It’s the height of summer here in the UK, and a fair few brits will likely be travelling abroad for a well-deserved holiday. As a vaper, it is important that you check up on certain rules and regulations. For example, countries such as Thailand or The UAE prohibit vaping and carry the possibility of fines and even jail time.

Not only must you research the country to which you are travelling, but also current aviation laws and airport security issues. Some international airports allow vaping (or smoking) in specific airside areas within the terminal, and care should be taken, as naturally, security within the airport is paramount.

At this point in time (July 2018), The UK, and most international airports, vaping is very much treated as smoking in the sense that it is only allowed in designated areas. For example, Heathrow forbids the act of vaping (and smoking) in all indoor areas, terminals and airside out door areas. There are smoking areas in authorised places outside of the terminal buildings, usually away from entrances and exits. Unfortunately, this means vapers will have to share space with tobacco smokers. Before leaving for the airport, it is important to sort out where all of your vaping kit will go. When it comes to airport security, it is a rule that all liquids in carry-on luggage must be presented in a small, transparent plastic bag (which are usually supplied at airport security). The amount of liquid in each bottle must not exceed 100ml, and it is not unheard of for security officers to refuse any bottles bigger than 100ml (even if it is not full). This is down to the fact that it is difficult to precisely determine the actual amount of liquid in said bottle. It is advised to place liquid in a waterproof container in your checked baggage, as this will allow you to carry more than 100ml and using the correct packaging will eliminate the possibility of e-liquids leaking due to air pressure whilst flying.

Batteries are probably the most vital part of planning, as some airlines will not allow you to travel with more than two. They must also always be in a suitable container/box that will not let the batteries loose. All batteries must be in pristine condition, and especially not left in a mod at any time. Packing batteries into your checked luggage is a definite no no! It can potentially be very dangerous due to the change in pressure in the hold during flight. Nobody is present in the hold during a flight to monitor any problems and if your batteries were to vent it could potentially cause a fire.

Tanks and RDAs are recommended to be kept in carry-on luggage, and that they are empty, as air pressure can cause them to leak. If they do indeed have e-liquid in them, they must also be put in a plastic bag going through security, as well as putting protection around them to avoid leaking during flight.

Most mods are also to be placed in carry-on luggage too, although be mindful that some designs of devices could become problematic, such as mods that look like weapons. Batteries must be removed from mods and placed in suitable cases in your carry-on bags.

Vaping on an airplane is an absolute no! Not only could it become a security issue, but smoke detectors on aircraft are extremely advanced and sensitive, and if you vape (even in the loo), you will most likely be caught, and face serious consequences.

It is worth noting that these laws are constantly changing, and it is a good idea to check up to date information before you travel. It is largely down to common sense, but always err on the side of caution. Careful consideration is the key to enjoying a safe time vaping abroad.

This was a guest post by Peaches Atkinson.