Vaping is getting more and more popular, but there’s a growing worry about the risks of bringing e-cigarettes on flights. The problem is the lithium-ion batteries inside them. They can overheat and explode if they’re not handled right.
Many passengers might not know how dangerous e-cigarettes can be, as shown by an incident in 2019 when a passenger’s battery overheated and exploded on an American Airlines flight. With this in mind, Markus Lindblad, a vaping expert from VapeGlobe, shares his advice on what to do and what not to do when you’re taking your vape on a flight.
He said: “Lithium-ion batteries are really sensitive, especially on planes where the pressure and temperature change a lot. If these batteries get too hot, they could blow up or catch fire.
“Because of this, you now have to carry your devices in your hand luggage instead of checking them in, where it’s harder to control the temperature. It’s important that you invest in high-quality, regulated products. Cheap, fake batteries are much more likely to overheat and be dangerous.”
In addition, Markus advised that “spare batteries in carry-on luggage must be individually wrapped to prevent a short-circuit and that the device must be switched off completely”. There’s another safety concern to keep in mind: the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority says you can’t charge your vape on a flight.
Markus said: “So, it’s best to make sure your vape is fully charged before you fly and not use it too much before you get on the plane, and check the airport’s website to see if you can charge your device before you fly and where.”
You can’t vape on a plane either, as it’s considered the same as smoking. You could get into serious trouble and face fines if you do.
Markus said: “It’s not wise to think that you can vape in the toilet, as airlines have special detectors that will pick up e-cigarette vapour, too.”
He also recommended taking the fuel tank off the device for flights, as changes in air pressure in the cabin can cause the tank to leak.
“Empty the tank and keep it separate from the main device if possible. Store it in a clear plastic bag,” he added. Finally, the expert recommends not having more than 100ml of e-liquid.
Markus said: “You can take some e-liquid with you on the plane in your carry-on, but it can’t be more than 100ml in total. You can pack extra e-liquid in your checked luggage.”