Traveling with Vapes

Electronic cigarettes are devices you can bring whenever and wherever you want thanks to their sleek profile and lightweight design. You can just slip this device inside your pocket or bag and use it during breaks.

The components inside these devices, however, are complex. Unlike cigarettes and other traditional tobacco products, they possess batteries, heating elements, and others that may react differently when exposed to high or low temperatures, pressure, and so on. These are the conditions that exist inside airplanes, particularly in the compartment areas.

Should you worry about traveling with vapes? Do you want to know where you should store your vape when traveling by plane? Here is everything you must know about the matter. 

Can Vapes Go on Airplanes?

The aviation industry has been strict when it comes to electronic devices due to many reasons.

First, some of these devices can emit electromagnetic signals that can sometimes interfere with aircraft instruments. It can then cause some potential risks to the operations of the airplanes. To mitigate these risks, authorities have to implement restrictions on the use and carriage of a number of electronic devices.

Another reason why airlines are strict in terms of using and bringing mobile devices inside the aircraft is they can overheat and explode. While cases of device explosions are rare, they can still affect the safety of all people onboard.

This is where vapes come in.

Vape devices do not emit electromagnetic signals, but their batteries inside make them vulnerable to overheating, especially if these devices have been activated accidentally. Hence, many airlines around the world are now starting to ban electronic cigarettes on airplanes due to a number of incidents where they overheat and cause fire or explosion.

Airlines have the right to think of vape pens as a risk since many incidents regarding these devices have already occurred in the past.

A fire inside an airplane was put out on a flight on March 1, 2023. This incident was attributed to a battery-powered vaping device tied to a battery charging that is stored inside the compartment. It then ignited a piece of luggage near the device.

The plane needed to be grounded after the fire broke out. It then results in 10 people being taken to the hospital.

Based on an April 2024 UL Standards report, 35% of battery-related smoke and fire incidents in airplanes were caused by vaping devices. It is double the rate of those caused by portable power banks and smartphones.

Despite these incidents, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), fortunately, still allows vape devices to be brought inside airplanes. The authorities, however, implement rules that will prevent vapes from causing any fires inside airplanes.

If possible, the batteries and other components of your vapes must be disassembled and stored separately to prevent fire hazards. They should then be carried in your carry-on baggage. You cannot put them in your checked bags. 

Where Do Vapes Go on Planes?

Vapes work by charging their batteries. Since they mostly use lithium-ion batteries, these devices must be handled with care to avoid these components from overheating and causing fires or explosions.

These components are the main reason why rules and restrictions have been in place when bringing vape pens inside a plane.

The batteries of vapes can cause some fire and explosions when they become too hot. Many vape users have the habit of leaving their e-cigarettes charging with a power bank and leaving it way beyond the recommended amount of time. As a result, the batteries inside may become too hot, which can eventually lead to combustion and explosion.

This incident often occurs inside planes where vape devices have not been secured and packed properly. So, one condition CATSA and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are implementing is to store vapes in carry-on bags.

If your vape has a removable battery, you must remove it from the device and store it separately from other vape components like heating coils and e-liquid or vape juice. You must then put these components in their separate protective cases.

Do remember that the batteries of your vapes should not exceed a rating of 100 Wh or a lithium content of two grams. If not, your vapes may not be allowed to be carried inside the plane.

For the vape refill liquid, you can store one in your checked luggage if it has a total volume of more than 100 ml. If less, you can just bring it with you in your carry-on bag.

You must not attempt to place your vapes and their accompanying accessories in your checked luggage as it may only cause delays on your flight.

Can Vapes Go in the Hold Luggage?

You might think that placing electronic cigarettes in your hold luggage can save you from the trouble of bringing them with you. However, doing this only causes some issues along the way.

If you attempt to place your vapes in the hold luggage, you are only putting everyone’s safety at risk. Non-compliance to the provisions set by the CATSA and TSA can endanger everyone on board as vape pens, especially those that are not packed properly, can cause fire and explosion if they have been exposed to extreme temperatures in the compartment.

The conditions in the compartment where the pieces of hold luggage are stored are likewise not optimal for vaping devices, especially their batteries.

When an airplane takes off from the runway, the pressure inside the compartment changes drastically. It can then affect the integrity of the vaping device, which leads to leakage of the vape juice as well as breaking the whole device. 

The temperature in the holding area of these pieces of luggage can also fluctuate. If the compartment’s temperature increases significantly, your battery can get damaged until it causes fire and explodes. The consistency of your vape juice can also be affected by temperature fluctuations.

Your vapes may even activate accidentally while in the luggage compartment, causing the internal components to operate continuously until they combust and start a fire.

These incidents have been occurring almost weekly before, which is why authorities have to implement strict measures regarding traveling with vape devices.

Another issue that you can face when you store your vapes in the hold luggage is legal implications. Since aviation laws are being violated when doing this, you may receive penalties and fines that can cost you a lot of money and even time. You may even be banned and barred from future flights with the affected airline.

Adhering to the rules set by CATSA and TSA is free, so you do not have any reason to break them unless you want to pay a huge amount of money and risk the lives of yourself and others.

So, the best place to store your e-cigarettes during a flight is in your carry-on bag, not in the hold luggage. Placing them in your carry-on bag ensures that you can monitor the condition of your vapes. You also do not have to worry about pressure and temperature fluctuations.

Can Vapes Go through TSA?

