If you are planning to take a business trip abroad or head out on holiday, it is important that you check the e-cig policy of your airline beforehand. It is also advisable to check the e-cigarette and vaping policy of the country you are travelling to.
Vaping in prohibited areas could quickly land you into legal problems. While foreign rules and regulations can be confusing, this guide puts together an informative guide of what you need to do and how to vape safely.
Your Checklist
Before departing, there are a few things you will need to take with you, including:
- E-cig
- Batteries if needed
- Storage case
- Pods/e-liquid
- Battery case to protect your batteries
- International plug adapter
- Battery charger
Vaping Policy
In most airport terminals, vaping has been banned. However, in some, you may find a dedicated area for that purpose. It is, therefore, advisable that you review the smoking policy of the airports you will be jetting through, and the available amenities.
In the UK for instance, travellers are forbidden from vaping in the Edinburgh and Glasgow terminals, while the same is permissible by the gate while departing from Heathrow. Heathrow has a vaping lounge. In other parts of the world, like Munich, you will find designated areas for vaping. While there are those that permit vaping, foreign airports tend to have different rules, so be sure to check with a member of staff as soon as you land.
Things to Factor in Before Traveling
- Buy e-liquid: It may not be possible to find e-liquid abroad. Also, not all countries have high standards of liquid testing. Buy your supplies from a reputable supplier.
- Pack what you need: Avoid packing too many cartridges, battery packs and chargers if you are traveling for a short period.
- Disconnect your batteries from the cartridges or atomisers: This is to ensure that your e-cig does not turn on accidentally or exhaustyour battery life.
At the airport, expect to pass your e-cigarette devices through security. They must not be packed in the hold luggage, given that they could overheat and trigger fire breakouts by accident. This is because they use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery which is loaded with a liquid that is flammable.
As long as your device is stored correctly, you will be allowed to board with it in most airlines. Note, you may be required to prove that your device is active. In that case, be sure to pre-charge your batteries or e-cig.
Note; should you be caught vaping in the plane, you could be subject to severe legal penalties. Do not try being clever – the onboard toilets of airlines have detectors to nab those sneaking around.
The Storage of your Vape
E-liquid must not be exposed to heat, air or light. If you go sunbathing with it and expose it to direct light, its molecules could interact with each other and change the flavour.
Store your e-liquid in a dark place and under cool temperature. This will ensure that the nicotine inside will not be affected.
How you should Pack
Pack your e-cigarette in your hand luggage. Should you decide to carry along refills, it is advisable that you pack them in a sealable container or a plastic bag. This is because they can be affected by the air pressure within the cabin, which could in turn lead to vape tanks leakage. Your e-cig is best packed in a vape carry case. A vape carry case allows you to have everything in one place, including batteries, liquids and your vape accessories.
Vaping and the Law
Before taking on your journey, research on the legal status of e-cigs in the country you are traveling to. While in some countries you will find a green light, in others, it is banned outright. Do not bother carrying your e-cig in the following countries:
- Austria
- Argentina
- Brunei
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Cambodia
- India
- Egypt
- Indonesia
- Lebanon
- Jordan
- Mexico
- Oman
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Panama
- Taiwan
- Singapore
- Tajikistan
- Turkey
- Thailand
- Uruguay
- UAE
- Vietnam
- Venezuela
Among the places that have not placed e-cigarette device restrictions include Lithuania, New York, Mexico City and San Francisco. In some countries like china, the sale of e-liquids is prohibited.
If you are making your travel plans, follow this guide to avoid penalties and possible jail time.
Sources:
https://www.gatwick-airport-guide.co.uk/e-cigarettes.html
https://blogs.findlaw.com/blotter/2016/12/whats-the-penalty-for-using-an-e-cigarette-on-a-plane.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6018193/
