You’re ready to go on vacation and now you’re wondering—can I bring my vape on the plane? The answer is yes, but there are a few restrictions.
Since vapes are lithium battery-powered, they pose a fire risk. So carrying one onto a plane is subject to rules similar to any other battery-powered electronics, i.e. it’s not allowed in your check-in luggage. Vape supplies are also allowed, but with similar conditions.
This quick guide walks you through how to legally and safely bring vapes on a plane.
How to Travel with Vapes
The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) makes it very clear:
“Battery-powered E-cigarettes, vaporizers, vape pens, atomizers, and electronic nicotine delivery systems may only be carried in the aircraft cabin (in carry-on baggage or on your person).”
That means that vape mods, vape pens, and e-cigarettes, as well as any spare lithium batteries and chargers, must travel with you on the plane in your carry-on baggage or your pockets. Most vapes are powered by lithium batteries which, if exposed to excessive heat, can catch on fire or even explode. So keeping them on you during a flight reduces the risk of fires in the cargo hold.
When packing your vaping supplies, it’s important that you keep them dry, spill-proof, and not in a position to accidentally turn on. Cabin pressure can cause full vape tanks to expand, break, and leak. So empty your tank beforehand or at least fill it only partially. You can also wrap your device in bubble wrap or a soft piece of cloth, then keep it in a plastic baggie. Using a vape case is also a good option for extra protection.
Some airlines require vape batteries to be stored in a separate battery case. Check with your airline if this is necessary on your flight or pack a few battery containers just in case.
How to Travel with E-Juice and Oils
Since e-juice and oils are liquids, they follow the rules set by the TSA about all liquid items. That means you must place them in travel bottles that aren’t over 3.4 oz (100ml); they should then fit in a one-quart clear, resealable liquids bag, along with other liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes. Standard 30ml, 60ml, and 100ml e-juice containers are fine.
Anything more than the 100ml limit should be placed in your checked-in baggage. If you do that, avoid placing your e-juice and oils in glass bottles because these might break and leak. For extra insurance, tape the openings of the container, wrap them securely, and place them in a plastic baggie.
There are no size limits to liquids placed in checked-in baggage and you can pack pods and cartridges here, as well.
Can I Bring Cannabis Vapes on a Plane?
Bringing Cannabis vapes on a plane is very risky. While you’re in the air, you’re under federal jurisdiction. And since marijuana is still federally illegal, you’re at risk of being charged for possession (or worse). That said, you can bring empty vape pens or dry herb vaporizers on a plane, but only if they’ve been thoroughly cleaned with zero cannabis residue. Vaping weed does smell.
Can I Vape on a Plane?
As with smoking, vaping on a plane is strictly prohibited. If caught, you can be escorted off the plane, fined up to $4.000, or even jailed upon arrival at your destination. So although some vapers say they’ve tried “stealth vaping,” don’t try it, even if you are of legal age to vape.
Conclusion
You can bring vapes on a plane. But you must follow certain rules to do it safely and legally. Check the guidelines set by the TSA, and the airline you’re flying, about taking your vape on your travels before hopping on a plane. Read more about the history of vaporizing weed.