What Happens If You Put a Vape In Carry-on? 5 Situations

Carrying a vape in your carry-on luggage is becoming more and more popular because it has many features that make it easy to use at any time, reduce anxiety when traveling, and serve as a great aid in quitting smoking.

In this article, we'll give you more information about carrying a vape in your carry-on luggage.

Can You Bring a Vape on a Plane Under 21?

In the United States, the legal age to purchase and use vape products is 21 years old, as per the Federal Tobacco 21 law passed in 2019.

This law raised the minimum age to purchase tobacco and nicotine products, including vapes and e-cigarettes, from 18 to 21 years old.

However, there are no outright bans on the use of vape products by individuals under the age of 21 in most places.

The age restrictions are primarily focused on the sale and purchase of these products, not their actual usage.

That said, there can be some exceptions and additional restrictions in certain states, cities, or settings. For example:

Some states or localities may have stricter age limits, such as 25 years old, to use vape products.

Schools, workplaces, or other private or public spaces may have their own policies prohibiting the use of vape products, regardless of the user's age.

Health conditions or other factors may lead a doctor to recommend against vaping for specific individuals.

Can I Put a Vape in My Checked Bag?

Can you put a vape carry-on bag? The answer is Yes! Upon information and belief, the TSA guidelines that e-cigarettes and vaporizing devices be carried in carry-on baggage only.

Passengers carrying electronic smoking devices must take effective measures to prevent accidental activation of the device's heat-generating element.

The watt-hour (Wh) rating of each lithium-ion battery must not exceed 100 Wh; lithium metal batteries must not contain more than 2 grams of lithium.

What Happens If You Put a vape in Carry On?

If you put a vape device in your carry-on luggage without properly preparing it, you may encounter some issues at the airport security checkpoint.

Here's what could potentially happen:

1. Identification by X-ray Screening

The TSA uses advanced X-ray machines to screen carry-on bags, and these machines can easily detect the presence of a vape device, especially if it has a lithium-ion battery.

When the TSA officer sees the vape device during the X-ray screening, they may flag your bag for additional inspection.

2. Secondary Screening

If your bag is flagged for additional screening, a TSA officer will likely pull it aside and manually search the contents.

They may ask you to remove the vape device from your bag so they can inspect it more closely.

3. Questioning and Potential Delays

The TSA officer may ask you questions about the vape device, such as what it is, whether it contains any batteries, and if you are aware of the rules for carrying it in your carry-on.

This questioning and additional inspection can cause delays in the security screening process.

4. Confiscation or Prohibited Item Policies

If the TSA officer determines that the vape device is not packed properly or does not comply with their regulations, they may confiscate it.

Some airports or airlines may have their own policies that prohibit vape devices in carry-on luggage, even if they are allowed by the TSA.

To avoid these potential issues, it's important to properly prepare your vape device for air travel. This includes:

5. Removing the battery (if possible)

Packing the device and any spare batteries in a clear, resealable plastic bag

Informing the TSA officer that you have a vape device in your carry-on bag

Familiarizing yourself with the airline's and airport's specific policies on vaping devices 

How to Pack Your Vape in Your Carry-on Luggage?

When you are traveling with a vape or any electronic cigarette device, it's important to pack it properly to ensure that it complies with airline regulations and to prevent any potential issues during security screening.

Here are some tips on how to pack your vape in your carry-on luggage:

1. Remove Batteries

If your vape device has a removable battery, it's recommended to remove the battery from the device before packing it.

This is to prevent accidental activation during the flight and to comply with airline regulations that typically require spare batteries to be carried in your carry-on baggage.

2. Store Components Together

Keep all the components of your vape device together in a clear plastic bag or a small case to keep them organized and easily accessible during security screening.

Protect the Device: To prevent damage to your vape device during travel, consider placing it in a protective case or wrapping it in a soft cloth to cushion it from any impact.

3. Follow TSA Guidelines

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows passengers to bring electronic cigarettes and vaping devices in carry-on bags, but not in checked luggage.

When you go through security screening, you will need to remove your vape device from your bag and place it in a bin for X-ray screening.

4. Be Transparent

It's a good idea to inform the TSA officer that you have a vape device in your carry-on bag when you reach the security checkpoint.

This can help facilitate the screening process and prevent any misunderstandings.

5. Check Airline Policies

While the TSA sets general guidelines for what is allowed in carry-on luggage, individual airlines may have their own specific policies regarding the transportation of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices.

It's a good idea to check with your airline before you travel to ensure that you are in compliance with their rules.

Tips on Carrying a Vape on Planes

There are also two reminders here:

1. Lithium cells should not be carried loose in your bag

At the very least they should have the ends taped and be in plastic bags to avoid being shorted against metal objects.

2. This article utilizes information provided by the TSA

Most airlines worldwide follow similar rules, but it's important to double-check your selected airline's regulations before your departure date.  

Conclusion

It is important to understand and follow the regulations while traveling with vape.

Rules and regulations are subject to change depending on your airline, airport, or destination country. 

Hence, cross-check with your airlines and take all the necessary steps for safe travel.