Is it allowed to take a vaporizer on a plane?
Vapes themselves are considered harmless in the eyes of the law, but the herbs and liquids we put in them might not be. Therefore, it is usually allowed to take vaporizers on a plane, but there are a few important points to consider. Read up on what you need to know before taking your vape on a plane.
In this day and age, many people are closely connected to their vaporizers. If you are one of them, you may be wondering if you can take your vape on a plane and what substances you can carry with you. In this article, we want to give you a short but comprehensive explanation so that you can fly with peace of mind.
Can you take vapes on a plane? The short answer is: maybe. That's really short.
The more detailed answer is that you can generally take all vapes on the plane as long as they don't contain THC. However, there are different rules about whether they can be transported in carry-on or checked baggage. If you are unsure, you should take them in your carry-on. And always remember to clean them thoroughly!
Vapes on airplanes: What should you watch out for?
If you have some time, we'll go over the considerations and regulations for flying with a vape here. Basically, there are only a few factors to consider, but it's worth knowing them so you don't accidentally get into trouble.
Cannabinoid content
To avoid arrest or smuggling charges, it is important to be aware of the cannabinoid content of the products you carry, especially when traveling by air. Regulations vary by country, but it is advisable to avoid consuming THC in any form during the flight. Depending on your destination, CBD products with small traces of THC may be allowed, but it is essential to do your research beforehand to avoid risking legal problems. Even small amounts of THC (like 0.2%) can lead to serious consequences in some regions.
Although CBD is legal in most regions, caution is advised as many CBD products resemble cannabis and can therefore appear suspicious, leading to intensive security checks and questioning.
For example, you shouldn't fly with our CBD vape pen. Although the device itself is legal to carry in hand luggage, the e-liquid it contains contains 0.5% THC, which is illegal in most countries.
Batteries
Airlines are known to not allow lithium batteries to be carried in checked baggage because, in rare cases, they can catch fire. In every case where a lithium battery has caught fire in the cargo hold of an aircraft, it has had serious consequences, so it is advisable to avoid this!
Vape batteries on airplanes
Since many vapes contain lithium batteries, it is best to transport them in your carry-on luggage. While it is technically possible to carry devices with lithium batteries in the cargo hold as long as the batteries are inside the device, this can cause problems and delays and may not always be allowed. Therefore, devices with such batteries are best kept in your carry-on luggage.
An example of such a vape device is the PAX Mini, which has a non-removable lithium battery. Alternatively, you can also use a device like the DynaVap M Plus, which runs without a battery. You can check this in or carry it in your hand luggage.
cleanliness
No matter what vape you take with you and how you store it, it is important that it is completely clean. Residues of resin, flowers or even the smell of cannabis can cause problems at the security checks at the start or destination. Therefore, clean your device thoroughly to avoid any suspicion.
In some countries, even the slightest hint of cannabis can lead to severe penalties, even the death penalty. It would be very unfortunate if failing to clean your vape resulted in such consequences.
Safely packing vapes for flights
Now that you know what to look for when flying with a vaporizer, here are some tips to make your trip safe and legal:
- Disassemble your device: Completely disassemble your vaporizer before packing it up. This not only allows for thorough cleaning, but also allows you to transport the battery separately and ensure that there is no cannabis residue left.
- Thorough cleaning: Clean every part of your vaporizer thoroughly, especially the chamber, where residue often accumulates. Careful cleaning is crucial, as strict regulations may apply depending on your destination and security checkpoints. A vaporizer itself is legal, but cannabis residue could cause problems.
- Empty the tank and store the e-liquid separately: If you are flying with legal CBD liquid, you should empty the tank and store the e-liquid separately. Check the airline's policy and follow the instructions carefully. You may have to dispose of the e-liquid at the airport, but if it is stored separately, you may be able to keep your vaporizer.
Alternatives if the vape cannot fly
If for some reason you can't bring your vaporizer with you, there are still options to get one at your destination. Or if you can take your vaporizer but have to leave the contents behind, check locally to see if you can find the substance you want. Availability depends on what you want to vape.
Many places have CBD substitutes available in the form of e-liquids, flower, and concentrates. Some places may even allow you to legally (or illegally) buy THC-rich cannabis for vaping. Remember, though, that you're not at home! Breaking the laws of your home country where you're familiar with the system and speak the language is one thing, but it's a whole different situation abroad. So don't take any risks abroad, and if in doubt, refrain from consuming THC until you're back home.
Be careful when carrying a vape on an airplane!
There are ways to safely take your vaporizer on a plane, but be careful. Make sure it's thoroughly cleaned, and leave behind any products - flower, concentrates, or liquids - that may be illegal in the country you're flying to or coming from. It's usually illegal to fly with cannabis, even if it's legal at the ends of the trip, so it's best to leave any THC behind.
Follow the tips above, check your airline's policies, and you should be able to safely take your vaporizer on the plane!
