Traveling with Vapes: Navigating Airport Security and Airplane Regulations
Vaping travelers can bring their devices in carry-on bags, adhering to TSA liquid rules. Disassembling and correctly storing e-liquids helps ease security checks. Smoking is permitted only in designated airport areas, and use on flights is prohibited. For more travel tips and information, consider reading the full article.
People in the U.S. and worldwide fly regularly for business and pleasure, and many have switched to vaping. As if getting through airport security wasn't nerve-racking enough, now you have to worry about how to handle your electronic cigarette, vape, or vape juice when going through TSA. You may have the following questions:
- Do you have to take your vape out at airport security?
- Will TSA take my vape out of my carry-on?
- How much vape juice can I carry, and how should it be stored?
Can you bring a vape through airport security and onto a plane?
Yes, but electronic cigarettes, vape pens, and other vaping devices are only allowed in carry-on bags. These devices are not allowed in checked bags. When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or plane side, all electronic cigarette and vaping devices, along with any spare lithium batteries, must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin. Continue reading our tips on how to pack for your next trip and make the security checkpoint process easier. You can also shop our vape pens category for a great selection of portable vapes for your next trip.
Is Vape Smoking Allowed in the Airport?
Where you can or can't vape depends on the airport. Some airports, like the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia, feature dedicated smoking areas indoors where travelers can smoke or vape.
Do You Have to Take Your Vape Out at Airport Security? Tips for Getting Your Rig and Vape Juice Through TSA
Expect to take your vape out of your pocket or carry-on for the TSA when going through airport security, and make sure to follow regulations for the amount of liquid allowed on flights. Vape juice is permitted in carry-on bags as long as it complies with the TSA liquid regulations, and is less than 3.4 oz.
- E-liquid cannot be greater than 100ml in carry-on bags, and your container should not be larger than 100ml. For easy travel, you can buy VaporFi's e-liquid in 30ml bottles. As with any liquid, e-liquid should be placed in a clear plastic, zip-top bag. You don't need to declare the e-liquid for inspection at the checkpoint—simply go through the security check as you would with a plastic bag of shampoo, lotion, and other small liquids.
- Pack batteries and chargers in your laptop case or with other electronics when going through airport security.
- Disconnect your electronic cigarette battery from the atomizer before going through the checkpoint. If the alarm sounds, you can simply hand the parts to a TSA officer without it looking like a small pipe bomb.
- Whether domestic or international travel, you may want to take a self-addressed envelope with you large enough for your electronic cigarette so that if your vaporizer is confiscated at a security checkpoint anywhere in the world, you can mail it home.
Can You Use Your Electronic Cigarettes During Flight?
E-cigarettes and vape devices are allowed "in carry-on baggage or on your person", however, they may not be used or charged while in the plane.
- When it comes to taking your vape on a plane, you're in luck. The FAA actually insists that you keep your vape with you, not in checked luggage. Their primary concern is the unpredictability of loose lithium-ion batteries in the cargo holds. The best practice is to disassemble your vaporizer ahead of time and keep the parts in a neat carrier. On the off chance you do get stopped by the TSA it's easy to show them the components without having to break everything down.
- No charging on the plane! Most vaporizer mishaps reported have been about charging. As an extra precaution, the Department of Transportation has banned the charging of e-cigarettes in the air.
- No vaping in the bathroom. Your airline may not care if you take a puff in the terminal, but once you're on board, there is absolutely no vaping allowed. This is another Department of Transportation rule that's here to stay.
- Empty your tank. It's also a good idea to have your tank completely empty before takeoff. Pressurization of the cabin may cause your vape to begin leaking. You don't want e-juice running freely into your bags or pockets.
- Be respectful. Not everybody is on board with vaping, and many non-smokers don't love your vapor cloud any more than they love cigarette smoke. Tensions are high at airports, and the TSA seems willing to boot anybody off a flight at the first sign of trouble. Stay safe and wait to vape until you know you're in the clear.
Can You Bring Vapes Through TSA? More Recommended Travel Tips & Accessories for Traveling with Your Vape
These are tips we've learned from travelers who carry their vapes during domestic flights only, as international regulations may differ. The good news is that the TSA is aware of the prevalence of vaporizers and has taken steps to clarify any rules regarding these devices in advance. Invest in a quality vape case to carry your device and batteries. It will be well worth the money if it keeps your vape safe and helps you get through security easier. Don't be afraid to ask a TSA agent for guidance if you're unsure of what you need to show them to get your vape through the gates. VaporFi's vapes and vape juice come with everything air travelers require. Check out our accessories to purchase extra batteries, lanyards, or a carrying case for the next time you take your vape on a plane.
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