What You Need To Know Before Traveling With E-Cigarettes
Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigs, have become a favorite method to quit smoking. Transitioning to e-cigs, you probably don’t need as much nicotine as if you were smoking tobacco.
That said, you probably still don’t want to be far from your e-cigarette, especially if you’re traveling somewhere. Whether you’re planning a holiday or going on a business trip, you may be having reservations about packing you vape with you.
This article shares everything you need to know when traveling with e-cigs or vape devices.
1. Research Your Destination
The first thing you need to do is research the country you’re visiting. Certain nations have restrictions, while others completely ban vaping. Some may have specific requirements.
Most countries of the world allow the use of vape devices. However, countries like Singapore and Laos completely ban vapes, and possessing one is considered a crime.
So, it’s best to check the laws and regulations of your destination when traveling with an e-cigarette. Failing to do so, you may end up being detained by officials or paying hefty fines.
2. Buying Vapes Refills And Juice Abroad
If you’re going to be staying in a specific country for a while, then you’ll probably need to buy refills and vape juice.
As mentioned previously, different countries have varying regulations on vape devices. While some countries may allow vape use, they may have different rules on vape juice and e-liquids.
For instance, while vaping is legal in Australia, you’ll need a nicotine prescription if you’re vaping nicotine-based juice. Japan, on the other hand, allows vaping zero-nicotine e-liquids only. Also, in some European countries, you may only be able to buy nicotine products from licensed tobacconist stores, also known as ‘tabacs.’
Now, if you’ve already checked that you’re traveling to a vape-friendly nation, finding vape juice is as easy as at home.
3. Carry-On or Checked
Airlines require passengers to bring their e-cigarettes and vaping devices in their carry-on bags. You should never pack any vape-related items in your checked bags for safety reasons.
This regulation primarily has to do with the fact that most e-cigarettes have lithium-ion batteries which may overheat and potentially catch fire if mishandled. Due to the change in air pressure at high altitudes, there’s a slight potential risk of taking any lithium-ion battery on a flight.
Always remove the battery from vape device. It’s also a good idea to bring a padded battery case to hold your vape batteries during the trip.
4. Bringing Your Vape Juice
But other than the vape device itself, airlines also have specific rules about traveling with liquids or gel products, including your vape juice and vape pods or tanks that contain e-liquid.
When carrying a bottle of vape juice in your carry-on, it should be 1oz. or smaller. Also, all liquid products in your carry-on should fit in a single zip-top bag, which you’ll present when going through the security checkpoint.
5. Vaping At The Airport
While waiting for your flight, you may be tempted to take a hit of your e-cigarette. However, during your travels, it’s best to assume that you can’t vape in any place where smoking isn’t allowed. This way, you won’t get in trouble for vaping. So, unless you’re in a designated smoking area, leave your vaping device in your bag.
Another important thing you need to keep in mind is that some airports don’t have smoking areas while others do have airside smoking areas. If you haven’t traveled in a while, you should know that most appointed smoking lounges have largely disappeared. Smoking areas today are more likely outdoors.
Also, airports may not advertise that they have smoking areas. If you can’t find a smoking area sign, you can always ask an employee for help.
6. Vaping On A Plane
No airlines allow smoking or vaping in flight. And you should never try to vape on a plane because you’ll almost certainly get caught and face significant legal issues.
If you think you’ll feel uncomfortable without nicotine, especially if you have a long flight, then it’s best to bring an alternative nicotine supplementation such as nicotine pouches or gums.
Take Away
We hope that this article has been informative and provided some answers to your questions when traveling with a vape.
Although vaping has become more commonplace than ever and is generally okay to bring with you on the plane, it’s always a good idea to do your homework as to the legalities and restrictions of your intended destination.
You don’t have to endure a few days without your vape when traveling abroad, but you need to consider several factors mentioned above to ensure a hassle-free flight and travel.