Traveling with an electronic cigarette on a plane often raises many questions among vapers. Which bag should you use to transport your electronic cigarette? Should you put the batteries in the hold? Are e-liquids allowed on the plane? Can you vape during the flight?
Between security rules, liquid restrictions, airline-specific requirements, and differences in regulations between countries, it can be difficult to find your way around.
Good news: traveling with your electronic cigarette remains simple as long as you follow a few essential rules. Here is everything you need to know to prepare for your flight with an electronic cigarette and transport your vaping equipment without any unpleasant surprises.
Can you take your electronic cigarette on a plane?
Yes, it is entirely possible to travel by plane with an electronic cigarette. Millions of passengers transport their vape equipment on planes every year.
However, for safety reasons, certain regulations apply to the transport of electronic products, particularly due to the lithium batteries present in electronic cigarettes.
These rules mainly concern:
- batteries and cells;
- liquid bottles;
- transport in the cabin or in the hold;
- the use of the electronic cigarette during the flight.
Before your trip, it is also recommended to check your airline's guidelines, as some airlines apply specific rules regarding vaping products.
Where should you put your electronic cigarette on the plane?
The most important rule concerns the lithium batteries used in electronic cigarettes.
Electronic cigarettes and batteries: always in the cabin
Electronic cigarette batteries and cells must always be transported in the cabin, never in the hold.
This aviation security rule applies to all electronic products equipped with lithium batteries, as these can present risks in the event of overheating.
Concretely:
- your electronic cigarette;
- your kit;
- your cells;
- your batteries;
must be placed in your cabin baggage or in your personal bag.
Airlines generally prohibit the transport of batteries in the hold in order to limit any risk of incident during the flight.
Clearomizer and e-liquid bottles: cabin or hold
E-liquids for electronic cigarettes follow the same security rules as other liquids on a plane.
In the cabin, you can carry:
- e-liquid bottles of up to 100 ml maximum;
- in a transparent plastic bag;
- for a total maximum of 1 liter.
These e-liquid bottles must be placed in a plastic bag when passing through the security check.
You can also place these products in your checked baggage if you prefer and if you exceed the 1-liter liquid limit when combining your bottles.
Bottles over 100 ml: straight to the hold
If you are carrying large bottles of liquid exceeding 100 ml, they must be placed in the hold.
This concerns for example:
- large-format e-liquid bottles;
- DIY preparations of more than 100 ml.
In that case, place your bottles in a tightly sealed bag to avoid any problems during transport.
Can you vape on the plane?
The answer is no. The use of an electronic cigarette is strictly prohibited during the flight.
Airlines completely prohibit vaping on board aircraft.
Even though vaping does not produce smoke like a cigarette, the vapor can trigger the smoke detectors installed in the cabins.
Result:
- security alert;
- crew intervention;
- possible fine for the passenger.
It is therefore important not to vape on board, to be patient and to respect the airlines' rules regarding the use of electronic cigarettes.
Can you charge your electronic cigarette during the flight?
In general, it is strongly discouraged, or even prohibited, to charge your electronic cigarette on the plane.
Some airlines allow the charging of electronic devices, but electronic cigarettes are often an exception.
The crew keeps a particularly close eye on batteries, as they can pose a risk in the event of overheating.
To avoid any problems with cabin crew, it is better to:
- charge your battery before the trip;
- possibly carry a spare cell;
- avoid any use or charging during the flight.
Watch out for e-liquid leaks on a plane
A phenomenon that often surprises vapers during a plane journey: liquid leaks.
In flight, cabin pressure changes. This will inevitably cause leaks in:
- your clearomizer;
- your bottles;
- your vape tank;
This phenomenon is completely normal and affects all products containing liquid.
To limit the damage, a few simple tips:
- place your liquid bottles in an airtight bag;
- store your clearomizer in a plastic bag;
- transport your equipment separately.
If your clearomizer cannot be detached from the battery, it is recommended to empty the tank before the flight.
This avoids damaging your kit, your battery, or staining your cabin baggage.
Rules may vary depending on the airline
Even though international regulations govern the transport of electronic cigarettes, each airline may apply its own rules.
Some airlines require for example:
- to protect the cells;
- to transport batteries in a case;
- to limit the number of electronic products.
Before your trip, always check the guidelines and transport conditions of your airline.
This helps avoid any problems at the security check.
Beware of electronic cigarette laws in certain countries
Another essential point: the legislation of the destination countries.
While the electronic cigarette is permitted in France, this is not the case everywhere in the world.
In some countries, the possession or use of electronic cigarettes or nicotine liquids may be:
- prohibited;
- heavily regulated;
- subject to a fine;
- or even imprisonment...
Some countries tolerate vaping for tourists, but not all law enforcement officers and security agents necessarily make the distinction.
Before your trip, take the time to check the regulations regarding vaping products in your destination country or even in transit countries.
Our tips for traveling peacefully with your electronic cigarette
For a stress-free flight with an electronic cigarette, here are a few simple tips:
- always transport your electronic cigarette and batteries in the cabin;
- place the liquid bottles in a plastic bag;
- respect the maximum limit of 100 ml in the cabin;
- put the large bottles in the hold;
- avoid any use or charging during the flight;
- protect your vape equipment against leaks;
- check the rules of the airlines;
- find out about the legislation in the countries you are visiting.
With these precautions, traveling with your electronic cigarette by plane becomes very simple.
All that's left is to enjoy your trip, and find your vape again once you've arrived at your destination!
