Can You Vape on a Plane?
For an adult smoker or vaper who travels - whether frequently or just once a year - it’s important to know where and when you can use your vape device. Many airlines across the world prohibit vaping, which, in some cases fall under the same set of rules as smoking cigarettes. If you are travelling, you may want to know where it is possible to use a device, and take advantage of a designated area that allows vaping.
Why You Can’t Vape on a Plane
The first country to implement a ban on smoking cigarettes on domestic flights was Australia back in 1987, although it wasn’t until much later that the no smoking rule was enforced on many transatlantic flights worldwide. By the year 2000, the sight of adults lighting up on aircraft was extremely rare.
Most of the major airlines and well-known carriers have clear rules that state you cannot use a vape on a plane. Accordingly, you must follow these rules, so we suggest that you keep your device in your hand luggage. Airlines have their own policies about travelling with vapes, and while the language differs slightly, the message is often consistent. Here’s what some of them say.
- - British Airways - Electronic cigarettes may be carried in hand luggage but must not be used on board.*
- - Easyjet - All electronic cigarettes and a maximum of two spare batteries placed in a carry-on and on one’s person.**
- - Qantas Airlines - The use and charging of all e-cigarettes and other personal vaporizers are not permitted on board an aircraft. They must be carried in hand luggage.***
- - Virgin Atlantic - Electronic cigarettes are not permitted to be used onboard the aircraft. They can be carried in hand luggage and on your person.****
- - Emirates - All Emirates flights are non-smoking - this also includes the use of e-cigarettes. No e-cigarettes can be used on board Emirates flights. Devices may be packed into carry-on luggage.*****
There are many reasons for the introduction of the ban, which has in many cases been extended to vape and other electronic smoking devices. One of the reasons is related to the safety aspects associated with lighting up on an aircraft - and the potential risk of a fire. Given vapes and alternative e-cigarette devices do not produce smoke like cigarettes do, you might think they pose less of a fire risk and therefore less of a danger. Despite e-cigarettes typically producing vapour and not smoke, many aircraft smoke detectors are not able to distinguish between cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapour. Vaping in the toilets could potentially set off the detector - raising the alarm which must then be checked out by a flight attendant.
* https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/baggage-essentials/liquids-and-restrictions
** https://www.easyjet.com/en/help/baggage/restricted-and-unusual-items
*** https://www.qantas.com/gb/en/travel-info/baggage/dangerous-goods/personal-items-toiletries-and-medicinal-items.html#e-cigarettes-personal-vaping-devices
**** https://help.virginatlantic.com/eu/en/baggage/dangerous-items.html
***** https://www.emirates.com/uk/english/before-you-fly/travel/dangerous-goods-policy/
E-Cigarettes and Airport Security
Incidentally, for adult smokers and vapers wondering whether it is possible to carry your device onto a plane, the answer for many airlines is simple. While the specific rules for each airline and airport may vary, for many airlines there is a requirement for e-cigarettes to be packed in hand luggage and carried through airport security. Just like many laptops and mobile phones, some vape devices use lithium batteries which means they can become pressurized inside the hold. This can pose a potential fire hazard. When packing for a trip we suggest your vape is secure in your hand luggage and inside the original packaging. A vape will also need to be stored in accordance with any other requirements of airport security. If you want to take extra refills or e-liquids with you, it may be possible for these to travel separately in your checked baggage where permitted by the relevant airline, carrier, and airport security.
As vaping on planes is for the most part prohibited, be aware that in many airports you may be able use a device within the designated area at the airport before boarding.
Vaping in an Airport Lounge
As well as prohibiting the use of vapes on planes, the use of such devices may also be restricted in airports, too. You should check the rules of the relevant airport to ensure you vape only where permitted. Many international airports have a designated area for you to vape – you will need to find out where, so check with airport staff who can point you in the right direction. IQOS has its own smoke-free lounges in airports at various locations around the world, so you can drop in and enjoy the atmosphere pre-flight.
Travelling with a Vape
Store devices in the original packaging at room temperature.
Taking a Vape Abroad
Many countries have enforced some restrictions around vaping, such as where you cannot use a device, for example. There are also some countries that do not permit the use of vapes at all. We recommend you check where you are travelling to and familiarize yourself with the rules specific to that country before packing a vape device and e-liquids, in addition to the rules of the relevant airlines and carriers.
For adult smokers and vapers who have checked the rules of the country to which they’re travelling and are clear that vaping is permitted, refills or additional e-liquid may be needed. This may be the case for those travelling for a prolonged period of time. Many countries may not sell particular e-liquids, or the options abroad may not be compatible with your device. It may be possible to take replacement e-liquid on a plane, but you should check the amount you plan to take is in line with the specific requirements of the airline.
Typically, rules around the use of vapes will often extend to other forms of public transport and these will vary depending on where you are in the world. If you are unsure as to where you may vape, we recommend caution. Wait to use a device, rather than using a vape in an area where it may not be permitted.
With international rules and local regulations about vape devices and e-liquids changing all the time, the best way to make certain you are following the rules is to check the regulations of the country, or countries you are travelling to, before you leave.
IQOS Smoke-Free Alternatives
We have rounded up the smoke-free alternatives that don’t compromise on tobacco taste or satisfaction. Smoke-free alternatives usually produce less smell than cigarettes and no smoke. For one thing, a smoke-free alternatives, such as a heated tobacco product or an e-cigarette, is likely to cause significantly less irritation to those around you than smoking cigarettes. The best decision any smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. Smoke-free alternatives are not risk-free and contain nicotine, which is addictive. These products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.
IQOS devices are electronic and heat the tobacco instead of burning it. This means less harmful chemicals than cigarettes produce and no smoke at all. In fact, IQOS emits on average 95% lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes.** With HEETS (the tobacco sticks used with IQOS) you get a real tobacco taste in a variety of flavours. IQOS Turquoise and IQOS Mauve are just two flavours from the extensive range. Personalize the experience to your own taste, by choosing HEETS flavour that best suits your preferences. Find your IQOS device and discover HEETS on the online store.
Important information: It does not necessarily equal a 95% reduction in risk. IQOS is not risk-free.
*Reductions in levels of a range of harmful chemicals (excluding nicotine) compared to the smoke of a reference cigarette.
This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.