We rarely leave the house without a mod or vape pen in our pocket. These products have become as indispensable as our wallets, smart-phones or keys. They are lightweight, easy to carry, easy to recharge and help us get that much craved nicotine kick and these are just some of the vaping benefits. But what happens when traveling with vape gear on planes?
Every day, hundreds of thousands of people take the aircraft to attend business meetings, visit new places or get in touch with family and friends. If you vape you know air travel can be a bit complicated. It's important to comply with regulations and keep avoid your vape from being confiscated by airport security.
Ecigs and vape gear are prohibited from checked baggage
When packed tightly, vapes can sometimes auto-fire the atomizer. Poorly placed batteries can short-circuit or even vent, making them a real fire hazard. This is why international regulations as well as the Federal Aviation Administration prohibit vape gear in checked baggage.
Mods, ecigs as well as any spare lithium batteries may only be carried in the aircraft cabin. Depending on airline policy these can be kept in either the carry-on baggage or on your person. Also according to the Department of Transportation, using or recharging your eicg on-board the plane is strictly prohibited.
When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate, it may be required that all vape gear and spare lithium batteries be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger.
Be careful with batteries
If your mod works with external batteries it is a good idea to remove them from the device and keep them in a special plastic carrying case. Same goes for any spare batteries you might bring along. The carrying case keeps them from getting in contact with any metal parts or objects and prevents short-circuits.
Mods and vape pens with non-removable batteries can be kept as they are. It would probably be a good idea to turn them off first or lock them just to prevent any chance of auto-fire.
Drain the juice from your tank
Fluctuating cabin pressure forces more e-juice inside the coil. This often causes flooding as well as leaking through the airflow ring. To avoid this, just empty your tank or atomizer before boarding the plane. It's also a good idea to put your tank inside a zip-lock bag if you forgot to drain all the e-juice.
Airline regulations and E-liquids
According to the Transportation Security Administration all e-liquid bottles need to be of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller. These have to be placed in a single quart-size, zip-lock clear plastic bag which you will take in your carry-on. Bigger bottles are not allowed even if they are only half full. Also it's prohibited to place any vape gear or batteries in the quart-size plastic bag intended for liquids only.
Protect your box mod from getting damaged inside the luggage
Although modern box mods and pens are generally designed with durable materials, you do not have to toss your device into a backpack or suitcase. Instead make sure it is properly secure to reduce the risk of damage. Compression and bending from other items inside your luggage can cause cracks in your ecig that will further result in e-liquid drippings and the device malfunctioning. This will greatly increase the lifespan of your box mod.
It is always recommended to keep your electronic cigarette and accessories in a hard-shell case and wrapping it up in some clothes. Many ecigs come with their own sturdy box, traveling case or pouch but alternatively you can use a basic sunglasses case.
Don't forget your e-liquid, accessories and coils
Also, do not forget to take all of the essential accessories with you, such as the wall charger, car charger, e-liquid bottles, coils, extra battery and portable charging case. It is also recommended to always take with you a pack of disposable ecigarettes in case your battery fails or there is no electricity. Even though they don’t perform as well as an actual rechargeable, these devices can save you when the nicotine crave hits.
To summerize
- Ecigs and vape gear are prohibited from checked baggage
- Remove batteries from your mod and place them inside a plastic carrying case. Do the same for all spare lithium batteries
- Drain all e-liquid from your tank to prevent leaking
- E-liquids cannot be stored in containers bigger than 100 ml and need to be placed in a single quart-size, zip-lock clear plastic bag
- Recharging or using your e-cig on-board the aircraft is strictly prohibited
Also make sure to inform yourself and comply with any extra rules and regulations regarding vape gear when boarding international flights. These may vary depending on airline or country and it's important to keep yourself away from potential trouble with airport security.
