The fundamental distinction lies in when and where you can carry versus use them. Violating regulations can result in fines, device confiscation, or removal from the flight.
Electronic Cigarettes & Vaping Devices
Carry-On Only: Lithium-ion batteries pose fire risks in cargo holds. Therefore, all e-cigarettes, vapes, vape pens, e-cigars, e-hookahs, and spare batteries MUST be carried in your cabin baggage. They are explicitly prohibited in checked luggage.
- No Charging: Charging devices on board the aircraft is strictly prohibited. Power banks used to charge them must also adhere to carry-on regulations.
- No Vaping: Using an e-cigarette (vaping) onboard the aircraft is universally banned. This applies throughout the cabin and lavatories for the entire flight duration. Tampering with smoke detectors in lavatories is illegal.
Tobacco Cigarettes
What You Can Do: You are generally permitted to carry cigarettes or tobacco in your carry-on and/or checked luggage, though quantity restrictions may apply in certain destinations. Lighters (usually one per person) and safety matches are typically allowed in carry-on bags only (not checked luggage), subject to airline rules.
What You Cannot Do: Smoking tobacco cigarettes onboard the aircraft is completely prohibited. Decades-old regulations ban smoking on all commercial airline flights. Attempting to smoke in a lavatory triggers alarms and carries severe penalties.
Key Considerations
- Always Check Airline Policy: While federal (FAA/EASA etc.) regulations govern the core safety rules regarding batteries and smoking/vaping bans, individual airlines may have additional restrictions regarding carrying vapes or the number of lighters permitted.
- Battery Safety: Protect e-cigarette batteries from physical damage and short circuits (use protective cases or covers for terminals).
- Disposal: Never discard batteries or e-cigarette components in regular trash bins. Use designated battery disposal points if available.
- Connecting/Transit Flights: Be aware that usage bans also apply within airport terminals globally. Only use designated smoking areas outside terminals.
