The forever-changing rules about what you can and can’t take on a plane for your trip abroad, whether for a holiday or business, can be confusing at the best of times. For any nicotine vaper that needs to keep up the habit, it’s essential you know before leaving the house what is safe to take with you on your trip. And whether it’s even legal to carry an e-cigarette and accompanying accessories on a plane departing from the UK.
Flying High: What You Need to Know About Traveling with E-Cigarettes
First of all, you need to know the basics – you can carry on board your flight e-cigarettes of any dimensions, whether that’s a disposable or vape mod with a custom tank. But it’s also illegal to vape at any point once on the aircraft. This is for several reasons; one example is that vapour can be mistaken for cigarette smoke and could potentially set off the plane's fire alarm. In addition, it’s also in place to offer respect to others on board the aircraft that will not want vapour puffing in their vicinity. If you’re caught vaping on a plane, you could face a fine or even end up being removed from the aircraft.
You may also carry your accessories, such as your chosen e-liquids for travel. However, these should be sealed and not opened during the flight. Make sure your tank or pod is empty before the flight departs the UK because the altitude once in the air can alter the pressure within the cabin, causing the liquid to potentially leak.
Understanding the Regulations and Restrictions
Naturally, the most important consideration for airlines in the UK and abroad, whether that’s within the EU or further afield, is the safety of all passengers and those waiting in airports. Batteries are not allowed on board aircraft with your checked luggage because they can potentially explode while in the air. All you can do is separate this important external accessory from the device and store it in your handheld luggage. At least if anything happens to them while airborne, you or flight attendants can quickly resolve any issues, compared to it being below seating level in cargo.
Another important rule to remember is liquid restrictions. This is going to change in the future from UK airports as the government recently announced that all airports will have the latest scanning technology, which will be able to scan bottles of larger sizes and detect any issues straight away. Therefore, in the future, e-liquid bottles of more than 10ml (shortfills not containing nicotine) or multiple 10ml nicotine vape juice containers will be allowed on board aircraft. But obviously, the same rules need to apply to your chosen destination. However, for now, stick with the latest regulations, which state no more than 100ml in total for liquid items, including all your shampoos and lotions etc on board in a clear resealable bag at any time.
Tips for Packing and Carrying E-Cigarettes While Travelling
- Don’t take a half-full tank or pod of e-liquid. Instead, take a full one that is sealed. Avoid those accidents for a much safer and more relaxing trip!
- Depending on the length of your holiday, we advise taking smaller bottles of e-liquid which take up less room in the 100ml max clear bag allowance
- Pick a device with a low battery wattage and take two batteries maximum as recommended by the UK Civil Aviation Authority
- Take some nicotine gum with you on the plane or wear a nicotine patch to curb the temptation to vape
- Even if you think you have a small mouth-to-lung vape kit that is barely noticeable, don’t vape on board the aircraft at any point or even secretly in the toilet. Most airlines now have installed security alarms that will detect even a hint of vapour. If you get caught, you’re going to get removed from the flight before it even takes off (as a minimum)
- Don’t worry - at the airport, there should be designated areas to vape outside of the premises (will more than likely be in the same area as smokers)
- Keep your e-liquids throughout your trip in a cool, dry and dark place away from sunlight to avoid damaging the ingredients and overall taste – especially if you're sunbathing on a beach in high temperatures!
Best Practices for Using E-Cigarettes in Different Travel Scenarios
Whether you’re making a trip across South America through the jungle, tanning it up on a Spanish island or exploring the sites of Asia, there is so much to see in the world. Exploring is an adventure which takes you out of your comfort zone but with a vape in your hand, part of your daily ritual can remain the same.
But obviously, you can’t always do the same thing abroad as you can in the UK. There are different rules, traditions and cultural changes to respect while visiting another country. For instance, in some countries vaping may be banned completely. Whereas in certain public areas, vaping is frowned upon universally – especially if you’re puffing big clouds of vapour.
So, the best practice is to ensure you’re vaping legally in a place where it is allowed. Do the research online and find out just before leaving for the airport if vaping is permitted in that country, as rules are forever changing with government policy updates.
And once you understand the rules and limitations, it’s best to keep it discreet with a small pod vape kit or disposable to reduce the chances of upsetting the general public. Just remember while it may seem fine to you, in other cultures they may have a completely different outlook. Always bear in mind the presence of others when vaping – which applies to your surroundings in the UK as well as travelling.