We see a lot of questions at @AskTSA about e-cigarettes, vape-pens and other nicotine delivery systems, such as the tweet below:
These devices are permitted on planes, but the FAA recently notified airlines that the lithium batteries used in these devices are fire hazards and should not be packed in checked baggage.
According the FAA: These devices are battery powered and have a heating element that vaporizes liquid (that may or may not contain nicotine).
- These devices are prohibited in checked baggage and may only be carried in the aircraft cabin (in carry-on baggage or on your person).
- They may not be used or charged on the aircraft.
- When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or planeside, all electronic cigarette and vaping devices, along with any spare lithium batteries, must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin.
If your device does not have a lithium battery, you may pack it in either you checked or carry-on bag.
As far as the liquid used with these devices, they are permitted through security in carry-on bags if they comply with the 3-1-1 policy for liquids . 3-1-1 = 3.4 oz containers or less that fit in a quart-size, zip top, clear plastic bag (one bag per person) and placed in the screening bin.
-----------------------------------------------
If you’re scratching your head and wondering what @AskTSA is, it’s a small team of TSA professionals from various agency offices who answer TSA related questions from the traveling public that are sent via Twitter. You can read more about the program in this recent USA Today article.
If you have any TSA related travel questions, please send a tweet to our @AskTSA team. They’re available to answer your questions, 8 a.m.- 10 p.m., Eastern Time, weekdays; 9 a.m. -7 p.m., weekends/holidays. Travelers may also reach out to the TSA Contact Center. The Contact Center (TCC) hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.,Eastern Time; weekends and federal holidays, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Eastern Time. The TCC can be reached at 866-289-9673. Passengers can also reach out to the TSA Contact Center with questions about TSA procedures, upcoming travel or to provide feedback or voice concerns.
Follow @TSA on Twitter and Instagram!
Bob Burns
TSA Social Media Team
