
– Certain regions like the Middle East enforce very harsh laws banning all vape-related items. Avoid any travel there with vaping gear.
– If traveling to multiple countries on a single trip, check regulations in each one. What’s legal in one may be banned in another.
Thoroughly research security regulations and vape laws for every destination on your itinerary. Being aware of customs rules on vaping prevents problems during entry and exit.
Conclusion
Bringing your vape on an airline flight is permitted in reasonable quantities if done responsibly. While the days of vaping at your seat are long gone, you can still safely transport vaping gear in carry-on luggage as long as it adheres to all TSA guidelines and individual airline policies.
Most airlines allow 1-3 vapes plus limited e-liquids in carry-on baggage, while banning vape usage during flights. Smaller pod devices are easiest to pack several of, while 1-2 larger box mods may fit depending on the airline’s carry-on allowances. Be aware of size limits, battery regulations, liquid rules, and local laws at your destinations to maximize the vaping gear you can fly with while avoiding fines, confiscations, or even jail time in restrictive regions.
With the proper research and packing tactics, any vaper can travel freely with their favorite vaping equipment close at hand, even on an international multi-stop journey. Just focus on the compact portability of pod devices for trips requiring multiple setups. When in doubt, discreetly ask an airline representative about their specific vape baggage rules and liquid limits before arriving at the airport. And always keep batteries in carry-on luggage only, Never in checked bags.
Following airline guidelines and being mindful of security regulations allows both avid and casual vapers to take flight while keeping their preferred gear securely in tow.
