Travelling and Vaping

Wondering whether to pack your e-cig in your hand luggage, hold luggage, or even at all? If you’ve got a getaway on the horizon and you’re not sure how your e-cig fits in with your plans, then now is the time to get clued up – after all, no-one wants to start their holiday on the wrong side of the law.

Disposable vapes are now banned in over 30 countries including Mexico, India and Thailand so it's worth knowing the rules before you go.

When it comes to vaping in the wrong places in foreign countries, there isn’t really a blanket punishment. While some might just give you a slap on the wrist, with others, worst case, you could find yourself behind bars.

But first, let’s take a look at actually getting to your end destination.

Getting through airport security

E-cigarettes can only be taken on a plane in hand luggage and will need to go through airport security. Vapes are strictly prohibited in checked baggage so you can't pack your vape in your suitcase and have it stowed in the hold.

When it comes to taking e-liquids on a plane, it's standard security procedure that all liquids must be 100ml or less. The good news is all our blu vape e-liquid bottles are 10ml, while our blu 2.0 liquidpods are 1.9ml each, meaning these should be fine to take in hand luggage.

Since airline rules and regulations are often changing, it’s probably a good idea to check with your airline before you pack to make sure you’re not a) breaking any rules, and b) at risk of getting it confiscated. E-cigs, vape pens, or similar devices are a big no-no in your hold luggage – whichever airline you’re with. This is a worldwide ban and exists because they pose a fire risk.

E-cigs at the airport

Using e-cigs is banned at many UK airports, which means you won’t be able to use your vape anywhere within their terminals. If you need to get your fix before you board, you’ll have to use the designated smoking and vaping areas outside the building.

Most airports will have clearly-signed posters around the place letting you know what their stance is, but if you want to get an idea before you go, you can find out what most of the major airports do and don’t here . And if in doubt, check at your departing airport’s information desk.

If you’re changing flights in a country where vaping is illegal, you shouldn’t have a problem carrying your device in your hand luggage. To be safe though, there’s no harm in checking with your airline ahead of time.

The rules might be different if the airport is your final destination though. If e-cigs don’t comply with your arrival airport’s regulations, you could be forced to hand it over. To avoid any nasty surprises, do some digging and see if this is likely to happen before you fly.

Can I take my e-cig on the plane?

Generally, most airlines will let you take your e-cig on the plane in your hand luggage. If your device has cleared security, then there’s no reason it should be disallowed on the plane between security and boarding.

It’s worth noting, although you still aren’t using it, you’re not allowed to charge your e-cig during flights either.

Can I use my e-cig during the flight?

This is another area that will vary depending on the airline you’re flying with, but it’s typically a no. Even if the airline lets you carry your e-cig onto the aircraft in your hand luggage, turning it on and using it is a different story.

If the airline isn’t clear when it comes to their policy around using e-cigs in-flight, it’s always safer to assume it’s not allowed and then ask.

Breaking the rules

This absolutely isn't something worth even contemplating. Firstly, vaping on an aircraft is likely to trigger the aircraft's fire alarms - for your safety, they are extremely sensitive. Secondly, you’ll probably find yourself facing a fine and in trouble with the airline.

E-cigs abroad

While e-cigs are very much mainstream in the UK, not everywhere in the world has the same stance. So, to avoid landing yourself in hot water while you’re away, make sure you’re familiar with your end destination’s e-cig rules.

Generally speaking, Europe is pretty lenient when it comes to vaping – there are a handful of exceptions though. If you’re holidaying outside of Europe it’s even more important to do some pre-travel research. E-cigs aren’t as pronounced around the globe, and some countries come with more severe punishments than others.

The laws around vaping are constantly evolving around the world, so make a point of getting up-to-speed with rule and regulation changes before each trip. It’s equally important to be aware of the visiting country’s sanctions.

If you break the rules, your device could be confiscated, you may be faced with a fine, or you could be sent to prison. Ultimately, we're sure you'll want to avoid all of the above.

Using your e-cig in the hotel

We’re sure you’re sick of hearing this by now, but this is yet another element that will differ depending on where you’re staying. Some hotels will have absolutely no problem with you vaping anywhere within the premises, whereas others will veto it completely.

Can you vape in hotel rooms? If you’re planning on puffing your e-cig while you’re lounging around your room, it’s probably best to check if you’re allowed at reception first.

Will vaping set off hotel fire alarms?

Vaping can set off fire alarms in some hotels. It all depends on the type of detectors the hotel’s got installed. It’s a pretty common misconception that, because vaping doesn’t produce smoke, it won’t trigger fire alarms. But that’s not necessarily the case.

For some smoke detectors, the small traces of vapour could be enough to get the bells ringing, and, if it does, you could be slapped with a fine for the inconvenience.

Tips before you travel

To avoid any unpleasant surprises, here are a few pre-travel preparation tips to help you out:

1. Buy e-liquid before you travel
It’s better to be safe than sorry. For starters, you might not be able to buy e-liquid while you’re abroad (find out where you can buy blu here) rendering your device redundant if you run out. Also, not all countries have the same rigorous rules as we do in the UK, so to be certain you’re getting a high-quality product, it might be better to buy it from a reputable producer before you go.

2. Prepare yourself for different attitudes
Even if the country you’re going to doesn’t restrict or ban the use of e-cigs, they might not be as accepting of it. That doesn’t mean you have to stop using it, but just be prepared to potentially face a few more funny looks than you normally would.

3. Disconnect your batteries
As we’ve already covered, the use of e-cigs is banned in airport terminals and during flights. To aid a smoother security process, ensure your device doesn’t accidentally activate in your bag, and preserve your charge, disconnect your battery from your atomiser/cartridge before you head to the check-in desk.

4. Only pack what you need
Try to pack smartly. Excess cartridges, chargers and battery packs might arouse suspicion as you’re passing through security, so save yourself the hassle by only packing what you’ll need.

5. Don’t be afraid to contact your airline
If you’re flying with a new airline and you’re not sure of their policies around e-cigs, put your mind at ease by giving them a call before your departure day.

6. Empty your clearomiser
If your device has a clearomiser it might be worth emptying it out before you fly. This is because sometimes the change in pressure can cause them to leak.

7. Keep your e-liquid sun-safe
Try not to leave your e-liquid lying in the sun - the combination of heat, light, and air don’t do it any favours. Together, the heat and UV light could potentially cause the molecules in the liquid to interact with each other and meddle with the flavour. If you can, leave your e-liquid in a cooler environment – like the hotel room, or at the very least shelter it in the shade away from direct sunlight.

If you’re heading off on your holidays soon, we hope that you have an amazing trip! For more information on where you can and can’t vape, check out our blog.

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About the Author
Kate is a widely published lifestyle writer and blu expert who has been creating digital content for over 20 years. She likes to keep up to date with the latest vaping news and technology to offer you all the best insights from the team at blu.