Traveling can be stressful at times and if you’re not sure how your e-cigarette fits in with your plans, then now is the time to get clued up – starting your holiday on the wrong side of the law is not a great start.

When it comes to vaping in foreign countries, it's best to do some additional research if you are concerned. Some punishments can be as simple as a slap on the wrist, with others, worst-case scenario, you could find yourself behind bars.

Let's take a step back and, let’s take a look at actually getting to your end destination.

Can I take a vape or e-cig through airport security?

Every airline and airport has different rules, most allow and encourage you to pack your e-cigarette or vape in your hand luggage. This is due to carrying products with a lithium-ion battery as they may face problems if stored in carry-on luggage.

E-liquids are a different story as you can store these either in your carry-on or check-in luggage. However, ensure that any liquids are within the carry-on ml limit before packing your bags.

The best bet is to check with the airline you’re flying with to ensure you’re not:

a) breaking any rules, and

b) at risk of getting it confiscated.

Can you vape in or around the airport?

Firstly, NEVER use a disposable vape or e-cig inside a general area or terminal within any airport. Using disposable vapes or e-cigs is banned across all NZ airports and around the world.

Most airports have designated smoking and vaping areas outside the building. If you need to get your fix before boarding your flight, check where these areas are in the airport you are flying out of.

Airports will likely have these areas clearly signed posted around and let you know what their stance is.

If you’re transferring flights to a country where vaping is illegal, you shouldn’t have a problem carrying your device in your hand luggage.

Their rules might be different if the airport is your final destination though. If e-cigs or disposable vapes don’t comply with your arrival airport’s regulations, you could be forced to hand them over to airport security.

Again, to avoid any extra stress, do some research and see if this is likely to happen before you fly.

Can I take my disposable vape or e-cig on the plane?

Most airlines will let you take a disposable vape or e-cig on the plane in your hand luggage. If your device clears airport security, then there’s no reason it should not be allowed on the plane between security and boarding.

However - for chargeable e-cigarettes, although you aren’t using them, you’re NOT allowed to charge your e-cig during flights. Most airlines see them as a fire risk so make sure they are fully charged before boarding your flight.

Can I use my e-cig or disposable vape during the flight?

This is another area that will vary depending on the airline you’re flying with, but it’s typically a no.

In most cases, smoking anything, either cigarettes or vaping devices is not permitted when flying on a plane. This may differ between airlines so best to listen to the pre-flight instructions or ask a flight attendant when on board.

Just because your airline lets you carry your disposable vape or e-cig onto the aircraft, using it on the flight is a very different story.

Breaking the rules

You wouldn't be the first person to consider rebelling against airline rules and trying to sneak in a quick vape in the toilets, under your seat, or if you think you can sneak it past a flight attendant. But it absolutely isn’t something worth thinking about.

Vaping devices may trigger the aircraft’s fire alarms and, for your safety, they’re extremely sensitive. You’ll most likely either face an expensive fine, legal action, or potentially be banned from the airline.

Any disruptive behavior like this may lead to the involvement of law enforcement upon landing. This would not be a great start to your holiday.

Vaping while you’re abroad

Not everywhere in the world has the same stance on vaping as it is in NZ. So, to avoid landing yourself in hot water while you’re away, make sure you’re familiar with your end destination’s vaping and e-cigarette rules.

Generally speaking, NZ is pretty lenient when it comes to vaping – there are a handful of exceptions though. If you’re traveling outside of NZ it’s vital to do some pre-travel research. In some countries using disposable vape and e-cig devices comes with more severe punishments than others.

