If you're a vaper, then you know the importance of being able to take your vape with you. However, it's not always that simple. Travelling with your vape can be a tricky task as vapes aren’t allowed in some countries and some hotels and restaurants, so it's important to know the rules before taking your e-cigarette on vacation or a business trip. This post will cover what you need to know about travelling and flying with your vape and tips on any restrictions that might apply to you.
Bring the essentials for your vape
To make sure you’re prepared for any situation, bring the essentials. This includes your battery, charger and vape juice (or e-juice). You might also want to bring any cleaning supplies. Cleaning your device regularly ensures it’s always looking its best. If you vape with a rebuildable atomizer (RBA) or a tank system such as sub-ohm tanks or RDAs, then it is important that they are kept clean, too, because of all the different parts.
If you’re travelling with two devices, consider bringing spare parts if one develops an issue during travel, such as an e-liquid leak from an RDA into its battery compartment, which could cause damage to both devices if there isn't enough room for them. You could also bring a disposable vape as a backup to your main device.
For those who aren't familiar with vaping terminology, this might sound like gibberish, but we're talking about stuff like batteries; chargers; juice - vape juice or e-liquid, which comes in different flavours (and strengths); cleaning supplies - usually alcohol wipes made specifically for vapes; spare mouthpieces - these can be very useful when sharing with friends!
How To Clean Your Vape When Travelling
As mentioned, cleaning your vape while you travel is essential. Here are some quick and easy ways to clean your vape while you're on the go.
- If applicable, empty the tank and disassemble the relevant device components. Wipe down the exterior parts with a damp cloth or tissue and use a cotton bud to get into crevices. Tanks or pods with replaceable coils can be cleaned with warm water and a drop of dishwashing liquid provided the coil has been removed. Ensure each part is completely dry before reassembling. Do not use water on any electrical components or coils.
- Carry spare coils. You'll know when they need replacing as flavours will start to have a slightly burnt taste. Also, consider having some antibacterial wipes handy to wipe down the mouthpiece.
- Turn off and store your vape in a case or pouch to prevent dirt or damage when not in use.
Can You Travel With Vapes?
The short answer is yes, you can travel with your vape; however, it should be noted that regulations vary by location. As well as this, laws can change, meaning information can quickly become out of date. This is why it is important to understand and educate yourself on your destination's local vape laws and regulations.
Know local laws and do your research
As with most things in life, knowing the local laws and research is essential before travelling or flying with a vape.
If you plan on taking a vape abroad, you should familiarize yourself with that country’s regulations. When travelling outside of New Zealand, it is imperative that you check if they are allowed in the destination country beforehand—if they aren't, they could be confiscated at customs and destroyed, and you may be fined or worse.
Vapes on a plane
One of the main questions vapers ask is whether you can take vapes, particularly disposable vapes, on a plane. When flying, check in with the airline you’re travelling with to see their rules around flying with a vape. Most have this information online and can quickly answer whether you can bring a vape on a plane in New Zealand or internationally. As of 2023, if you want to bring your vape on a plane, it must be stored in carry-on luggage. Keep in mind that rules and laws can change.
Always make sure to turn your device off before boarding.
Air NZ Vape Rules
Travelling with a vape and flying with AirNZ? Here are Air New Zealand's current restrictions and rules on vapes.
Air New Zealand has the following restrictions:
Personal vaporizers, such as e-cigarettes, e-cigars and e-pipes, are allowed in carry-on luggage but must not be used or recharged on board, protected against accidental activation, each installed or spare battery not more than 100Wh or 2g lithium content.
You are permitted to carry e-cigarettes /cigars/pipes and vaporing devices etc., in your carry-on bags only but you are not allowed to use or charge them while onboard.
Except travelling to/from Hong Kong:
All Alternative Smoking Products e.g. e-cigarettes, vaping devices, vaping liquid, herbal cigarettes etc., are not permitted for carriage. Penalties apply if they are carried.
New Zealand aviation law states:
- An e-cigarette, vaporiser or vape must be in your carry-on bag.
- You must not store an e-cigarette, vaporiser or vape in your checked-in luggage.
- You cannot use it while on the plane.
E-liquid on the Plane
Check all bottles for leaks. Make sure the size of each bottle doesn’t exceed allowable liquid amounts. Vape juice should be able to be stored in either carry-on or checked luggage. It’s always best to check with Airport staff. Store in a clear ziplock bag in case of a leak. Check the laws of the country you travel to or transfer to, as some countries prohibit nicotine e-liquid.
Vape Batteries on the Plane
Always remove batteries from your device if it is possible to do so. Always store batteries securely in a good-quality insulating battery case. Always store batteries on carry-on luggage. Check with airport and airline staff to be safe. E-cigarettes and vapes are typically powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can self-ignite if damaged, exposed to high temperatures or have a manufacturing defect. Therefore, they MUST be stored in your carry-on luggage in case of any incident.
Vape Pods on the Plane
Remove the pod from your device and keep it sealed (if possible) while you fly. Keep all unopened pods in sealed packets while flying. The air pressure from the cabin may cause your pod to leak, so before you insert it again, check there is no excess e-liquid. This applies to tanks also. It's a good idea to empty and unscrew tanks if applicable.
VAPO's Recommendations When Travelling With A Vape
In addition to knowing whether or not vapes can be brought into another country legally, other factors may also influence your decision. For instance, what type of device is allowed? Are nicotine products permitted? If so, how much nicotine can be stored within each unit? What about flavourings? Do these have limitations, too? What about devices with refillable tanks versus disposable ones vs. pre-filled cartridges?
Keeping your vape gear in one location within your bag will make it easier to find your vape in case of any issues.
If you’re travelling with a vape, make sure you know the local laws and do your research before you get on the road. Remember to bring all your equipment with you in a safe place so that everything will go smoothly when it comes time to use your vape.
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