Travel and Vaping Clarified TSA E-cig Rules Anyone?

[Gleamingsands]

I've flown once now with Ecigs, but recently new restrictions have been put in place, and I am flying Jetblue from Tampa to Portland, ME. I'm sure everything is the same other than the fact that I can't use the ecig on the plane itself, but I need to be sure. Because I DO NOT want to lose my ecigs to a lousy technicality.

So, if anyone could explain what is actually going on these days, I would be grateful. I don't want to lose a piece to my ecig to make it "travel safe."

 

[kot1rc5]

I don't' know the specific changes but...
Can I bring cigarettes in a plane? yes; Can I smoke cigarettes on a plane? no
Can I bring a ecig on a plane? yes; Can I vape ecigs on a plane? no.
can I bring batteries and small quanities of liquid on planes? yes see TSA rules for specifics TSA: Safe Travel with Batteries and Devices TSA | Transportation Security Administration | 3-1-1 on Air Travel

I have flown with an ego and multiple box mods. I just disassembled and used the rules for batteries and liquids. After the xray I just re-assembled and vaped in the bathrooms the rest of the trip.

That said, what they can't see or smell they can't complain about. ALL HAIL THE STEALTH VAPE

If your really worried call the airline or the TSA

 

[MsOceanCity]

I have called the TSA and they are discretionary. They told me that, even though airlines allow ecigs to be in a passengers carry-on luggage, any TSA agent has the right to object to one going through the x-ray machine that may catch they're eye. If the person is in a bad mood, it won't matter how many ways you explain what it is, how it works, etc., they have the authority to stop you unless you check it, chuck it or mail it back to yourself! Luckily, I have never had an issue. I keep my PVs disassembled, don't take MODs that look like detonators, or PT's(the long wire freaks them out!) and always have some business cards handy. I do stealth vape in the bathroom and find 100%PG juice to be the best for this

 

[PTJD]

Yes, TSA pretty much can do what they want. Having said that I travel Domestic and International quite a bit, never had a problem. I do disassemble my PV's and do not take any "Mods" with me usually a few ego's and a Janty Stick.

 

[Valsacar]

I have to disagree with that, unless it is on a published (and therefore government approved) no-carry-on (or no-fly at all) list they have NO LEGAL RIGHT to take it. According to the TSA Official Blog E-cigarettes are approved for carry-on, but the liquids must conform to the 3-1-1 rule.

I just flew to and from the states (international and domestic flights) and was asked once what this is (ego battery) I explained, they checked the list, handed it back. Flight leaving the states (actually the domestic leg to my connection) they pulled out my ProVari and swabbed it, then put it back. I of course took everything apart (2 eGos and a ProVari, all with MAP tanks) and put the tanks in the liquids bag.

The only way you are going to have problems is if YOU are being confrontational or acting suspicious. Both times I was asked if they could open my bag and if there were any sharp objects inside. I was polite, answered any questions they had (they actually didn't ask what the ProVari was) and that was the end of it.

When I was a smoker I had my zippo taken on a domestic connection, after flying international with it. I stated that I had just left the international flight, where it was ok, and asked why they were taking it now. They showed me the list, which stated they couldn't be on US flights, and explained it was due to the explosive liquids that could be used instead of lighter fluid. They showed me, in official documentation, where it was not allowed, I accepted that. I did ask if I could keep the shell, which they were more than happy to let me do.

Point is, be polite, but know your rights.

TSA Blog on E-cigs: http://blog.tsa.gov/2010/05/e-cigarettes-go-or-no-go.html

 

[MsOceanCity]

I have to disagree with that, unless it is on a published (and therefore government approved) no-carry-on (or no-fly at all) list they have NO LEGAL RIGHT to take it. TSA Blog on E-cigs: The TSA Blog: E-Cigarettes

You're right, they don't have a legal right to confiscate your PV. They do, however, have the right to not let you through security. If there is ever a problem with your PV, you have 3 options, as stated in post #3. You can throw it away(Heaven forbid and not a viable option for many of us!), have your carry-on bag checked, so it goes in the cargo section of the plane or go and get a self-addressed, stamped, padded envelope and mail it to yourself. And, ALWAYS be polite

 

[Valsacar]

You're right, they don't have a legal right to confiscate your PV. They do, however, have the right to not let you through security. If there is ever a problem with your PV, you have 3 options, as stated in post #3. You can throw it away(Heaven forbid and not a viable option for many of us!), have your carry-on bag checked, so it goes in the cargo section of the plane or go and get a self-addressed, stamped, padded envelope and mail it to yourself. And, ALWAYS be polite

And 4, politely ask for a supervisor (repeating as needed). I have never in my life accepted an answer that I know to be false, and sure not going to start now. Printing out TSA rules can help.

BTW, your option 2 is not an option:

"Keep batteries and equipment with you, or in carry-on baggage - not in your checked baggage! In the cabin, flight crew can better monitor conditions, and have access to the batteries or device if a fire does occur."

"As of January 1, 2008, the Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) no longer allows loose lithium batteries in checked baggage."

TSA: Safe Travel with Batteries and Devices

 

[JudgeVape]

Agreed, ask for a supervisor and be firm but polite. Unless they can articulate a specific reason (and be willing to document it) why a specific, but otherwise not prohibited, device should not be allowed on the plane, they can't just arbitrarily prevent you from taking it on board.

Now, be prepared to still "lose" as they will probably just conjure up some BS reason but make their supervisor do it and make them go through the trouble of providing you at least some semblance of due process.

FYI, the new regulations are actually from the DOT, not the TSA.

 

[Valsacar]

If it came down to that I would at least be walking away with names and a signed statement (always have my laptop bag with me, which has a notebook in it) of what they took. I'd be pressing the issue higher after getting to my destination. The way these organizations get so much power is that WE let them by not questioning and pressing when our rights are violated.

 

[Padre]

I just returned from a couple flights and had no problems getting the Ego through security. I made the mistake of checking a bag that had a spare battery, but it really wasn't my fault! The flight was full, the plane was small and not much room for the huge carry on bags that people are using these days. They asked for volunteers to check baggage at the gate for no baggage fees and I gladly accepted but I forgot to remove the battery. thankfully nothing happened and I got my bag back fully intact!

What a peaceful couple of hours in the airport compared to my analog smoking days. I was able to stealth vape all the way up to the time I needed to board the plane. Very relaxing

 

[PTJD]

Look Guys, Yes the E-cig is not illegal to carry-on, I do it all the time. Having said that the TSA can make your travels a PITA! I have run into some TSA screeners with a "Chip" on their shoulder and you better do as they say or plan to miss your flight. Yes you can take them to court or have the cops called but do you really want that?
Here is a forum I have been going to for a long time, you can read about the hassles.

Travel Safety/Security - FlyerTalk Forums

 

[Valsacar]

Look Guys, Yes the E-cig is not illegal to carry-on, I do it all the time. Having said that the TSA can make your travels a PITA! I have run into some TSA screeners with a "Chip" on their shoulder and you better do as they say or plan to miss your flight. Yes you can take them to court or have the cops called but do you really want that?
Here is a forum I have been going to for a long time, you can read about the hassles.

Travel Safety/Security - FlyerTalk Forums

Yes, but I'm also quite stubborn and a few other things I'd have to moderate myself for saying here.

 

[afrazier5]

I've had several domestic and international trips in the last 60 days and have had no issues at all. Like the others said, be polite though. I've had my stuff xrayed several times and manually inspected but nothing to worry about. I always drop my spare equipment in the tub with my laptop so it's open and visible to remove any doubt.