With vaping’s rise, a common question asked is “can you bring a cart on a plane” in carry-on or checked bags. We explain TSA rules on flying with vape pens, mods, nicotine pods, CBD cartridges and things to know about attempting to transport THC oil.
Vaping’s rising popularity means more travelers want to bring devices like vape pens, mods, and cartridges on trips near and far. But between airport security rules, airline policies banning use during flights, and destination countries with strict laws, transporting vapes introduces complications.
In this guide, we break down exactly what you can and can’t bring on a plane to eliminate confusion. Read on to learn how to navigate TSA liquid restrictions, when carrying cartridges gets risky, what to expect at airport screening, and top tips for smooth travels with your vape gear.
Contents
TSA Vaping Device Rules and Regulations
The TSA allows vapes, e-cigs, vape pens, mods, and other battery-powered vaping devices both in carry-on bags and on your person going through security. Having them in your pocket rather than a bag can speed up checkpoint screening.
Important: Vaping devices cannot go in checked luggage inside the aircraft’s cargo hold. This exclusion exists due to fire risks from the lithium ion batteries contained in vapes.
So if asked to gate check your carry-on, be sure to remove vapes first or they may get confiscated for safety. This carry-on only policy applies to all flights globally.
Carrying Vape Juice, Liquids and CBD Oil on Planes
In carry-on bags, all vape liquids must comply with the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule governing gels, liquids and aerosols:
- Containers must hold 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less
- Total containers must fit within one quart-size plastic bag
- Limit 1 plastic bag per passenger
This covers vape juice including nicotine e-liquid and CBD vape oil. It also applies to other liquids like regular toiletries and makeup.
If carrying more e-liquid or CBD oil than fits in your quart bag, extra bottles can go in checked baggage instead of carry-on.
What About Flying with THC and Weed Vape Cartridges?
This is where things get tricky. Do not attempt to fly with THC oil cartridges, weed pens, wax for dab pens, actual marijuana bud or edibles, or any other cannabis products.
Possessing THC remains federally illegal in the U.S. Once at an airport, you enter a domain governed by federal rather than state law. Transporting cannabis on flights, even between two recreational states like California and Colorado, carries major risks.
TSA agents may not actively search for marijuana and cannabis derivatives like delta 8 or THC-O. However, if found, they often must turn you and the products over to airport police. You could face possession charges, fines, missed flights, or jail time depending on circumstances.
Even if officials ultimately release you after questioning, it still means extensive hassles and delays at minimum. And laws in your arrival destination may impose harsher penalties regardless of legal status at home.
Bottom line: Attempting to fly with THC cartridges or other cannabis products almost never goes smoothly. It’s smarter to purchase them legally at destinations allowing use rather than trying transport.
Vaping Policies: What’s Allowed In Airports and On Planes
Travelers should also understand rules regarding vape usage while traveling before departing:
In Airports
Airports only allow vaping in designated smoking lounges when present. Fewer airports have these spaces as regulations tighten. If found vaping elsewhere, you risk citation or even removal by security depending on severity.
On Flights
Using any vaping device onboard airplanes themselves remains prohibited. Attempting to stealth vape in bathrooms could trigger smoke alarms and create serious disruption. You may face fines, arrest, or charges for tampering with aircraft systems. Essentially don’t vape during flights at any point.
Flying with Vapes Checklist: Key Takeaways
- Place all vaping devices and detachable batteries in carry-on bags, not checked luggage
- Know your airline’s particular restrictions i.e. battery limits
- Only bring vape supplies truly needed to avoid excess scrutiny
- Never attempt transporting THC substances without guaranteed safety
- Charge devices fully before departing
- Locate airport smoking areas ahead of time
- Expect a complete inability to vape for flight duration
Conclusion: Mitigating Risks to Travel Smoothly
While counterintuitive with vaping’s accessibility, using cartridges and pens during travel requires discretion to avoid hassles. It remains possible to fly with nicotine and CBD vapes legally. But unnecessary quantities or trying slipping THC oil on a plane can transform a trip.
By following TSA guidance, understanding federal law, and accepting restrictions, vapers can navigate airport screening and flights themselves without issue. However, remaining flexible and avoiding banned substances proves wise until comprehensive regulation materializes.
FAQS
How do you fly with a dab pen?
Do not try to fly with any dab pen or THC wax vape that contains cannabis concentrates. Despite some legalization gains, THC remains federally illegal and airports follow U.S. federal jurisdiction. Trying to transport THC oil or wax even between legal states risks arrest and penalties.
Instead, buy any cannabis extracts or THC vape cartridges legally at your destination when possible. Only fly with fully cleaned dab pens empty of residue to stay safe.
Can you bring a pen on plane?
Yes, TSA permits bringing nicotine vape pens and e-cigarettes inside carry-on bags. Keep all vaping devices on your person rather than checked luggage during air travel due to lithium battery fire hazards. Follow the standard liquid rules for any e-juice bottles. Know that vaping itself while on an airplane remains prohibited.
Can I bring a delta 8 cart on a plane?
Do not attempt to transport delta-8 THC or any THC isomers like THC-O on flights. While representing legal gray areas in some states, TSA agents may still treat such items as federally banned marijuana. You risk possession charges, arrest, or confiscated products even traveling between two states where delta 8 access is permitted otherwise. Avoid this scenario by only purchasing hemp derivatives once reaching destinations allowing use.
Can airplanes detect vape?
Advanced airport scanners can sometimes detect traces of explosives, drugs, or concealed objects through residue detection. However most focus more on physical threat identification vs trace vapor analysis currently. Get caught vaping on board is more likely to land you in trouble. Setting off smoke alarms by trying to vape discreetly in lavatories may indicate tampering with aircraft systems as well. While detection technology continues advancing, restraint and following regulations remains key to avoid issues.
