What Happens If You Put A Vape In Checked Luggage – Be Safe

Traveling with a vape can be tricky. You may wonder what happens if you put a vape in checked luggage. While it is possible to transport your vape in checked baggage, there are certain risks and regulations you should be aware of before doing so.

But before we dive into what happens if you put a vape in checked luggage, let’s talk about what is a vape and how does one work?

What Is A Vape?

A vape, short for vaporizer, is an electronic device that heats up a liquid (often called e-liquid or vape juice) to produce vapor that the user inhales. This process is known as vaping. Vapes come in various shapes and sizes, with the most common types being vape pens and mods.

E-liquids or vape juices typically contain nicotine, although nicotine-free varieties are also available. They are flavored with a myriad of different ingredients, creating a broad range of choices for users. Vapes are primarily used as an alternative to traditional cigarettes, as they simulate the act of smoking without the combustion of tobacco, which produces harmful by-products.

Many people are often curious about what happens if you put a vape in checked luggage. This question is particularly relevant for frequent travelers who use vapes and are unsure about the regulations surrounding the transportation of vapes in checked baggage.

How Does a Vape Work?

Understanding how a vape works is crucial, especially when considering what happens if you put a vape in checked luggage. A vape functions through a series of interconnected components that work together to produce the inhaled vapor.

When the user inhales or presses the fire button, depending on the device, the lithium-ion battery sends an electric charge to the heating element known as the atomizer or coil. This heating process turns the e-liquid absorbed in the wicking material, usually made of cotton, into vapor. This vapor can then be inhaled through the mouthpiece.

The main components of a vape include a lithium-ion battery, an atomizer or coil, a tank or reservoir for the e-liquid, and a mouthpiece. The tank can be refilled with e-liquid as needed, while the coil will need to be replaced periodically as it wears out over time.

Now, the question arises – what happens if you put a vape in checked luggage? Considering the different components of a vape and their functions, this question takes on further significance.

So, understanding how a vape works can not only enhance your vaping experience but also guide you when dealing with situations like figuring out what happens if you put a vape in checked luggage. Being informed about this can help you to avoid unnecessary issues during your travels.

A List Of The Different Kinds Of Vapes

There is a diverse range of vapes available on the market today, each with unique features and functionalities. Knowing the different types of vapes is an essential part of understanding what happens if you put a vape in checked luggage.

1. Cig-a-Likes: These are the earliest models of vapes that closely resemble traditional cigarettes. They are small, lightweight, and easy to use, which makes them popular among beginners.
2. Vape Pens: Slightly larger than cig-a-likes, vape pens have a cylindrical shape and offer better battery life and performance. They often come with refillable tanks and replaceable coils.
3. Box Mods: These are larger devices offering advanced features such as temperature control, variable voltage, and wattage. They have large batteries that provide a long-lasting vaping experience.
4. Pod Systems: These compact devices have gained popularity due to their simplicity and convenience. They use pods, which are cartridges that contain the coil and e-liquid.

The question, “What happens if you put a vape in checked luggage?” becomes even more relevant when you consider the vast array of vapes available. Different devices might be treated differently under transportation rules and guidelines. As a rule of thumb, all vapes with a lithium-ion battery are to be treated the same and go in your carry on luggage.

TSA Regulations For Flying With A Vape?

Traveling with a vape necessitates an understanding of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations. Knowing these rules is essential when figuring out what happens if you put a vape in checked luggage.

According to TSA rules, electronic cigarettes, and vaping devices are allowed in carry-on bags but not in checked bags. This rule exists because vapes, which use lithium-ion batteries, can pose a fire risk if they are accidentally activated or damaged. If a fire occurs in the cabin, it can be quickly extinguished, but a fire in the cargo hold could have disastrous consequences.

But when we talk about what happens if you put a vape in checked luggage, it presents the question of what to do with vape juice or e-liquids. You can put the juice in checked luggage as long as it complies with the liquids rule for checked bags.

Can You Take Vapes On A Plane?

You can bring your vape and electronic cigarettes in your carry-on luggage when you fly. However, when asking the question, “What happens if you put a vape in checked luggage?” there are some rules and regulations regarding vape accessories that you should know.

