What happens if you put a vape in checked luggage

Posted on 24 October 2023 | Updated on 17 January 2024 |

What Happens If You Put a Vape in Checked Luggage?

Vaping is a popular smoking alternative involving inhaling vapor from an electronic device. Many people use vapes to enjoy different flavors, reduce their nicotine intake, or quit smoking altogether. However, traveling with vapes can be challenging, especially when flying. One of the most common questions that vapers have is: what happens if you put a vape in checked luggage?

The short answer is: don't do it. Putting a vape in checked luggage is prohibited and can cause severe problems for you and your fellow passengers. In this article, we will explain why vapes are not permitted in checked luggage, how to pack a vape for a flight, what to do if you accidentally put a vape in checked baggage, and how to vape responsibly while traveling. We will also provide valuable tips and recommendations from gypsyvapes.com, the best online vape shop for all your vaping needs.

Why Vapes Are Not Allowed in Checked Luggage

Vapes are not allowed in checked luggage because they pose a safety risk for the aircraft and the passengers. The main reasons are:

Fire hazard: Vapes use lithium-ion batteries that can catch fire or explode if damaged, overheated, or shortcircuited. This can happen if the vape is accidentally turned on, crushed, or exposed to high temperatures or pressure in the cargo hold. A fire or explosion in checked luggage can be hard to detect and extinguish and can spread quickly to other bags or parts of the plane.
Battery explosion: Vapes can also explode if they are poorly made, defective, or incompatible with the charger or the tank. This can happen even if the vape is turned off or disconnected from the battery. An explosion can cause severe injuries to you or others and damage to your belongings or the plane.
Leakage of eliquid: Vapes can leak eliquid if not correctly sealed, stored, or handled. This can happen if the tank is full, cracked, or loose or if the vape is exposed to changes in temperature or pressure. Eliquid can stain your clothes or other items in your bag and contaminate the cargo hold or the baggage handling system.

Because of these risks, vapes are considered hazardous materials by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to their rules, vapes are prohibited in checked luggage and must be carried in your carry-on bag or on your person. You must also follow the airline's policies and the destination's regulations regarding vaping.

Here are some examples of incidents involving vapes in checked luggage that caused damage or delays:

In 2015, a vape battery exploded in a passenger's checked bag at Boston Logan International Airport. The explosion triggered a fire alarm and forced the evacuation of a baggage area.
2016, a vape battery caught fire in a passenger's checked bag at Los Angeles International Airport. The fire was extinguished by airport staff before it spread to other bags.
2017, a vape battery ignited in a passenger's checked bag at Orlando International Airport. The fire was contained by a baggage handler who used a fire extinguisher.
2018, a vape battery exploded in a passenger's checked bag at McCarran International Airport. The explosion damaged two pieces of luggage and delayed several flights.

These incidents show that putting a vape in checked luggage is dangerous and irresponsible. You could endanger yourself and others and face legal consequences or penalties. Therefore, you should always pack your vape in your carry-on bag and follow the guidelines for traveling with vapes.

How to Pack a Vape for a Flight

Now that you understand why vapes are restricted in checked luggage, you might be curious about how to prepare your vape for air travel. The good news is that you can still bring your vape along, provided you adhere to these straightforward guidelines:

Carry your vape in your hand luggage or on your person: According to the TSA and the FAA, this is the sole acceptable method for taking your vape on a plane. It's important to note that placing your vape in checked luggage is not allowed, even if it's powered off or disconnected from the battery. Additionally, it's advisable to keep your vape within reach to monitor it and prevent unintentional activation or damage.
Detach the battery from your vape: This step is critical to prevent the risk of your vape catching fire or exploding during the flight. Please remove the battery from your vape and put it in a separate clear plastic bag or a protective case. It's also wise to cover the battery's terminals with tape or plastic caps to prevent potential short-circuiting. You can bring multiple batteries, provided each has a capacity of under 100 watt-hours.
Empty your vape tank: This is another crucial measure to prevent e-liquid leakage. Remove your vape tank and clean it using a paper towel or cloth. Additionally, close the airflow valve on your tank and store it upright in a clear plastic bag or protective case. You're permitted to bring as much e-liquid as you need, as long as each container holds less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and all containers fit within a quart-sized clear plastic bag.
Secure the e-liquid in a transparent bag: This step is mandatory to comply with the TSA's 311 rule for liquids. You should seal your e-liquid containers inside a quart-sized clear plastic bag and place it in your carry-on bag. Remember to label your e-liquid containers with their contents and nicotine strength. Each passenger is allowed to carry one bag of liquids, which must undergo separate screening at the security checkpoint.

Following these steps, you can pack your vape for air travel safely and securely. However, not all vapes are equally suitable for traveling. Some vapes are more convenient, discreet, and durable for this purpose. Here are some of the best types of vapes to consider for your travels:

Disposable vapes: Disposable vapes are one-time-use devices prefilled with eliquid and precharged with a battery. They are ideal for traveling because they are small, lightweight, and easy to use. You don't have to worry about packing or charging them; you can dispose of them when they are empty. Some of the best disposable vapes at gypsyvapes.com are HQD Cuvie Air, Airis Max, and Fume Ultra.
Cartridge vape batteries: Cartridge vape batteries use prefilled cartridges containing eliquid and a heating element. They are convenient for traveling because they are compact, discreet, and easy to swap. You don't have to refill or clean them; you can choose from different flavors and strengths. Some of the best cartridge vape batteries at gypsyvapes.com are the SMOK Micare Vaporizer, Oilax Cito Pro 2in1 Vaporizer, and Yocan Uni Vaporizer Battery.
Portable dab rigs: Portable dab rigs use concentrates such as wax, shatter, or rosin instead of eliquid. They are great for traveling because they offer more potency, flavor, and efficiency than other vapes. You don't need much material to get high and enjoy smooth and pure vapor. Some of the best portable dab rigs at gypsyvapes.com are Lookah Q7, Lookah Unicorn, SOC Wax Vaporizer, and Xmax V3 Pro.

