Summer is just around the corner, and you may soon be traveling to some sunny or remote location to relax and enjoy a break. Whether you fly off to sit on a warm beach, visit relatives in a distant port or take a tour of Europe, you don’t want to be without your vaporizer or electronic cigarette. You don’t have to leave it at home, just follow some simple rules to keep the friendly skies, well, friendly.
Neither the TSA or airlines have banned e-cigarettes or vaping devices from being carried on to flights, but there are some essential do’s and don’ts you will want to follow to avoid any problems.
– Don’t keep your vaping products in your checked luggage. In January, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a safety warning that e-cigarettes may cause fires in luggage compartments. The FAA said it has happened several times and gave two recent examples. Last August, a plane was evacuated at Boston’s Logan Airport when an e-cigarette sparked a fire in a passenger’s checked luggage. Again in January, a bag on an airplane in Los Angeles and caught fire while sitting in the baggage area. Firefighters said an overheated e-cigarette was the cause. The FAA advises that if vaping equipment is kept in the cabin, any problem can be addressed before it gets out of control. BONUS: If the airline loses your luggage, you will still have your vape device with you.
– Do carry your equipment in your carry-on bags and keep it handy. Have it in a convenient place such as the top of your bag or inside your laptop case. If a TSA agent does question it, you won’t have to dig through your clothes or personal items to show it to him. This avoids embarrassment or inconvenience for the TSA agent, yourself and your fellow travelers. Also disconnect your battery from the atomizer, so what you are handing the agent looks less like a small pipe bomb. Take it apart before you board. You can always reassemble it later.
– Don’t forget about the general rules that limit the amount of fluids that can be carried on planes. If you have a refillable tank, you will probably carry some e-liquid with you. Make sure it is 3.4 ounces or less and is in a plastic bag. (Follow the 3-1-1 rule.) Also, do not carry a full tank because liquids leak when they reach high altitudes. You may want to carry your e-juice separately from the rest of your vaporizer equipment.
– Do carry a self-addressed, stamped envelope with you just in case you can’t get your equipment through security. This makes it easy to stash it in an envelope and mail it back to your home. Now that’s smart!
– Don’t vape on the plane without asking. Most major airlines place vaping in the same category as smoking and apply their rules accordingly. Other smaller airlines allow it. Your best course of action is to ask about their policies before getting your vape on. If it’s okay with the airline, politely ask those around you and answer any questions. They may vape too and want to join the vape party!
– Do enjoy your vacation. As vaping becomes more common, TSA agents, fellow passengers and airline staff are more aware of vaping equipment. You are less likely to be asked to explain or show your vaporizing kit.
Follow these tips for a hassle free flight and keep your trip vapor filled and crisis free. Happy Vaping!
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