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, falls 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 carriers have clear rules that state you cannot use a vape on a plane. Accordingly, you must follow these rules, and 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.

• British Airways - Electronic cigarettes may be carried in hand luggage but must not be used on board.*
• Easyjet - All electronic cigarettes and a maximum of two spare batteries must be placed in a carry-on and on one’s person.**
• Qantas Airlines - The use and charging of all e-cigarettes and other personal vaporizers are not permitted on board an aircraft. They must be carried in hand luggage.***
• Virgin Atlantic - Electronic cigarettes are not permitted to be used onboard the aircraft. They can be carried in hand luggage and on your person.****
• Emirates - All Emirates flights are non-smoking - this also includes the use of e-cigarettes. No e-cigarettes can be used on board Emirates flights. Devices may be packed into carry-on luggage.*****

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 using vapes or e-cigarette devices on an aircraft - and the potential risk of a fire. Given vapes and alternative e-cigarette devices do not produce smoke like cigarettes do, you might think they pose less of a fire risk and therefore less danger. Despite e-cigarettes typically producing vapour and not smoke, many aircraft smoke detectors are not able to distinguish between cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapour. Vaping in the toilets could potentially set off the detector - raising the alarm which must then be checked out by a flight attendant.

• *https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/baggage-essentials/liquids-and-restrictions
• ** https://www.easyjet.com/en/help/baggage/restricted-and-unusual-items
• *** https://www.qantas.com/gb/en/travel-info/baggage/dangerous-goods/personal-items-toiletries-and-medicinal-items.html#e-cigarettes-personal-vaping-devices
• **** https://help.virginatlantic.com/eu/en/baggage/dangerous-items.html
• ***** https://www.emirates.com/uk/english/before-you-fly/travel/dangerous-goods-policy/

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 keeyour vape securely 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

As well as prohibiting the use of vapes on planes, the use of such devices may also be restricted in airports, too. You should check the rules of the relevant airport to ensure you vape only where permitted. Many international airports have a designated area for you to vape – you will need to find out where, so check with airport staff who can point you in the right direction.

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 a VEEV device avoid packing VEEV pods that are open. Due to 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. Do not use this product if the VEEV pod appears to be damaged, tampered with, broken, or leaking.

Taking a Vape Abroad

Many countries have enforced some restrictions around vaping, such as the locations 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 and ensure that 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.

Smoke-Free Alternatives

Smoke-free alternatives usually produce less smell than cigarettes and no cigarette smoke. The best decision any smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. Smoke-free alternatives are not risk-free and contain nicotine, which is addictive. These products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.

VEEV is an option for an adult smoker or adult vaper. *. One 35-minute charge for VEEV lasts a full day.* Learn more about VEEV. Important information: VEEV is not risk-free. Important information: VEEV is not risk-free.

* Depends on personal consumption. Battery performance may vary over time.

This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.