These vapes are perfect for traveling because they are easy to pack, use, and dispose of. However, it would be best to protect your vape from damage by using a case, wrapping it in bubble wrap, or placing it in a padded compartment. You should also check the voltage and compatibility of your charger before plugging it into a foreign outlet.

What to Do If You Accidentally Put a Vape in Checked Luggage

Despite your best efforts, you might still make a mistake and put a vape in checked luggage. This can happen if you must remember to remove your vape from your bag, pack it in the wrong bag, or need to be made aware of the rules. If this happens, you should not panic but act quickly and responsibly. Here are some possible scenarios and what to do in each case:

You realize your mistake before boarding the plane: If you notice that you have put a vape in checked luggage before boarding the plane, you should contact the airline staff and ask them to retrieve your bag. You should explain the situation and show them your vape and boarding pass. You should also apologize and cooperate with them. They might charge you a fee or ask you to repack your bag, but they will likely let you keep your vape and board the plane.
You realize your mistake after boarding the plane: If you discover that you have put a vape in your checked luggage after boarding the plane, you should contact the flight attendant and inform them of the issue. You should also apologize and cooperate with them. They might get the ground staff and ask them to remove your bag from the cargo hold or ask you to complete a report. They might also confiscate your vape or impose a fine, but they will probably let you continue your flight.
You realize your mistake after landing at your destination: If you find out that you have put a vape in checked luggage after landing at your destination, you should report the incident to the baggage claim staff or the customs officer. You should also apologize and cooperate with them. They might inspect your bag and vape or ask you to complete a declaration form. They might also seize your vape or impose a penalty, but they will likely let you enter the country.

In any case, you should be honest and respectful with the authorities and accept the consequences of your mistake. You should not lie, argue, or resist them, as this could worsen things. It would be best if you also were prepared to lose your vape or pay a fine, depending on the severity of the situation.

Putting a vape in checked luggage is a serious offense that can endanger yourself and others and violate the law. Therefore, you should always pack your vape in your carry-on bag and follow the guidelines for traveling with vapes.

How to Vape Responsibly While Traveling

Even if you correctly pack your vape for a flight, you must still vape responsibly while traveling. Vaping is not universally accepted or legal, and you should respect the rules and etiquette of vaping while traveling. Here are some tips on how to vape responsibly while traveling:

Respect the local laws: Before you travel, you should research the local laws and regulations regarding vaping in your destination. Some countries or regions have banned or restricted vaping, and you could face legal consequences or penalties if you violate them. For example, vaping is illegal in countries such as Brazil, Singapore, Thailand, and India, and you could face fines, confiscation, or even imprisonment if you vape there. You should also check the customs and import rules for bringing vapes and liquids into your destination, as some countries have limits or taxes on them.
Ask for permission: Even if vaping is legal in your destination, you should still ask for permission before you vape in public places or private properties. Some sites have designated areas or rules for vaping, and you should follow them. You should also be courteous and respectful to the people around you and avoid vaping near children, pets, or nonsmokers. It would be best to avoid vaping where smoking is prohibited, such as in airports, hotels, restaurants, museums, or parks.
Avoid public places: You should avoid vaping and vaping in private or secluded areas. This way, you can reduce the risk of attracting unwanted attention, causing annoyance, or creating conflict. You can also enjoy your vape more peacefully and discreetly. You can use a portable dab rig or a cartridge vape battery to vape concentrates instead of liquids, as they produce less vapor and smell. You can also use a disposable vape or a pod system for vaping nicotine salts instead of freebase nicotine, as they offer more satisfaction and stealth.
Use alternatives to vaping: If you cannot vape at your destination or during your trip, you should consider using options to vaping that can help you cope with your nicotine cravings or withdrawal symptoms. You can use nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges that deliver nicotine through your skin or mouth without producing vapor or smoke. You can also use herbal remedies, meditation, or exercise that can help you relax and reduce your stress levels.

Following these tips, you can vape responsibly while traveling and enjoy your trip without causing trouble or inconvenience. You can save money, time, and hassle by avoiding unnecessary problems or complications.

The main points of this article are:

Putting a vape in checked luggage is prohibited and can cause severe problems for you and your fellow passengers.
Pack your vape in your carry-on bag, remove the battery, empty the tank, and seal the eliquid in a clear bag.
If you accidentally put a vape in checked luggage, you should contact the airline, retrieve your bag, or report the incident.
It would be best to vape responsibly while traveling by respecting the local laws, asking for permission, and avoiding public places.

We hope this article has been informative and answered if ”can you put a vape in checked luggage”. If you have any questions or comments about this topic, please contact us at gypsyvapes.com. We are always happy to hear from our customers and provide them with the best service and products possible.

Thank you for reading this article, and happy vaping!