A significant part of a vaper’s traveling plan involves whether they can carry their vape, and if yes, how. That is because traveling authorities have strict guidelines and policies regarding vaping and smoking. So it is normal to worry about it – will TSA take my vape out of my carry-on?
The TSA will not take your vape out of your carry-on. That said, you cannot put it in your checked baggage because of safety issues concerning lithium-ion batteries. It would be best if you had your vape with you all the time.
There is more to understand the vaping rules and regulations of the TSA. Learn all about them in this article.
What Does The TSA Do?
The TSA, or the Transportation Security Administration, is the organization entrusted with ensuring people’s protection when they travel on a plane. The government agency has the obligation to screen passengers and their baggage at USA airports. It has a robust workforce of screening officers, bomb technicians, explosive detection dogs, etc.
So, you understand the gravity of the duty of the TSA. When it comes to air travel, the organization has certain rules specifying what a passenger is and is not allowed to have on an airplane, which includes their vape.
When packing your bags, check out the rules and understand their implications properly. If you are unsure about something, ask the agents of the TSA to have it clarified.
Will The TSA Take My Vape Out Of My Carry-On?
The TSA has made it clear that it will not allow electronic smoking and vaping devices in checked baggage. If passengers want to take it with them, they must have it in their carry-on.
The justification for this is that most vape devices run on lithium-ion batteries. Now, the deal with these batteries is that they can overheat and lead to thermal runaway, resulting in a fire hazard. Since vape devices are equipped with rechargeable and high-powered batteries, the TSA is particularly strict about its regulation.
But that does not end here. When you proceed to screening, the agency may or may not take out your vape. It will depend on the circumstances. For example, if there have been recent safety hazards, they might be extra cautious about it and want to look into it further upon detecting your vape.
Additionally, a large-sized vaping device could get their attention and call for a separate screening. You might be asked to take it out and put it in a jar for an X-ray screening. And that will be all there is to it. They will not damage or confiscate the device.
The only thing to remember is that you must not keep your vaping device in your luggage. You are good to go as long as you have it in your carry-on.
What Are The Rules Of The TSA Regarding Vaping?
The TSA has the following rules regarding vaping devices when you fly within the USA.
- You must transport batteries in your carry-on. You are not permitted to keep them in your checked luggage at any cost.
- The usual recommendation is to put the vape pen in the carry-on. However, you might keep it in your luggage only if you remove the battery first.
- You must put the vape juice in a 100 ml jar and use a quart-sized pack to keep it.
Note that if you do not comply with the rules, the airline authority and the TSA can charge you fines or even confiscate your vaping stuff. It could even cause anxiety, delays, and missed flights. So, always go through the latest rules and policies beforehand to prevent unwanted consequences at the airport.
What Are The International Laws About Vaping?
When going for international flights, you should research the vaping laws in your landing place. Do it even if you have gone there before or if it is a new place because vaping laws change over time and vary from one country to another. You can follow the steps below.
- Check the vape laws in your destination before the trip. Use sources like government websites, travel forums, and vape-related guidelines to find the latest rules and regulations.
- Have the documents printed out and take them with you. It will help if you get questioned by customs officers and airport authorities.
- See whether products, i.e., e-liquids and nicotine pods, are allowed and pack accordingly.
- When uncertain about something, be on the safe side by limiting quantities and being discreet about vaping. Do not vape in public areas, and look for designated smoking zones to do it.
Now, have a look at some countries’ vaping laws.
- The provincial laws in Canada are becoming increasingly focused on banning vape sales and flavors.
- China has prohibited flavored e-cigarettes. So, check the country’s carry-on instructions carefully.
- Do not take vape with you if your destination is Mexico. Its laws banned vape sales and imports for locals and travelers alike.
- Japan allows vaping if it is nicotine-free. But nicotine e-liquids are strictly prohibited.
- Australia has recently imposed a ban on all types of vaping.
- Vaping has been made illegal in Thailand. Getting caught can cost you fines and even imprisonment.
How Do You Maintain Your Vape When Traveling?
- A proper storage method is vital to maintain the sustainability of your vaping device. Keep it in a dry and cool place.
- Avoid extremely high and low temperatures. In this case, room temperature is the best.
- Direct sunlight should also be avoided. Do not forget to leave the device inside a vehicle, as this can lead to overheating or overcooling.
- Overcharging can potentially degrade the battery life. Disconnect the device after it is 100% charged.
- Do not use the charger of a different device. Use the right one and abide by the manufacturer’s charging instructions. It will optimize the safety and functioning of your vape pen.
- Proper maintenance and careful usage can give you as many as 10k puffs from your vape pen. If you are traveling and have a long vacation ahead, calculate your time and usage to make sure it will last your holidays.
How Do You Bring E-Liquid On An Airplane?
Airlines have particular policies about bringing gels and liquids on airplanes if passengers have them in their carry-on. This is similar to the TSA guideline I mentioned above. Here, I will give you more details for your convenience.
- The restrictions include any gel or liquid. Therefore, if you have vape tanks and pods filled with e-liquid or want to carry vape juice with you, it will fall under those restrictions.
- To bring a jar of e-liquid in a carry-on bag, you must choose a one-ounce or 30 ml bottle or something smaller than that. Note that while the TSA allows as large as a 100 ml jar, the airlines do not. Again, when checking the TSA’s guidelines, check out your respective airline’s policies, too, to make sure everything is clear.
- All liquid products in your carry-on must be packed in a ziploc quart-sized bag. As you approach the security checkpoint, remove the ziploc bag from the carry-on to let to go for an individual screening.
Since the restrictions also apply to toiletries, you may run out of space for your vape juice after filling your ziploc bag with the other items. In that case, remember that these restrictions are only applicable to the liquids in a carry-on.
If you want to bring extra e-liquid, you can put it in your luggage without fear of restrictions. Simply pack it in a plastic bag to prevent leaks before placing it inside.
Can You Vape On An Airplane And At The Airport?
No airline companies allow vaping on an airplane. Never even try to do it because the chances of getting caught and facing serious legal issues are alarmingly high. If the flight is long and you are worried about your cravings, consider alternatives, i.e., nicotine pouches and gums.
As for vaping at the airport, you can do it only if it has a designated area for smoking. Some have smoking zones outside airport terminals. When some do offer airside smoking zones, they do not have any signs to help you identify them. It is better to be prepared with nicotine replacements to handle such situations.
Final Words
So, will TSA take my vape out of my carry-on? In short, no. As long as you keep it in your carry-on, you are safe. The organization has other rules for vape juice and batteries, and you are to comply with them as well.
However, learning about the TSA’s vaping policies is only one of the multiple things you need when planning your trips. You should check out your airline’s vaping rules as well as that of your destination. That is because it may happen that the TSA and airline are allowing your vape device, but your destination country bans it.
So, it is wise to gather all the relevant information from reliable sources to avoid unexpected scenarios.
