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WARNING: Vaping products contain Nicotine, a highly addictive chemical - Health Canada
WARNING: Vaping products contain Nicotine, a highly addictive chemical - Health Canada

Can You Bring a Vape on a Plane in Canada?

Author

Christopher Fournier

Date

May 17, 2024

Categories

U Vape Blog

Tags

News

Person using a vape before boarding an aircraft

If you vape, you probably don’t want to leave your device behind whenever you travel out of town. But while you can bring a vape on a plane in Canada, there are some key rules you’ll have to follow.

U Vape is dedicated to providing information that helps people vape responsibly, as well as selling Canada’s top vape devices and accessories. Below, we tell you everything you need to know before packing your vape for a flight.

Current Canadian Rules & Regulations for Flying with a Vape

Understanding the rules for flying with vapes in Canada is crucial for ensuring a smooth travel experience. Here’s a list of rules based on information from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority.

  • Vapes and e-cigarettes must be carried in your carry-on baggage only. Transport Canada and CATSA are strict on this because of the potential fire hazard associated with the batteries used in these devices​.
  • Batteries should be removed and carried separately to prevent fire hazards. This is a safety measure to prevent accidents in case the device inadvertently activates or overheats​.
  • E-liquids should be in containers of 100ml or less and kept in a clear plastic bag. Similar to other liquids, gels, and aerosols, these must be presented separately for inspection at the security checkpoint and must fit within the standard 1-quart-sized bag allowed per passenger​.
Man vaping from box mod outside airport terminal

Do’s & Don’ts for Packing Vapes & E-Liquids in Your Baggage

In addition to the rules and regulations above, here are some do’s and don’ts to help make flying with a vape in Canada smoother:

Do’s

  • Use original packaging for batteries to avoid short circuits. This helps to insulate the batteries and prevents them from coming into contact with other metal objects that could potentially cause a fire.
  • Carry e-liquids in a clear, resealable plastic bag within your liquids allowance. This not only helps with security checks but also prevents any leakage that could damage your luggage or belongings.
  • Ensure any spare batteries are safely stored in battery cases. Battery cases are specifically designed to prevent contact between batteries and other metallic objects, reducing the risk of short circuits and fires​.
  • Label your e-liquid containers clearly. This can help distinguish them from prohibited items and can ease the security process at checkpoints​.
  • Pack all electronic devices and batteries in layers of soft padding or bubble wrap if the original packaging is not available. This further ensures they are insulated and protected during handling throughout the journey​.

Don’ts

  • Pack vape devices or e-liquids in checked luggage. The primary concern here is the safety hazard posed by unchecked batteries potentially catching fire in the cargo hold​.
  • Forget to check your specific airline's policy on vaping devices and e-liquids, as these can vary. Some airlines might have stricter policies or additional requirements, so it’s always best to verify with your airline before you travel to avoid any inconvenience at the airport​.

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Woman passing through airport security after declaring vape device in carry on luggage

Things to Remember When Passing Through Airport Security

Navigating airport security with vape equipment requires careful preparation to ensure that you comply with all regulations and avoid delays. Here’s what we recommend doing:

  • Inform security about your vape device and any liquids as you approach the checkpoint. Transparency helps to speed up the screening process and reduces the chance of any misunderstandings that could result in delays or additional checks​.
  • Be prepared to show that all devices are powered off and batteries are removed. This is a critical step to demonstrate that your device is safe for air travel and complies with airline regulations aimed at preventing fire hazards​.
  • Place all electronic devices and liquids in an easily accessible section of your carry-on. Doing so will help you and the security personnel quickly screen and verify the items without needing to unpack your entire bag at the checkpoint​.
  • Follow all instructions provided by airport staff during the security check. Cooperation can significantly reduce the time spent at security checks and improve the overall efficiency of the process​.
Woman vaping after flight while traveling

General Vape Travel Tips

To ensure a hassle-free journey with your vape, consider the following advice:

  • Consider using a disposable vape pen to avoid issues if lost or confiscated. Disposable pens are less of a financial and emotional loss if they are taken away by airport security compared to more expensive, reusable devices.
  • Always double-check the carry-on guidelines for the specific airline you are traveling with. Airlines may have unique rules and restrictions that differ slightly from general airport regulations.
  • Pack lightly to avoid clutter. Fewer items in your carry-on mean quicker checks and lower chances of having something mistakenly confiscated​.
  • Ensure your vape juice is labeled and packaged correctly. Proper labeling and packaging not only help with security checks but are also essential for preventing leaks and spills during your journey​.

The Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failing to adhere to airline rules or the CATSA regulations listed at the top of this post can have severe consequences. These may include:

  • Delays: Not following rules can hold you up at security checks, causing you to possibly miss your flight​.
  • Confiscation of your vape equipment: If your items do not meet airport security standards, they may be taken away permanently​.
  • Fines and penalties: Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines or even legal charges if you are found with prohibited items or if your devices cause a security alert​.
  • Being barred from flying: In extreme cases, failure to comply with security procedures might result in being denied boarding or being placed on a watch list for future flights​.
  • Damage to your devices: Improper packing can lead to your vapes being damaged during the screening process, especially if they need to be handled by security personnel​.
Woman exhaling vape cloud while on trip

Vape Responsibly & Use Safe Products

There are two main things you need to do if you want to enjoy safe, responsible vaping. One is to buy vape products, e-liquids, and accessories that are safe and reliable. The other is to understand the laws in your area—or any area where you plan on vaping, including a plane.

At U Vape, we’re here to make both parts easier. Explore our collection of high-quality vape devices, then keep reading to get answers to the questions we hear most about flying with vapes.

Pod Systems

Box Mods

Frequently Asked Questions about Flying with Vaping Products

Can I use my vape on a plane in Canada?

Absolutely not. While vape devices can come aboard, using them on the plane is strictly prohibited, and they must be kept off throughout the flight to comply with airline regulations against smoking or vaping onboard aircraft.

Do e-liquids count towards my travel allowance for liquids and gels?

Yes. Each passenger is allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 100 milliliters or less per item—and all of them must fit in the bag, including your vape juice.

Can I bring my vape device to another country?

It depends on whether vaping is legal in the country where you’ll arrive. For example, if disposable vapes are banned in your destination country, you may have these devices confiscated when passing through customs before your flight, or upon arrival.

We strongly recommend checking the laws around vapes in any country you plan on flying to before packing your vape along for the trip.

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