It’s best to review the vape regulations of the airline you’ll be traveling. You can typically find this information online. Furthermore, think again about putting your vape in your checked luggage. TSA and FAA guidelines state that no vapes can travel in checked baggage.

Can You Put A Vape In Checked Luggage?

Checked luggage in the cargo hold of an airplane is subject to extreme temperatures and pressure changes. The changes could potentially damage your device or cause it to malfunction. The lithium-ion battery in a vape device can spark and catch fire in the belly of a plane. A fire is potentially dangerous for all passengers on the plane.

What Happens If You Put A Vape In Carry-On?

Hooray! Awesome! You did the right thing and put your vape in your carry on. This time we are not asking, “What happens if you put a vape in checked luggage, instead we are asking about carry on.TSA regulations say you are to pack a vape in your carry on bags for safety. So with your vape in your carry on, you are almost ready to fly. Now let’s talk about how to pack your vape safely.

How Can You Safely Pack A Vape In Your Carry On?

Now you know what happens if you put a vape in checked luggage, but how can you safely pack it in your carry on?

To keep your vape safe during a flight, empty the liquid tank before packing it in your carry-on. Without doing this, high cabin pressure could cause the juice to leak, creating a messy situation.

You might want to vape when you disembark from the plane and step outside. To prevent the e-juice from spilling all over your stuff, leave it in the chamber, cover it with paper towels, then place it in a baggie.

Is Vape Juice A Carry On Or Checked Bag Item?

What happens if you put a vape in checked luggage and it’s not just about where you store it, but what do you do with your juice? You can take vape juice with you on flights, but you can only store 30 ml or 1 ounce in a carry-on bag, and it must be in a ziplock baggie. However, you can pack the 100ml per bottle or greater liquid in your checked luggage because it does not contain a lithium battery. The vape juice bottles are considered safe in the baggage hold area.

Beware that the liquid juices may leak because of the airplane cabin pressure, so put them in a ziplock baggie in your checked luggage. Who wants to have e-liquid all over their clothes when they arrive at their destination?

Can You Take Extra Batteries And Coils When You Fly?

If you bring extra lithium-ion batteries, it is best to store them in your hand luggage because I’m not sure you want to know what happens if you put a vape in checked luggage with batteries. But I’ll tell you anyway. In rare cases, the batteries can cause complications during a flight, even when placed in carry-on luggage.

You may purchase a battery case to store the spares to avoid potential issues. You can find battery cases in most vaping stores or online.

Where Can You Use Your Vape When Flying?

What happens if you put a vape in checked luggage often triggers other questions, such as; can you vape in an airport? With so many regulations and restrictions surrounding vaping laws, there are only a few places to use your vape.

You are NOT to use a vape in any airport or on a plane, whether in flight or on the ground. The same regulations apply to vaping as they do to tobacco products. If you vape on the plane, it carries a very hefty fine and is punishable by law. So please follow the regulations and be safe.

Most airports in the US do have designated vaping areas outside, but check the rules before you vape.

If you travel abroad, check the laws of the countries you visit. These laws change quickly and sometimes without notice.

What do I do – I Forgot Vape In Checked Luggage

If you realize that you’ve forgotten your vape in checked luggage, you might be wondering, “What happens if you put a vape in checked luggage?” As per TSA regulations, vapes are not allowed in checked luggage due to the potential fire hazard posed by the lithium batteries they contain.

So, if you find yourself in a situation where you’re asking, “What happens if I left my vape in my checked bag?” here’s what you can do:

1. Inform Airport Security or Airline Representatives: If you realize your mistake while still at the airport, inform airport security or airline representatives as soon as possible. They can guide you through the process to recover your device or properly secure it for the flight.
2. Wait for Notification: If you’ve already left the airport or are in-flight when you realize your mistake, you may have to wait. In most cases, if a banned item is found in checked luggage, the airline will remove it and may keep it secure until you can collect it.

However, it’s essential to understand that the handling of such situations might vary depending on the specific airport or airline policies. So, what happens if you put a vape in checked luggage can differ slightly from one circumstance to another.

