Airport security has become a major hassle over the past decade. After the tragedy of September 11, 2001, no one is willing to take a risk when it comes to contraband on airplanes. In many cases, the TSA is so strict that air travel can be frustrating. With even the most common items like shampoo and hair spray facing stringent limitations for carry on bags, many ecig users have worried that taking along vaping supplies could trigger an uncomfortable situation during airport security checks. Some vapers are afraid to even pack ecigs in checked luggage for fear that it could trigger bag searches that might damage personal belongings and cause travel delays.
Recently, the TSA took to social media to offer some advice for passengers that use ecigs. Officials spoke out through Twitter and Instagram to ease public fears about taking along electronic cigarettes during air travel. “Ecigs and vaping devices ARE permitted in your carry-on and checked bags. Unless they look like a grenade… This TSA catch is a grenade-shaped vaping device that was discovered in a carry-on bag at the Salt Lake City International Airport.” Along with the statement, there was a photo of an ecig that closely resembled a small hand grenade.
Upon closer examination, it was an advanced ecig called the Innokin CoolFire 2, but airport security had no idea that the device was an ecig when they first spotted it. Undoubtedly, the owner of that Innokin ecig had a very bad day at the airport! The good news is that now we know where the TSA stands when it comes to ecigs. Not only can you freely pack your ecig and cartridges or e-liquids in your checked luggage, but you are free to bring along your ecig in your carry on bag.
For the nervous vapers that have avoided packing ecigs for fear of TSA push back, this is big news. We have even heard stories of travelers that separated the ecig components and scattered them throughout multiple luggage pieces to avoid triggering a security pat down. Now we know that this is completely unnecessary.
The important thing to keep in mind is to choose the ecig you pack very carefully.
“If an item looks like a grenade, it is prohibited. When these items are discovered, they can cause significant delays while explosives detection professionals resolve the alarm. While e-cigs and vaping devices are permitted in your checked and carry-on bags, using them at an airport or on an aircraft depends upon the airport, airline, and local laws,” the TSA explained.
Obviously, a little common sense can go a long way when you are packing your ecigs for your next air travel adventure. Have you ever traveled with an ecig in your carry on bag? Did the TSA ask you any questions about your vaping device when you went through security checks?
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