For an adult smoker or vaper who travels - whether frequently or just occasionally - it’s important to know where and when you can use your vape device. Many airlines across the world prohibit vaping, which, in some cases falls under the same set of rules as smoking cigarettes. If you are travelling, you may want to know where it is possible to use a device and take advantage of a designated area that allows vaping.
Why You Can’t Vape on a Plane
The first country to implement a ban on smoking cigarettes on domestic flights was Australia back in 1987, although it wasn’t until much later that the no smoking rule was enforced on many transatlantic flights worldwide. By the year 2000, the sight of adults smoking on aircraft was extremely rare.
Most of the major airlines and well-known carriers have clear rules that state you cannot use a vape on a plane. This rule also extends to e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Accordingly, you must follow these rules. Airlines have their own policies about travelling with vapes, and while the language differs slightly, the message is often consistent. To date, here’s what some of them say. Please note that these can be subject to changed by the policies of the respective airlines.
- British Airways - Electronic cigarettes may be carried in hand luggage but must not be used on board.1
- Easyjet - All electronic cigarettes and a maximum of two spare batteries placed in a carry-on and on one’s person.2
- Qantas Airlines - The use and charging of all e-cigarettes and other personal vaporizers are not permitted on board an aircraft. They must be carried in hand luggage.3
- Virgin Atlantic - Electronic cigarettes are not permitted to be used onboard the aircraft. They can be carried in hand luggage and on your person.4
- Emirates - All Emirates flights are non-smoking - this also includes the use of e-cigarettes. No e-cigarettes can be used on board Emirates flights. Devices may be packed into carry-on luggage.5
- Philippine Airlines – Electronic cigarettes may be brought on-board as a carry-on baggage.6
There are many reasons for the introduction of the ban, which has in many cases been extended to vape and other electronic smoking devices and heated tobacco products. One of the reasons is related to the safety aspects associated with lighting up on an aircraft - and the potential risk of a fire. Given vapes and alternative e-cigarette devices do not produce smoke like cigarettes do, you might think they pose less of a fire risk and therefore less of a danger. Despite e-cigarettes typically producing vapor and not smoke, many aircraft smoke detectors are not able to distinguish between cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor. Vaping in the toilets could potentially set off the detector - raising the alarm which must then be checked out by a flight attendant.
E-Cigarettes and Airport Security
Incidentally, for adult smokers and vapers wondering whether it is possible to carry your device onto a plane, the answer for many airlines is simple. While the specific rules for each airline and airport may vary, for many airlines there is a requirement for e-cigarettes to be packed in hand luggage and carried through airport security. It is always advisable to check the rules, regulations, and policies of the airlines. Just like many laptops and mobile phones, some vape devices use lithium batteries which means they can become pressurized inside the hold. This can pose a potential fire hazard.
As vaping on planes is prohibited, be aware that in many airports you may be able use a device within the designated area at the airport before boarding.
Vaping in an Airport Lounge
As well as prohibiting the use of vapes on planes, the use of such devices may also be restricted in airports, too. You should check the rules of the relevant airport to ensure you vape only where permitted. Many international airports have a designated area for you to vape – you will need to find out where, so check with airport staff who can point you in the right direction. IQOS has its own smoke-free lounges in airports at various locations around the world, so you can drop in and enjoy the atmosphere pre-flight.
In the Philippines, legal age (18+) IQOS users can experience tobacco moments with IQOS products in our airport lounges at Cebu Mactan Terminals 1 and 2, and at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 [temporarily closed] and in NAIA Terminal 3.
You can visit the following IQOS Lounges:
1. Mactan-Cebu Airport Terminal 1, Designated Vaping Lounge in Pre-Departure Area near Gate 8