Whether you’re heading off on holiday, going on a business trip or visiting family abroad, if you’re flying, it’s a good idea to find out what you can and can’t take on a plane well ahead of time. The last thing you’ll want is to be at the airport, about to get on your flight and stressing out about what’s permitted on board.

If you use a vape, you probably won’t want to be without your device while you’re away. And if you’re going on a long flight, you might even be keen to use your vape during your journey. But is it actually legal to bring an e-cigarette on a plane? And can you vape on board your flight? In this blog, we answer these questions and more.

Can You Bring E-Cigarettes on A Plane?

Yes, e-cigarettes are allowed to be taken onto planes. However, they must not be put in the luggage that you check into the hold. Instead, if you want to take a vaping device on your trip, whether it’s a vape pen, vape mod or pod system, you must put it in your hand luggage or carry it on your person. The Aspire Gotek X is ideal due to its high functionality and its small size.

If you pack e-cigarettes in your hold baggage, you risk having them confiscated and you could even face a fine. These rules are put in place by the UK government. However, as laws can change at any time and each airline can apply additional restrictions, it’s worth double-checking the policy of the airline you’re travelling with ahead of schedule to find out whether you can take your device on the flight.

How To Pack an E-Cigarette for Air Travel

So we know that e-cigs are only permitted in carry-on luggage, but how exactly should you pack them?

Each airline has its own policy on how to pack e-cigarettes for travel so it’s important to get this information before you fly. For example, most airlines have restrictions on how many batteries you can carry on a plane so you need to check with the airline to find out the exact number you’re allowed to take with you. However, the following advice applies in most cases.

Your device should be switched off and it’s best to store it in a bag to protect it from damage. You might find that the air pressure in the cabin can make your device leak so you should empty out any e-liquids before flying.

Many airlines have size and weight restrictions when it comes to hand luggage so think small and lightweight when choosing which e-cig to take. The Voopoo Drag S Pro is an ideal vape for travel as it’s lighter than your average e-cigarette, rugged and still delivers the performance you want.

If you’re taking e-liquids with you, they must be sealed in a clear plastic bag as part of your hand luggage, and you can’t take more than 100ml per bottle.

Can You Use E-Cigarettes on Planes?

If you’re a heavy vape user, you probably won’t want to have to refrain from using your e-cigarette for too long, especially if you’re a nervous flyer or you’ve just quit smoking. Unfortunately for you, however, vaping on planes is banned by all UK airlines.

Don’t be tempted to sneak off to the bathroom for a quick vape to calm your nerves. If you do vape or attempt to vape during a flight, you may be issued a hefty fine, you could be banned from using the airline again in future and the plane may even need to make an emergency landing.

Remember, the rules around using e-cigarettes on planes are there for a reason. Firstly, using an e-cigarette on a plane can pose a fire hazard. As well as that, the vapour from your device could be mistaken for smoke, which could mean the safety of the plane would need to be investigated. Lastly, vaping on a plane can be seen as antisocial. While the health risks to bystanders are extremely low, planes are enclosed places where passengers often have to sit in close proximity to one another and some people may find it unpleasant or uncomfortable to have someone vaping nearby.

How To Handle a Flight Without Vaping?

So how do you handle a flight without vaping? If you struggle with a fear of flying, there are a number of things you can try to help calm your nerves. You might benefit from meditation, for example. You can download guided meditation apps to your phone to help get you started. Hypnotherapy can also be a good option for some people or you may be able to overcome your fear with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Doctors can also prescribe medication to help you to relax ahead of flying sometimes.

Worried about not getting your nicotine fix? If you’re taking a short flight, you may feel okay forgoing your vape for a little while, even if you’re a heavy user. However, if your flight is long and you struggle without nicotine, you may want to consider trying to reduce your usage ahead of your flight date. If you haven’t managed to do this, it’s a good idea to pack plenty of snacks and activities for your flight. Doing puzzles, watching films or TV shows, or reading a good book might help to take your mind off your vape. Sleeping can also help so why not take a comfy pillow and an eye mask and try to catch some z’s while you fly? If eating, sleeping and in-flight entertainment won’t cut it, you might consider using a nicotine replacement product, such as gum or patches, to help you get through your journey comfortably.

One final note before you jet off - it’s important to check the vaping laws in the country you’re going to before you travel. If you don’t follow the rules when you land, you risk getting into legal trouble, which we know is not how you want to start your trip.