TSA and the Ecig FAQ

[PTJD]

FYI.. I just flew halfway around the world without any problems. I went through security in Denver, Seattle, Tokyo, Bangkok, Calcutta, Delhi, Kathmandu, as well as two smaller regional airports in Thailand. I went through security a couple times in several places since you have extra screening when you switch concourses internationally. I took three 510s, a PCC and a new Janty eGo. I put the ecigs in the case I carry my battery cables, travel clock, etc. No one looked twice. I vaped in bathrooms at the airports, as well as in the airplane with no difficulties. I'm not brazen enough to do it publicly - I don't want the hassle. It does not set off the detectors in airplane bathrooms, but I blew the vapor towards the floor. Most of my meetings were in nonsmoking locations with nonsmokers. However, the 510 slips into a coat pocket nicely - and there were a few bathroom breaks to vape.

It is interesting that no one in the airports even questioned them through the xray machines. I had three bag searches - the toughest being the flight headed back to the US. They looked in the case I carried the adapters, etc., and didn't even hesitate. I did not separate the carts or atomizers.

The only place I got questioned was going into the Taj Mahal. They did a bag search and the guard questioned me about it. I tried to explain it was a nicotine inhaler to quit smoking, but he did not get it and asked me to take it apart. Since it was apart, I couldn't show him. He didn't understand what I was saying and kept asking if it was wireless.. finally I said.. "yes, wireless" and he waved me through. Go figure.

I took the liquid in small 5ml bottles that I had ordered as samples. They have a label on them, but I don't even think that is necessary. Many people put shampoos, etc., in plastic containers without labels. I put the liquids in the one quart bag with my toothpaste, hand cleanser, etc., and again, no questions at all.

I feel very comfortable traveling with the ecig stuff. I have flown a few times in the States as well, without issue. After I go through security, I can put them in my shirt or jacket pocket and use them in restrooms without an issue. I even went in to a smokers lounge once to use them. Got a few curious stares, and a heavy tobacco smell on my clothes. Gosh, I hate that smell on my clothes, so I didn't do that again. I haven't smoked since I started vaping and I can go longer before the "desire" hits, so this has been a good thing.

It's great in hotel rooms, as well. No more hassle of going outside. I like this option to smoking,don't you?

Yep. no problems, good to hear your report. I'll be going to Barcelona in 3 weeks so will post a report.

[geeker]

I guess I'm a chicken. Still worried about flying with a Prodigy this weekend. I think I might take a postage paid envelope to mail it home in case they won't let me through with it.

[13ways]

Don't waist your money on an envelope. You are in absolutely no danger of having Prodigy disallowed through the checkpoint. Just be careful with your liquids and you are golden.

[Eric in AK]

If you haven't seen the TSA Blog, you can see a comment from the folks at Secure Flight about taking e-cigs on planes. To save you some scrolling, here's the Q and A (this is from June 2009, but I've found nothing to contradict it)[I added the bold to highlight the pertinent part]:

"Dear TSA Blog Team. Can you please comment on e-cigarettes? I recently purchased an "electronic cigarette" and nobody will give me a straight clear answer.

They is no "burning" or anything related to an actual cigarette, it's basically a nicotine inhaler.

How can we ensure TSA security allows me to safely transport the item, and if possible how to approach using such a device on the plane?

Confused flyer - ck
___________________________________

TSA does not care about your electronic cigarettes. People can bring real cigarettes and real lighters. So why wouldnt someone be able to bring a fake cigarette through. If they were in you carry on when you came through a checkpoint no one would even think anything of it."

[Cocky0]

I can verify that they can be brought through security as of 2/15/2010 since I was introduced to them by a lady in the Atlanta airport. She had the JOYE 510 with a couple of batteries, juice, and I would imagine an extra atty or two.

[Eric in AK]

I'm flying to London next week, with a connection each way through Chicago, so I'll be able to report on any hassles at O'Hare or Heathrow....(or in the plane if I sneak some vaping in the bathroom, of course). I wonder if they'll let me charge my batteries on the plane....

[Cocky0]

I'm flying to London next week, with a connection each way through Chicago, so I'll be able to report on any hassles at O'Hare or Heathrow....(or in the plane if I sneak some vaping in the bathroom, of course). I wonder if they'll let me charge my batteries on the plane....

Why not? Just don't mention that it's an e-cig battery.

[PTJD]

I'm flying to London next week, with a connection each way through Chicago, so I'll be able to report on any hassles at O'Hare or Heathrow....(or in the plane if I sneak some vaping in the bathroom, of course). I wonder if they'll let me charge my batteries on the plane....

Just look at my Avatar, take a USB battery pack and a PT on board.

[timmah34233]

Thank you, 13ways, for starting this thread and contributors. This is valuable, helpful, reassuring. Duh!

[timmah34233]

I just went to tampa this week and had absolutly no troubles getting through TSA... I had a 510 inside with an extra atomizer and battery and explained that it was a personel vaporizer....and their reply was "is that one of those e-cigarettes?" I took it out and showed them how it worked...and they told me to have a nice trip...LOL...All my panic was in vain!! I even stealth vaped throughout the flight without incident!! No more worries for me!!The Wiz!

Sweet! Nice: "stealth vaped..." - very nice.