Can you bring a vape on the flight?

Why you can't use a vape on an airplane

The first country to introduce a ban on smoking on domestic flights was Australia back in 1987, but it wasn't until much later that the smoking ban began to apply to flights worldwide. By 2000, it was extremely rare for adults to light cigarettes on airplanes.

There are many reasons why smoking bans were introduced, which have been extended to include vapes and other electronic tobacco devices. One reason is the safety aspects associated with smoking on an airplane - and the potential fire risk. Since vapes and other e-cigarettes do not produce smoke like cigarettes do, one might think they pose a lower fire risk and therefore a lesser danger. Although e-cigarettes usually produce vapor and not smoke, airplane smoke detectors cannot distinguish between cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor. Vaping in the toilets could potentially be detected by the detector - triggering the alarm, which must then be checked by a flight attendant.

Flying with a vape

Most major and well-known airlines have clear rules stating that you cannot use a vape on an airplane. You must follow these rules, so the best thing is to keep your device in your carry-on luggage. Airlines have their own policies on traveling with e-cigarettes, and although the wording varies slightly, the message is often the same. Here's what some of them say:

• British Airways - Electronic cigarettes can be brought in carry-on luggage but must not be used onboard.*

• Easyjet - All electronic cigarettes and a maximum of two spare batteries may be carried in carry-on luggage or on your person.**

• Qantas Airlines - The use and charging of all e-cigarettes and other personal vaporizers are not allowed onboard an airplane. They must be carried in carry-on luggage.***

• Virgin Atlantic - Electronic cigarettes must not be used onboard the airplane. They can be carried in carry-on luggage or on your person.****

• Emirates - All Emirates flights are smoke-free - this includes the use of e-cigarettes. No e-cigarettes may be used onboard Emirates flights. Devices can be packed in carry-on luggage.*****

Just like many laptops and mobile phones, some vape devices use lithium batteries, which means they can be subjected to pressure inside the cargo hold. This can pose a potential fire risk. When packing for a trip, you can safely keep your vape in your carry-on luggage and in its original packaging. A vape must also be stored in accordance with any other airport security requirements, so check what applies with the airline you are traveling with. If you want to bring extra refills or e-liquids, it may be possible for these to be packed separately in your checked baggage if allowed by the relevant airline and airport security.

Vaping in an airport lounge

In addition to being prohibited from using vapes on airplanes, the use of such devices may also be restricted at airports. You should check the rules at the relevant airport to ensure you only use your vape where it is allowed. Many international airports have a designated area where you can smoke, known as a smoking lounge.

IQOS has its own smoke-free lounges at airports in various locations around the world.

Bringing a vape abroad

Many countries have introduced certain restrictions on vaping. Therefore, we recommend that you check the specific rules that apply to the country you are traveling to before packing a vape device and e-liquids, in addition to the rules for the relevant airlines. Also, check what applies if you want to bring extra e-liquid so that you stay within the airline's requirements for liquids.

If you are unsure where you can use e-cigarettes, we recommend that you exercise caution. Read more about where you can use e-cigarettes and heated tobacco devices by following the link: https://se.iqos.com/en/is-vaping-in-public-place-legal

IQOS smoke-free alternatives

The rules for vaping on airplanes also apply to IQOS, which is a smoke-free alternative to cigarettes.

IQOS devices are electronic and heat the tobacco instead of burning it, resulting in less odor and no smoke. Find your IQOS device..

The best decision a smoker can make is to quit using tobacco and nicotine altogether. Smoke-free alternatives are not risk-free and contain nicotine, which is addictive. These products are not alternatives to quitting smoking and are not designed as smoking cessation aids.

*https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/baggage-essentials/liquids-and-restrictions

** https://www.easyjet.com/en/help/baggage/restricted-and-unusual-items

**** https://help.virginatlantic.com/eu/en/baggage/dangerous-items.html

***** https://www.emirates.com/uk/english/before-you-fly/travel/dangerous-goods-policy/