To avoid any future confusion or worry about “What happens if you put a vape in checked luggage?”, it’s advisable to always keep your vape and its accessories in your carry-on bag or with you, in accordance with TSA regulations.

Will A Vape Get Flagged In Airport Security?

TSA will not rummage through your suitcases to search for a vape. But, if they check it for another purpose and come across your device in your checked bags, security staff will take it away. After all, they cannot allow vapes to be in the cargo hold along with the other luggage. So, what happens if you put a vape in checked luggage? Security personnel will take it, and they will not return it to you.

At the same time, TSA is not looking for vapes in your carry on bag, so it will not get flagged unless it is super larger or suspicious. After all, TSA did tell you to put it in your carry on.

To avoid having your vape confiscated, make sure to travel with it in your carry on baggage. The TSA is usually aware that vapes may be in travelers’ carry on items and rarely remove them.

Can I Fly With A Vape That I Use For Weed?

Yes, you can fly with a vape that you use for weed, but only within the United States and only in states where marijuana is legal. However, you must adhere to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations. The TSA allows vape devices in carry-on bags or on your person but not in checked luggage due to potential fire hazards.

This leads to the question, “What happens if you put a vape in checked luggage?” If the vape device is used for weed, the implications could be even more severe due to the federal regulations on marijuana.

That said, while carrying a vape is allowed, carrying marijuana across state lines is federally illegal in the United States, even if you’re traveling from one legal state to another. Additionally, the marijuana laws vary significantly from state to state and country to country.

Please familiarize yourself with the local laws and TSA regulations to avoid potential legal issues.

So, understanding “What happens if you put a vape in checked luggage?” is extremely important, especially when the vape is used for substances like weed.

FAQs About What Happens If You Put A Vape In Checked Luggage

Here are some commonly asked questions about what happens if you put a vape in checked luggage that we have not covered above or may need more clarification.

Do checked bags get searched for vapes?

TSA does not go through your checked bags looking for vapes. However, if your bag is flagged for another reason, they do have the right to check your luggage, and they may come across the vape in your checked bags.

Will a vape get flagged by TSA?

TSA is not looking for your vape when you -place it in your carry on bag. Even if you place it in your checked bag, they may miss it, but you can potentially put everyone on the plane in danger if the lithium-ion batteries catch fire in the cargo hold.

Do TSA metal detectors detect vapes?

More than likely, the answer is yes because vapes have metal in them. But it’s OK because TSA screening checkpoints expect a vape to be in checked bags.

Can You Take Disposable Vapes On An Airplane?

Disposable vapes follow the same TSA guidelines as non-disposable ones do. You must pack them in your carry on, and you may not use them on the plane.

Can you bring a vape pen on a plane?

A vape pen is considered a vape and follows the same TSA regulations as all vapes. The same answer applies to a pen as it does to all other areas of what happens if you put a vape in checked luggage. A vape pen needs to be in your carry on luggage.

Does TSA do anything about vapes?

If TSA finds a vape in your checked luggage, they will confiscate it, and you will not find your vape when you reach your destination.

Why are vapes banned from checked bags?

All types of Vapes have lithium-ion batteries and present a fire hazard when placed in the pressurized cargo hold in a checked bag. However, in the cabin, in your carry on bag, vapes are safe.

Is it OK to put my vape in my personal bag instead of my carry on?

Your personal bag will also go onto the plane with you, so yes, it is OK to pack it in your personal bag. You can even carry it in your pocket but remember you must place it in a bin to go through the scanners, and this may present further questions from TSA.

Conclusion – What Happens If You Put A Vape In Checked Luggage

Vaping is increasing in popularity, but it does come with some rules, especially when asking the question, “What happens if you put a vape in checked luggage?” 

You can take your vape pens and electronic device with you when you fly, but they must be in your carry-on baggage along with the accessories. It is best to pack vaping juice in your checked luggage if it is more than 30 milliliters.

Be aware of juice leakage from your device and the e-liquid vials, and pack them accordingly. 

Check the laws for countries abroad, airline regulations, and airport policies. And most important, DO NOT vape on planes or in airports. I am so glad we could clear up what happens if you put a vape in checked luggage. Now go out there and enjoy yourself.

Happy travels, my friends.