Travel and Vaping Southwest Airlines Prohibits E-Cigs use On Board because of Battery?!?

[chicagobrad01]

A letter would be fine, but as I interpret the memo, they are banning the use of the device. They're *not* refusing to allow them on board. There's a difference there. Let's be careful what we say so they won't decide to ban them completely. If you read between the lines, they've left themselves open to possibly allow them at a future date.

Well, actually its a RBF (Read Before Fly) that was posted in our Briefing Book, a book we as Flight Attendants are required to read and keep updated on before each trip. I only called it a memo so others who aren't in the industry would have an idea on what I was talking about.
[EDIT] Misread the quote...omit the above please!

And yes, you're correct. You can bring them On Board, just can't USE them. I'm with Lucky, go to the LAV and take a few hits when ya pee!

 

[Jim Davis]

I'm with Lucky, go to the LAV and take a few hits when ya pee!

That's what I've done from the beginning. I think these people who started flaunting them on the flights have jumped the gun, and we're paying for it now.

 

[chicagobrad01]

It wouldn't surprise me if my vaping in between flights in the jetway amongst other Crew members and coworkers has sparked this recent RBF/memo too. I've had a lot of interest in my little PV and have even handed out a few cards here and there. Wouldn't be surprised if one of the Ops Agents has later brought it up with their Supervisor asking if it was okay that I was doing that.

 

[Jim Davis]

It wouldn't surprise me if my vaping in between flights in the jetway amongst other Crew members and coworkers has sparked this recent RBF/memo too. I've had a lot of interest in my little PV and have even handed out a few cards here and there. Wouldn't be surprised if one of the Ops Agents has later brought it up with their Supervisor asking if it was okay that I was doing that.

OOKAAY - SO we're basically talking about a turd in the punchbowl here. It only takes one to spoil the party.

 

[chicagobrad01]

LOL....the RBF was about use ON BOARD while IN FLIGHT. My use was on the ground, in the jetway, so I dunno about your turd in the punchbowl.

I do know that several FA's have had passengers on board, in flight trying to use PV's or ask if they could. I'm sure its the complied questions to management that lead them to put out a RBF.

 

[runninlater]

Well... I, for one, did not get the memo.

Since it's not listed as prohibited behavior on their website (including their Contract for Carriage) I will have to maintain my ignorance of such distasteful behavior and continue such behavior until further notice.

Further notice will be acknowledged when the stew catches me which will be unlikely.

 

[runninlater]

Just like Sgt. Schultz in Hogan's Heros...

I know nothink...

 

[Jim Davis]

LOL The pass-throughs will get banned next. My juicybox uses ni-cad or nimh batteries, not lithium. Unfortunately it looks way too much like one of those TV show "detonators" for me to dare take it anywhere NEAR an airport!8-o

TT33

I carry my passthrough in a plastic mesh tube. As long as it's wrapped right, it's no problem.

 

[Jim Davis]

LOL....the RBF was about use ON BOARD while IN FLIGHT. My use was on the ground, in the jetway, so I dunno about your turd in the punchbowl.

I do know that several FA's have had passengers on board, in flight trying to use PV's or ask if they could. I'm sure its the complied questions to management that lead them to put out a RBF.

To be perfectly honest, WN is usually making short hops around the country. If someone can't wait an hour or two, they have other problems. I used to go without an analog on longer flights, so I can wait if I have to.

 

[Mr_Phil]

Of all the places people might choose to vape, I think this is one of the worst choices. There is vapor, and the space is so confined, it is IMO very rude. People on planes have no choice of leaving if they are bothered, unlike in bars and restaurants.

ITA. No matter what we think of the rules/regs/laws, some things, due to simple manners, should not be done without the people around you consenting.

So now people are seeing a negative reaction to the e-cig. I was always against flaunting them until the issues were sorted out. Now we're starting to pay for it. My employer doesn't even know that I vape yet. He only knows that I quit analogs.

My employer knows. He also knows I follow the smokers rules just out of politeness. However, the smoking policy doesn't specifically prohibit ecigs. And, the university periodically reviews the regs and updates them. I am waiting for that scheduled review and trying to build a case that ecigs should be specifically allowed if not encouraged.

To be perfectly honest, WN is usually making short hops around the country. If someone can't wait an hour or two, they have other problems. I used to go without an analog on longer flights, so I can wait if I have to.

Too true. It would suck to get confiscated or worse, put off the plane.