Are vaping devices allowed on planes?

Vapes on a Plane!

We can’t think of anything more distressing, more horrifying, more of a mood killer than getting ready to go on holiday, only to have your vaping equipment confiscated because of a misunderstanding over the airline’s e-cig policies.

Using an e-cig or vape on an aeroplane is always completely prohibited, which we’ll begrudgingly admit is very reasonable - aside from basic considerations for others on the flight, there are severe legal penalties for those who get caught (and you will be caught!). Don’t be the one vaper who gives the rest of us a bad name! Aside from this one golden rule, different airlines and airports all have varying policies when it comes to storing and transporting vape equipment.

Frankly, it’s our civic duty to find out exactly what can and can’t be taken on the aeroplane to save all of you from a fate worse than death! So, if you like pina coladas and taking off with your vape (yes, we were quite proud of that pun!), then look no further!

How do I pack my vaping equipment?

Your flight attendant is unlikely to allow you to transport a vape in your pocket, even if you pinky promise not to use it until you exit the airport, so what is the correct way to transport your equipment?

• Your vape / vape pen / e-cig will need to be packed in your carry on, or hand luggage. The utilisation of lithium batteries in these devices pose a fire hazard, should they be placed in the plane’s cargo hold.

Do yourself a favour and remember not to pack vaping devices in your checked luggage - that is, if you want to avoid delays.

What about liquids?

• Refills and e-liquids can be placed in your checked luggage, but we would recommend placing them in a container of some sort, the changes in cabin air pressure can prompt leakages.
• Make sure you carefully consider how you’re going to transport e liquids. If you’re choosing to store them in hand luggage you will need to remember to conform to the rules of a 100ml liquid limit, stored in a clear plastic bag.

What do specific airlines say about vapes on their planes?

We’re glad you asked! We conducted real life interviews with planes^[1] all around the world and this is what they had to say;

Easy Jet, “All electronic cigarettes and a maximum of two spare batteries in a carry-on and on one’s person.”

British Airways, “Electronic cigarettes may be carried in hand luggage but must not be used on board.”

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.”

Virgin Atlantic, “Electronic cigarettes are a device that looks like a cigarette and works by creating a vapor, which contains nicotine. Electronic cigarettes are NOT permitted to be used onboard our aircraft”

Qantas Airlines: “The use and charging of all e-cigarettes and other personal vaporisers are not permitted on board an aircraft. They must be carried in hand luggage.”

Always check the guidance before you fly, this may have been updated since we wrote the blog and ALL airlines have a different policy.

I know I can’t vape on the plane, but can I vape at the airport?

No. We could pad this out to sound better but essentially, no.

To recap;

1. Don’t vape in the aeroplane or at the airport, you hooligan!
2. All vaping devices should be stored in hand luggage to avoid spontaneous plane fires.
3. Place any liquids in a container, unless you want a leakage over your brand new bikini.
4. There is an 100ml liquid limit for all hand luggage, this includes e-liquids.
5. You may want to consider that in some countries, vaping may not be as popular - it’s worth taking the time to research for places to buy refills and local legislation about vaping in public.

We hope you enjoy your stress-free, but hopefully not vape-free holiday! If you need to stock up on batteries for your mod before you go, check out the Fogstar range.

^[1] In case this needed to be said, we did not interview any actual planes - planes cannot talk. All quotes were taken from airline websites.