For some people, vapes have become a way of life. A kind of adult pacifier that they can’t be without. Thanks to their subtlety, portability, and relative lack of evidential use, there are few places where you can’t get away with having a cheeky puff. One of the places you definitely can’t, however, is on a plane.
Although there have been widespread reports of people vaping on planes, it’s probably one of the most obnoxious things you could do. Besides that, it’s also against the rules and could set off the plane’s smoke detectors. This could potentially force the plane to land, costing you thousands of dollars in fines and a mountain of embarrassment from your pissed-off fellow passengers. Just don’t do it.
Now we’ve got that cleared up, you’ll be pleased to hear if you are someone who vapes, that you can bring a vape on a plane as long as you don’t use it.
Doing so is a relatively straightforward process, but there are a number of caveats and things to be aware of if you’re planning to.
So, here’s everything you need to know about bringing a vape on a plane in Australia.
Can You Take a Vape On a Plane in Australia?
Although nicotine-containing vaping devices are illegal in Australia without a prescription, you wouldn’t know it by walking down any metropolitan street.
No one in Australia has yet gotten into criminal trouble for merely having or using a vape – and that is unlikely to change, even when the tougher new laws come into place.
This unwritten, general-acceptance rule is applicable at the airport as much as outside of it. Airlines aren’t really interested in whether or not the vape is technically allowed; they just want to ensure passenger safety.
So, yes, you can take a vape on a plane, but how you do so and what you need to be aware of depends on where you’re going and who you’re flying with.
Taking a Vape on a Domestic Flight
There is no law that forbids vapes on a plane in Australia. If you’re travelling domestically, you just need to ensure your vape is stored properly and all related equipment, like e-liquid bottles and batteries, are compliant with airline rules.
Because both disposable and re-fillable vapes contain batteries, they have to be stored in your carry-on baggage. This is the rule on Qantas, Virgin, JetStar, and Rex Airlines flights.
None of these airlines require prior approval to bring vaping devices onto them, but if you attempt to store a vape in your check-in luggage, you will be asked to remove it and put it in carry-on.
Airlines do this because batteries pose a safety risk on the off-chance that they short circuit and start a fire. In addition, Qantas also forbids the charging of vaping devices on flights.
Australia doesn’t have a restriction on liquids brought onto planes, so you will be fine bringing vape juice with you. Just make sure the bottles are properly sealed as the pressure change could cause them to leak.
Remember, vaping is treated the same way as smoking cigarettes by airlines. This means no vaping inside or outside of the terminal except at designated smoking areas.
Taking a Vape on an International Flight
Taking a vape on an international flight from Australia is a little more complicated.
The above rules about batteries and carry-on apply, so vapes can’t be packed in your checked luggage.
In addition, vape juice is subject to international liquid restrictions. This means juice can’t be brought in more than 100ml containers and will have to be able to fit into a single re-sealable sandwich bag. These rules only apply to carry-on luggage, so if you’re bringing more vape juice with you, it’s best to check it in.
The biggest concern with bringing a vape on an international flight, however, is the restrictions on nicotine and vaping devices in your destination country. There are many places around the world that have banned or restricted the possession and use of vaping devices and nicotine, so ensure you do your research before you fly.
Countries that have full or partial restrictions on vaping devices and nicotine include: Argentina, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan,
Jordan, Malaysia, Qatar, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Some of these countries have very harsh penalties on the books for bringing nicotine and vaping devices into them, and the airline you’re flying with may prevent you from travelling if you have a vape. Again, research here is key and be prepared to leave the vape at home if you have to. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to international laws.
Taking a Vape on a Plane
Finally, if you are bringing a vape on a plane, ensure you’ve packed and stored it properly.
Vaping devices have sealed chambers full of e-liquid, which can leak during pressure changes. To ensure you don’t land with a bag or a pocket full of sticky juice, it’s best to empty the device if you can and store it in a plastic bag, possibly wrapped with tissue, for extra precaution.
Remove all pods, batteries, and tanks from the device and ensure they are clean and dry when flying. Make sure the device is switched off and can’t accidentally start vaporising mid-air.
For disposables, this is a bit trickier, given they can’t be disassembled. Just keep an eye on the device and be prepared for it to start leaking on the flight.
Bringing a vape on a plane can be a little bit of an ordeal, especially for more complicated models. Overall though, there are just a few simple rules to follow, and, in general, you shouldn’t have any issues packing a vape on your travels.
Related:Â We May Know How Much a Pharmacy Prescription Vape Will Cost You
Related:Â The Gov Has Declared War on Mango Ice With New Vape Laws
Read more stories from The Latch and subscribe to our email newsletter.