Every year over four billion people travel on an airplane. Whether for work or vacation, people love to take to the friendly skies; that includes a lot of vapers. This raises the question: can you bring a vape on a plane? The answer is yes. But that answer is not without restriction or nuance. And individual airlines may vary. Nonetheless, we will cover the rules for traveling with a vape device and e-liquids.

The short answer is yes, but there are a number of restrictions surrounding it. There’s certainly no using the device on the plane itself, but there are also a number of other policies to get past security and more. 

As of 2021, TSA vape rules and regulations for flying with electronic cigarettes require any vapes on planes to be carried on your person or in carry-on bags. Vape devices or batteries are not allowed in checked bags. Passengers are allowed up to 100 ml of liquid, or 3.4 ounces. Any liquids exceeding 100 ml must be in your checked baggage.

When you're at the airport, understanding the rules is key. Here's how to handle your vaping devices:

• Vape Storage: It's important to know, "Are vapes allowed in airports?" Yes, but with conditions. Vape pens and electronic vaping devices must be kept in your carry-on bags, as they are not permitted in checked luggage. If you end up checking a bag at the gate or planeside, remember to remove these items and carry them with you in the cabin.
• Vape Juice: Regarding liquids, "Can you bring a vape through airport security?" Absolutely, as long as it adheres to the TSA's liquid regulations. The limit is 100 ml (3.4 oz) per container, and all liquids should be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag.
• Battery Safety: "Can you see vape in an x-ray at airport?" Yes, so to prevent any alarms, disconnect your vape battery from the atomizer before security checks and pack all batteries and chargers with other electronics, like in a laptop case.

While airline policies may vary slightly, the general rules are quite consistent:

• Carry-On Only: "Can you take vape on airplane?" Yes, but only in your carry-on luggage or on your person. Charging or using your vape on the plane is strictly prohibited. No e-cigs, batteries, or any vape devices allowed in checked luggage.
• Check with the Airline: Confirm they allow vapes on a plane per TSA regulation.
• Device Preparation: "Can you take vapes on a plane?" You can, and it’s advisable to disassemble your vaporizer before flying and store the parts in a secure carrier to show TSA agents easily if needed.
• E-Liquid is  Allowed: You can carry on up to 100 ml, or 3.4 ounces, of vape juice on a plane.
• Checked Vape Juice: Vape juice can be packed in checked baggage if they exceed 100ml for carry on.
• Backup Plans: Since there's a slight chance a TSA agent might not allow your vape through, carrying a backup e-cig or a self-addressed package to mail your device home could save the day.

• No Vaping Allowed: "Can you vape in an airport?" Yes, in designated areas, but "vape on airplane" is strictly forbidden. The use of vapes during the flight can lead to severe penalties. Stealth vaping is not worth the risk.
• No Charging: You cannot charge your vape on a plane either. They often have restrictions

• Leak Prevention: Air pressure changes at high altitudes can cause vape tanks to leak. To mitigate this, travel with your tank either half full or empty, secured in a sealed bag. Opt for 30 ml bottles for trouble-free travel.
• Travel Essentials: Investing in a robust vape case will secure your devices and accessories, creating an easier security process.

By following TSA guidelines and preparing properly, you can ensure that your travel with vapes is as smooth as possible. Always double-check with your specific airline for any additional restrictions to avoid surprises at the airport. Travel smart, and keep your vape securely stowed until you reach your destination.

As addressed, no you cannot; passengers are not allowed to vape on a plane. If you think you can sneak a few puffs in the restroom, think again. The rules and laws make it clear. There can be stiff consequences including arrest and fines of up to $4000. If your vape cloud is mistaken for smoke or sets off a detector, the plane will be immediately diverted to make an emergency landing. Airlines take zero chances and will divert and land at the slightest hint of a potential problem. If that white cloud of vapor is traced back to you, the consequences could be even worse.

So, can you vape on a plane? Do not vape on the plane! Also, don’t attempt to stealth vape. It is not worth the risk. Be considerate of other passengers. You can take vapes on planes but do not use it until you get back on the ground. It can be hard to get through a 13-hour flight; consequently, if you are on a long-haul flight you might want to take some nicotine gum to help you get through it.

In addition, you are not allowed to charge vape batteries on a plane. In the past several years, there have been 48 instances of vape battery fires on aircraft. The FAA has strict guidelines regarding any lithium-ion-powered device on an aircraft.

• Vaping is not allowed in an airplane
• That includes both in-flight and on the tarmac
• Do not charge batteries on a plane

The FAA prohibits batteries in the cargo hold because they present a fire risk. The Transportation Security Administration will security check luggage for anything that could present a fire risk in the cargo hold. If a fire starts in the cargo hold, there is no way to access or extinguish it. There have been accidents caused by cargo hold fires. A lithium battery can be a fire risk if improperly stored and if it comes into contact with other metals. Air travelers, do not pack your vape in your checked bag. That includes box mods, vape starter kits, or any vape gear that contains a battery. All vapes on planes have to be secured on your person or carry-on bag(s).

Next, we have five tips to take your vape or electronic cigarette through airport security, onto the plane, and on to your destination! We also have a suggestion for the best e-cig to travel with and we will explain why.