Countries where vaping is currently legal (bear in mind all of these countries have their own unique restrictions on vaping that it is worth learning before you travel):

• Albania

• Armenia

• Austria

• Belgium

• Bosnia & Herzegovina

• Bulgaria

• Canada

• China

• Costa Rica

• Croatia

• Cyprus

• Czech Republic

• Denmark

• Dubai (UAE)

• El Salvador

• Egypt

• Estonia

• Finland

• France

• Germany

• Gibralter

• Greece

• Honduras

• Hungary

• India

• Ireland

• Israel

• Italy

• Japan

• Latvia

• Maldives

• Malta

• Morocco

• Netherlands

• New Zealand

• Norway

• Paraguay

• Peru

• Poland

• Portugal

• Romania

• Russia

• Slovenia

• South Africa

• South Korea

• Spain

• Sweden

• Switzerland

• Turkey

• UK

• Ukraine

Countries where vaping is currently banned (not all of these places have severe punishments for vapers, but some do):

• Antigua and Barbuda

• Argentina

• Australia (unless you have a prescription)

• Bhutan

• Brazil

• Brunei

• Cambodia

• Colombia

• Ethiopia

• Gambia

• India

• Iran

• Japan (vaping non-nicotine e-liquid is legal)

• N. Korea

• Kuwait

• Laos

• Lebanon

• Mauritius

• Mexico

• Nepal

• Nicaragua

• Oman

• Palestine

• Panama

• Qatar

• Seychelles

• Singapore

• Sri Lanka

• Suriname

• Syria

• Thailand

• Timor-Leste

• Turkmenistan

• Uganda

• Uruguay

• Vatican City

• Venezuela

The rules and regulations around vaping are constantly evolving around the world, so make sure you check before flying.

We absolutely don’t advocate breaking the rules. If you decide to ignore these sanctions on your vacation, you need to know the potential of the risks.

In terms of punishment, some countries will likely confiscate your device, some will hand out a fine, and some will even send you to prison. Ultimately, we’re sure you want to avoid all of the above.

Can you use your disposable vape or e-cig in the hotel?

We understand you've probably heard this before, but this is another aspect that varies based on where you are staying. Certain hotels may be completely fine with vaping anywhere on their premises, while others may strictly prohibit it.

Before indulging in a vape session while relaxing in your room, it's advisable to confirm with the reception whether such activity is permitted.

Can vaping set off fire alarms in a hotel?

It is possible, but unlikely. It really depends on the type of smoke detectors installed in the hotel room. 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 smaller smoke detectors, the smallest travel of vapor could be enough to trigger it, and, if it did, you might be charged a fine from the hotel.

Tips before you travel

To avoid any hassles when abroad, here are a few pre-travel preparation tips to help you out:

1. Buy e-liquid before you travel

Firstly, buying e-liquids or disposable vapes might not be possible 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 NZ, so to be certain you’re getting a high-quality product, it’d be best to find a trustworthy retailer before you go.

2. Prepare yourself for different attitudes

Even if the country you’re going to doesn’t have harsh restrictions or ban the use of e-cigs and vaping devices, 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 have already covered, using e-cigs may be banned in airport terminals and during flights. To make things easier at security, make sure your device doesn't accidentally go off in your bag. Also, save your battery by unplugging it from your atomizer/cartridge before you hit up the check-in desk.

4. Only pack what you need

Keep it simple and pack wisely. Traveling with extra cartridges, chargers, battery packs, or extra disposables might raise alarm bells when going through security, so save yourself the stress by packing only what you’ll need.

5. If in doubt, contact your airline

If you’re flying with an airline you’re not familiar with and you’re not sure about their policies around e-cigs and disposable vapes, save yourself the stress by calling before your departure day.

6. Empty your clearomiser

Sometimes the change in pressure can cause clearomisers to leak. It might be worth emptying it before you fly to avoid arriving at your destination with a mess.

7. Keep your e-liquid sun-safe

It's best to avoid leaving any e-liquid in the sun as the combination of heat, light and air is not going to do any favours. The mixture of heat and UV light might mess with the molecules in your liquid and ruin the flavor. If possible, store your e-liquid in a cool spot, like your hotel room, or at least keep it in the shade to avoid direct sunlight.

If you’re heading off on your holidays soon, we hope that you have an amazing trip!