If you’re a keen vaper and are travelling abroad this summer, you will have to bear in mind how you’re going to handle your favourite pastime while on the move. If you’re travelling with vape gear in tow, you’ll need to know about the places where you can and can’t vape, the safest storage methods and whether or not you can use your e-cigs while in transit. This basic guide to vaping while travelling tells you what you need to know.
Most airports do not permit vaping indoors, and while some provide vaping areas in their terminals, these are few and far between. Should you wish to vape before your flight, you will need to go outside the airport into one of the designated smoking areas if that is permitted. Usually, this means that in most cases you will have to get your fix before you go through security. You should therefore bear this in mind when you plan your arrival time as you will need to give yourself a few extra minutes.
You should keep your vape kit inside your carry-on baggage for peace of mind and for security reasons. You should certainly take your batteries in your hand baggage. No batteries are allowed to be packed inside your hold luggage. While you may be allowed to pack your tanks, mods or RDAs in your hold luggage, it’s a better idea to put them in your carry-on items since the majority of airlines demand that you do this. Even if your chosen airline doesn’t, it’s still the safest way to transport your equipment. It will also reduce the chances of breakages since you can keep an eye on your bags all the time and take extra care. Remove the battery and ensure that the kit has been well protected during transit.
Conversely, e-juices should be put in your hold suitcases since you can then take a greater supply. If possible, take e-liquids that are in plastic bottles rather than glass to avoid breakages and wrap them up well. You could even seal them inside a plastic ziploc bag too just in case there is an accidental spillage while en route. If you put any e-juice in your hand baggage, remember that you will need to put it into a clear plastic bag and that the amount cannot exceed 100 mls.
Vaping is usually prohibited on aeroplanes so you should not expect to be allowed to vape in-flight. While transiting some airspaces, vaping is actually illegal, and you could receive a penalty or a fine for indulging. Even if you’re desperate for a vape, don’t be tempted to vape in the toilets as you won’t get away with it! Instead, use a nicotine patch, spray or gum to help to tide you over while in the air. Even if the airline sells e-cigs on the aeroplane, you are still not permitted to vape during your flight.
Depending on where you are taking your holiday, you may discover that even if you were permitted to vape at the airport and during your flight, you cannot vape once you have arrived at your final destination. In some countries, vaping is even an illegal activity, so you need to do your research before you travel. In many countries, especially in the majority of European destinations, you are allowed to carry and use your vape kit in any designated public space, however in some places you will only be permitted to vape nicotine-free products. Whereas some countries have banned the use of e-cigs, some countries still sell and use them despite the law stating otherwise, and this makes matters especially confusing. To be best prepared for your trip, always research the e-cig rules for your holiday destination before setting off with your vaping equipment, and also check the policies for your airport and airline as well.