FAA to Airlines: No E-Cigs in Checked Baggage

In January of 2015, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented a ban on e-cigarettes in checked luggage. The FAA is reacting to a bulletin from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which prompted the FAA to release a Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO). The SAFO described “several” instances of overheating and fires caused by e-cig heating elements being activated while stored in checked baggage. The ICAO and the FAA determined that issues of malfunctioning vaping devices can be immediately addressed when stored in carry on luggage.

Vaping Devices Prohibited in Checked Luggage During Air Travel

The FAA was smart to implement the ban on vaping devices in checked luggage (at least they didn’t ban them from flights altogether). Some vapers may have felt offended by the ban and saw this as an attack against vaping; but the truth is, there are certain types of vaping devices that pose a fire risk. Many vapers use vaping devices that have buttons to activate the battery, so the ICAO and FAA’s concern about these buttons being accidently pushed en route – activating the battery – makes complete sense.

Even though the ICAO cited not even a handful of incidents, when it comes to air travel security, it only takes one frightening incident to get something banned. (Most of us are still taking off our shoes when going through airport security.) While we may see this as being overly cautious, it’s nearly impossible to argue against extra safety measures at 30,000 feet.

No-Hassle Globetrotting with E-Cigs

White Cloud Rechargeable and Disposable E-Cig Options

White Cloud’s Cirrus rechargeable and Fling disposable e-cigs use batteries with an automatic switch built in, meaning the battery is activated by inhalation. There are no buttons to fiddle with and no bottles of e-liquid to worry about. However, if you do prefer using a button-activated e cig, then check out our Cirrus 3X manual electronic cigarette with an activate/deactivate feature as well as an automatic shut-off safety feature which stops the battery from heating when pressed for too long.

All of our e-cigs are sized to fit in your pocket or purse, making them the perfect throw-and-go e-cigs since they take up very little room. And our disposable Fling e-cigs are even easier. They’re long lasting and are always ready to go so you don’t have to worry about being stuck in the middle of nowhere with dead e-cig batteries and no way to charge them.

Don’t Let the TSA Get Your E-Cigs!

We don’t want anyone to confiscate your e-cigs from checked luggage. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) isn’t exactly going to mail them back. And if you’re traveling internationally, be sure to familiarize yourself with the country’s regulations on vaping devices and e-liquids. If you bring more than you’re allowed, they will throw it all away—take our word for it.

One White Cloud employee made a trip to Australia and had a few cartons of cigarettes in her checked luggage (back when she was a smoker of course). She had no idea there was a limit on how many cigarettes she could bring into the country (only 1 carton was allowed at the time). So guess what happened? She watched airport security throw 2 ENTIRE cartons of cigarettes away. She may as well have thrown her money straight into the trash. So a word to the wise: be sure to pack your vaping products in your carry-on luggage and familiarize yourself with e-cig regulations within your destination.