Our first tip deals with vape leaks. Whether your vape is in your pocket or carry on luggage, vape leaks are common in flight. Now a leak in flight is not dangerous, but it is messy. Why do vapes leak on a plane? Because of how high you are. No, we are not talking about weed vapes! We are talking about how high you are in the air!

A modern passenger jet aircraft flies at over 30,000 feet in altitude. The thinner air at higher altitudes is easier to fly through and saves on fuel costs. However, the air pressure at 30,000 feet is much less than the air pressure on the ground. In fact, there is not enough pressure or oxygen at 30,000 feet to sustain life. As a result, all passenger jets rely on a pressurized cabin. The pressure in an airplane cabin is the same as the air pressure at 10,000 feet above sea level.

Mimicking the air pressure at 10,000 feet satisfies the pressure and oxygen we need to be conscious and listen to the work problems of the guy sitting beside us in seat H3. But the air pressure at 10,000 feet impacts liquids. Liquid expands when there is less air pressure. For example, a filled vape tank will leak because at 10,000 feet the air pressure allows liquid to slightly expand. As a result, not all vapes are suitable to take on a plane. As a result, our first tip deals with traveling with e-liquids.

As pointed out in the TSA guidelines, travelers can take up to 100 ml, or 34 ounces, of liquid in your hand luggage or carry-on bag. Vape juice in excess of 100 ml must be placed in your checked bags. If you put a brand-new, full bottle of vape juice in your checked luggage, it will leak during the flight. Because the bottle is full, there will be no room for the liquid to expand.

Before packing your vape gear and e-liquids, check the e-liquid bottles. If the bottle is more than ¾ three quarters full, squeeze some liquid into a spare bottle. Give some room inside the bottle for the vape juice to expand. Also, place all e-liquids in a zip-lock bag and seal it.

The same rules and laws of physics apply to any e-juice in a vape tank. If carrying a mod and vape tank onto the plane in a pocket or hand luggage, empty the tank before you leave the ground. Or at the very least, fly with your vape tank only half full at most. A vape tank has many places for the juice to leak out. If it does leak, well e-liquid does contain nicotine and if you get some on your skin wash it off right away. But empty your tank before you take off and you have no worries!

• All e-liquids in excess of 100 ml or 34 ounces must be packed in checked bags
• You don’t have to declare e-liquid, just make sure it is less than the 100 ml limit
• Travelers are advised to place their vape juice bottles in a sealable zip-lock style bag and store vape liquids in with your checked bags.
• Empty your vape tank before traveling with a vape on an airplane.

Can you bring a vape on a plane? Yes, we have discussed this at length,and there shouldn’t be any problem bringing vapes on planes, so long as the previously mentioned rules are understood. But there is always a chance a concerned airport security officer could prevent you from taking a vape on any airline flights. It comes down to an individual decision made by security. Maybe you have a quad mod with custom features and the officer will deny it. It’s a small chance but you never know. We wonder, why take a chance?

If security denies passengers the ability to take vapes on planes, then you have four choices:

• Miss your trip and go home.
• Carry a self-addressed package and mail your vape home to yourself.
• Allow security to confiscate your vape and never see it again.
• Prepare with nicotine gum for your flight or trip, and prepare to purchase another device upon landing in your destination.

Going through security with a vape, tank, liquid and batteries is usually quick and easy. However, TSA officers exercise care to examine all electronic devices more thoroughly. Part of our tips for traveling includes cooperating fully with TSA and being open about carrying your vape with you. Tell them if it is a nicotine vape or a pen with CBD oils; whatever it is, be open and honest.

We also advise breaking down the device into component parts. For example, remove the tank from the mod and make it easy to inspect your vape gear. Also, we recommend using a vape carry case. It keeps your vape gear together and it also allows you to store your vape in component parts, which aids the inspection. At the very least, make sure to have a carry case for any extra batteries you bring along.

Summary of tips to get through security when traveling with vapes on planes:

• Be respectful and cooperate fully with security officers.
• Be open and show your vape device.
• Separate the mod and tank to present for security inspection.
• Use a carry case for your vape gear.
• Store batteries in a battery carry case.
• Keep batteries and chargers with other electronic devices such as laptops.

Can you vape on a plane? We can’t stress enough:don’t vape on the plane. What happens if you vape on a plane? Nothing good! Vaping on planes can lead to heavy fines, and even arrest. The vaping community is constantly being hit with bans and restrictions of all kinds.  In bringing vapes on planes with responsibility and respect, vapers have the chance to help build legitimacy, or worsen the case for smoking alternatives; no matter what, traveling safely with your vape will help you and all other passengers get to where you’re going in a safe and secure manner.

So, again, can you bring a vape on a plane? You can, but you’re expected to do so responsibly and with accountability. Follow the Transportation Security Administration laws, cooperate with TSA agents, and you should have no issues. Just double-check with each individual airline to go over their rules for vapes on planes. We also recommend traveling with a back-up vape and leaving your expensive mod at home. It will be there when you get back. In need of some new vape gear? Check out VaporFi’s top vape pens and flavors for on-the-go vaping. Most importantly, have a safe trip and an outstanding time!