Where Can I Vape?
The use of e-cigs in airports is, for the most part, similar to the limitations of smoking. While Heathrow Airport briefly permitted vaping inside terminals, it's since banned e-cigs to designated smoking areas. If you want to vape prior to your flight, you'll need to head outdoors to the specific (and sadly smoke-filled) area. For a quick vape before checking in and going through security, give yourself plenty time and bear in mind that the designated smoking area may require a bit of a walk. Factor this into your time, so you don't miss your flight. This UK airport guide gives more detail, but bear in mind regulations may have changed since its 2017 date.
What About Luggage?
If you're travelling to a country that permits vaping (if you're not or are unsure, keep reading), you need to be careful how you pack your gear for the flight. Rules are largely in place due to the plane's pressurised environment. Airlines are less worried about the device itself (or the liquids). Their biggest concern is the batteries- for more info on battery safety, check out this post. Since most mods have everything pieced together though, here are the rules you need to follow.
Batteries- these must go in carry-on luggage, never in checked luggage. Some airlines limit battery number to two, and the batteries themselves must be in perfect condition.
Mods, RDAs, and tanks- This will vary between airlines, but most insist that alongside batteries, your mods, RDAs, and tanks must go in carry-on luggage. They'll want battery packs removed and it's likely they'll want evidence of a well-protected vape. Clearomisers also have the potential to leak in-flight, so best empty them before take-off.
Liquids- The modern traveller is already used to the 100ml carry-on limit. Putting 100ml max liquids into clear plastic bags is also applicable to e-liquid bottles. How you choose to do it is your call, but remember this: whether in carry-on or checked luggage, the containers must be well-sealed to avoid leakage. As altitude rises, the change in pressure can increase the chance of liquids leaking. You're free to pack your stash into your checked luggage, but much like perfume, aftershave or shampoo, make sure it's leak-proof. Avoid glass bottles as these can break, and for carry-on, make sure you're not exceeding the maximum 100ml limit.
Does My Destination Affect My Packing?
Yes. Vaping Brits have made headlines after landing themselves in deep water on account of travelling to countries where vaping is either restricted, or flat-out banned. This article shows you what you could face if you take your vape to Thailand. Alongside hotspots like Dubai, Turkey, and Egypt, e-cigs are illegal to use in some countries. It gets a bit complicated, as laws can vary from sales of the devices to possession of them, and it gets even hairier in countries that have laws on nicotine strength. There are also age restrictions (such as no vaping under the age of 19 in Canada), and location limits (like Australia, where it's a yes for most states, but a no for nicotine e-liquids in Queensland).
Penalties can range from fines to imprisonment. Yes, prison. Since we don't know where you're going, and if you're an avid vaper, where you can vape might be deal-breaker, here's a handy map that covers the basics. Best advice? Research before you go, as laws are constantly changing. Check out the country's official government websites (or UK government travel advice- links below) and make sure you're aware of the law. If you insist on being ignorant, prepare to have your kit seized at the airport- should you be in a country with a ban. Keep reading for the section on Vaping While On Holiday.
Can I Vape During The Flight?
No. A million times, no. The use of e-cigs on planes is strictly prohibited. Laws are in place for your own safety. Some stem from concerns over batteries, while others are just bearing in mind that the use of certain electronic devices can pose a safety risk during flights. That's a no to sneaky vaping in the toilets- smoke detectors on planes are advanced- they'll pick up on your clouds, and you will get caught. You're also not allowed to charge your device during the flight. If you want to vape as soon as possible on the other side, make sure your batteries are fully charged prior to the journey. If you need some form of nicotine between the UK airport and your arrival, you'll need to find another way. Nicotine gum and patches are still available. If you need them, use them.
