The use of e-cigarettes during air travel has been a hotly debated topic since the use of vaping devices became popular. We receive questions about this topic quite frequently, so we’ve come up with some tips to help clear the air.

Vaping and Air Travel: What You Need to Know

First, let’s get one thing out of the way — e-cigs don’t have to be smuggled like illegal contraband. The airlines are well-aware of what they are, so if you stay smart and respectful of the rules, you and your e-cigs should have no problem getting through security without even a modicum of hassle. But, being that airport security is still known to occasionally lambast people for over-sized bottles of hand sanitizer, it’s better to be prepared.

Be Open About Your Vaping Device

Rather than bury your White Cloud case, Flings, batteries and e-tanks, or any other vapor products, under piles of questionable laundry, show it to the TSA agent from the outset. Keep them in your pocket and if asked, explain what it is and how it works. As noted above, most agents are well aware of e-cigarettes and will probably just ask you to stow your vapor products in your luggage. But if they inquire, calmly explain everything and all should be fine. If for some reason, your e-cig gets confiscated, do NOT argue or make jokes. Throughout history, no traveler has ever once won a debate with airport security. TSA agents are effectively undefeated. But, if you think your argument in favor of using a battery-powered vaporizer indoors is grounds for conflict, we hope you:

Look, we know you love your personal vaping rig. But new vapes will cost a lot less than bail or extradition fees. In short, if they want it, let them take it, gently wave goodbye, and start planning a game plan for your return trip. If you want to avoid having your vapor products confiscated, then grab some White Cloud disposable e-cigs. Our Fling disposables make great travel companions as they are lightweight and come prepackaged so there are no worries about carrying around chargers or bottles of e-liquid. Even though you’re most likely 100% dedicated to your traditional vaping setup, if you’re concerned about catching a TSA agent on a bad day, don’t take the risk.

Only Pack What You Need

We all know what it’s like to get caught without a spare e-cig tank or a fresh battery. It’s a terrible, empty, lonely feeling. But being prepared doesn’t mean packing 25 boxes of e-tank refills for a two-day trip. If the TSA sees a pile of vaping supplies large enough to satisfy the Miami Dolphins, they’re going to be much more suspicious about your intentions.

If you’re a White Cloud customer, keep in mind that White Cloud e-tanks are long-lasting, and the batteries will work for a good amount of time under regular use. Once you’re at your final stop, recharge to your heart’s content. But don’t make your supply a problem for the TSA. If you’re planning an extended trip and need lots of extras, you may want to consider shipping your vapor products to your destination ahead of time to avoid any issues with airport security. But, if this is not feasible or you absolutely must have all of your vapor products with you during air travel, be sure to pack them into your carry-on luggage. Due to safety concerns, the TSA implemented a ban on e-cig devices in checked luggage as of February 2015.

Do NOT Vape During Air Travel

Yup, you read that correctly. Don’t do it. It’s not allowed. And pay no mind to the YouTube videos of so-called daredevils vaping in cramped lavatories. How … um … enjoyable? Unless you’ve somehow received written permission from the airline allowing you, Joe or Jane E. Vaper, to use your White Cloud on a flight, do not even consider puffing away. The chances of receiving permission to vape during your flight, however, are highly unlikely if not completely impossible. In 2016, the Department of Transportation explicitly banned vaping during air travel. That means it’s a federal no-no, friends. Even for the mighty Joe E. Vaper.

Although vaping is not smoking, the vapor from an e-cig during a flight will be enough to sound off alarms (not literally, but it will be noticed). The people next to you likely won’t appreciate the vapor, as harmless and odor-free as it may be. To the uninitiated, vapor is smoke, no matter how much documentation you have that proves otherwise. Keep your cool, and more importantly, keep the peace. You’ve survived without smoking on flights for years — it’s good practice for vaping, as well.

The Rules for Vaping at Airports

As more and more state and local governments pass legislations banning vaping indoors, you may want to map out where you can and cannot vape while waiting to board your flight. Most airports have designated areas for vaping, so if you have time before your flight or during a layover, you can save yourself the time it takes to find where they are by planning ahead.

As always, the bottom line is common sense. Let intelligence dictate your actions when it comes to vaping. There are rebels out there who continue to give vaping a bad name, so be sure to do your part as an ambassador for vaping to help protect the integrity of the vaping industry.