TSA and CATSA are the top authorities who are responsible for screening persons who will be accessing aircraft or restricted points of airports. They ensure that the belongings or baggage of individuals adhere to the standards they have set, preventing any security and safety risks among people onboard the airplanes.

Their intentions are clear, to make every flight safe. Therefore, they will ensure that all passengers adhere to regulations, especially those who will be bringing vapes.

If you are wondering whether your vapes can go through TSA or not, then it entirely depends on how you plan on bringing them.

TSA will not confiscate your vapes as long as you put them in your carry-on. Just make sure to pack them accordingly, which can be done by disassembling the vape components if possible and storing them separately with protective cases.

To avoid accidental activation, you should then take advantage of a protective cover, safety latch, or locking device. These tools help deter the e-cigarette heating activation button from being pressed unintentionally.

Your vapes can also go through TSA if they meet the standards of vaping devices. The batteries of your e-cigarettes should not exceed 100 Wh or 2 grams of lithium content.

You must also make sure to pack your e-liquid refill in your carry-on if it has less than 100 ml of content. Exceeding this volume lets you pack it in your checked luggage.

Once your vapes pass the screening process of TSA, one thing that you must do is to restrict yourself from using them. Using e-cigarettes inside the airplane is strictly prohibited to avoid safety risks like fires and interference with the plane’s electronic systems. 

To satisfy your nicotine cravings during flight, you may opt for nicotine gum or a nicotine pouch.

Packing Vapes and Vape Supplies

When traveling with vapes, you must first check the policies of the airline you are flying with. They often have a set of guidelines you should follow when it comes to packing vapes and vape supplies. Generally, however, they would follow the standards set by TSA, CATSA, and other regulatory agencies in the aviation industry.

One of the few things you should do when packing vapes and their supplies is to get a carry-on baggage. It should have enough space to store them as well as other things you want to bring.

Next, you must remove the batteries from your vape and pack them in a battery case. Disassembling them from your e-cigarette prevents the vape from being activated accidentally throughout the flight. Take note that you can only bring batteries with a rating of 100Wh or two grams of lithium. You cannot bring the batteries in the airplane if you exceed these numbers.

Once you have packed your batteries, you should pack the vape device and its heating coil separately in a protective case. This step further amplifies the safety of the whole aircraft since any accidental activation has been deterred.

Your e-liquid refill must likewise be stored properly. It must come in a durable container to ensure it will not get damaged throughout the flight. Remember to only place it in your carry-on baggage if it has a volume of 100 ml or less.

Silicone bottles are known to be tough against leaks. You can use them to store your e-liquid refill when traveling. Remember to tighten the caps and seals and store the bottles in an upright position if possible. You should then place the bottles in a clear, sealable plastic bag to contain potential vape juice leaks during mid-flight.

Preventing Accidental Activation During Travel

Electronic cigarettes often activate whenever their activation button is pressed. But some vapes can already be activated by puffing them. The OVNS 2500 Disposable Vape is a prime example of a draw-activated vape, allowing you to just use it without any buttons.

Whatever their types, storing them in your carry-on bag should be done properly to prevent accidental activation.

To do this, you should remove the battery from your vape. It must be packed separately in your bag to prevent them from contacting other components of your electronic cigarette. You must also separate it from the heating coil to avoid activating the vape unintentionally. 

Putting the battery in a protective case prevents it from contacting metal objects and triggering a short circuit.

Aside from the battery, you must also put the whole vape device in a protective case. Doing this helps protect it from accidental activation during travel. You should likewise put a protective cover, safety latch, or locking device on the heating coil activation button to prevent it from working accidentally during the flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Travel With a Vape in My Carry-on?

Yes. You can travel with a vape in your carry-on. All you need to do is disassemble the device and put them separately in protective cases.

How Many Disposable Vapes Can I Bring on a Plane?

The number of disposable vapes you can bring on a plane varies depending on the airline you are flying with. Ryanair, for instance, allows you to carry a maximum of 15 disposable vapes and up to 20 lithium batteries.

Can I Bring My Vape on a Plane in Canada?

Yes. You can bring your vape on a plane in Canada as long as you put it in your carry-on bag. 

Do Vapes Have to Go Through Airport Security?

Vapes have to go through airport security to ensure they are packed properly and comply with the minimum qualifications set by TSA and CATSA. Failure to adhere to the airport security standards leads to the confiscation of your vapes.

Will TSA Take My Vape Out of My Bag?

No. TSA will not take your vape out of your bag, especially if you adhere to the airport security standards they have set. They will normally screen your bags and pieces of luggage and clear them if you do not violate their regulations.

Do Airlines Check for Vapes?

Airlines check any belongings you bring, including your vapes. You just make sure to take them through security in your carry-on bag to avoid confiscation.

Will TSA Take My Vape if I’m Under 21?

No. The TSA does not have any policy regarding the use of a vape by minors, including individuals under 21 years of age. Hence, you can bring a vape regardless of your age.

Will a Vape Be Detected in a Metal Detector?

Yes. Your vape can be detected in a metal detector since it possesses some metal components. It will not, however, be confiscated if it is packed securely in your carry-on bag.

Summary

TSA and CATSA implement a wide range of regulations regarding vapes to ensure flight safety for every airplane that leaves and lands in Canada. Following the regulations regarding bringing and storing your vape not only alleviates safety concerns but also saves you and others time.

Traveling with vapes is possible, as long as you put them in your carry-on baggage. You should also disassemble their parts and store them separately with protective cases to avoid accidental contact and activation during flight.

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