Travelling With Your Vape

There are currently no restrictions or laws regarding vaping in South Africa, leaving the permission to vape in public areas up to the discretion of the owners. Since second-hand vaping is not an issue and the scent of vapour does not linger, vaping is allowed in a variety of public spaces. However, there are some restrictions in certain areas when it comes to travelling with your vape – so it is important to take a look at the different policies when using your vape on-the-go.

Can I Vape Outdoors Or In The Street?

You can definitely vape outdoors – it is one of the most widely accepted spaces for vapers to puff away. Streets, parks, hiking trails, and anywhere else with fresh air is usually a great place to vape.

However, the legal status of vapes and related products are still pending in some countries and banned in others. Singapore, Brazil, Uruguay, and India have banned vaping, so public vaping is prohibited in these countries. You are also not allowed to bring your devices on your travels if you plan on visiting these countries. When going on holiday, always make sure to research the vaping laws of countries you plan on visiting.

Can I Vape In Enclosed Public Spaces?

There are currently no laws against vaping in enclosed public spaces – in theory, you should be allowed to vape indoors in most public areas. 

You are allowed to vape in a hotel room or Bed-and-Breakfast, since you will not leave behind a lingering scent or ashes. Even if they have a no-smoking policy, this does not pertain to vaping and no one will even notice if you take some hits in your private room. The same applies to living areas that you are renting.

However, many establishments may request that you do not vape on their premises. There are usually no signs that state you are not allowed to vape, but staff at restaurants and stores will normally ask you to stop vaping once they spot your vapour. 

Furthermore, you cannot vape in a hospital or other medical establishments – it is not illegal to do so, but you will be asked to vape outside the premises. Although vaping does not pose any risk to those around you, hospitals are very adamant on keeping the area as sterile and fresh as possible. It is a good idea to ask about vaping policies before you go ahead and puff in a mall or restaurant. If you really need a hit, you can try some stealth vaping as well.

Can I Vape On Public Transport?

In most cases, you will not be allowed to vape on public transport. Some independent owners or companies may allow vaping on buses, trains, or taxis, but the majority of companies have banned vaping for the comfort of other passengers.

If you do vape on public transport, you will likely only be asked to stop, but a few companies may go as far as banning you from making use of their services. It is best to ask about the vaping policies before vaping on public transport.

Can I Take My Vape On A Plane?

Flying regulations for vaping devices differ widely from country to country. Since you may be travelling from a place with less-strict regulations to a place with more extensive regulations, it is best to follow the general guidelines to keep you in the clear wherever you are going.

Since travelling with vape gear involves liquids and lithium-ion batteries, most airlines consider these devices and components as a potential hazard. If your device accidentally gets activated, it could pose a fire risk to the flight, so following the precautions for travelling with vaping devices is important.

Rules For Bringing Your Vape On A Plane

The following actions should be taken when you are planning to take your vaping device and spare parts on a plane:

• Any vaping devices with built-in batteries should be switched off and placed in your carry-on luggage.

• Spare batteries (or batteries that are not currently in your device) should be placed in padded carriers to isolate the metal terminals and keep the battery from touching metal objects. This should also go in your carry-on luggage.

• You can only carry a vape in your checked luggage if there is no battery within the device.

Rules For Bringing E-Liquids On A Plane

There are a few general rules when travelling with any liquids or gels on an aeroplane, so there are some specific rules you will need to follow when bringing along bottles of vape juice, pods, or tanks on a plane:

• Bottles of vape juice in your carry-on luggage must have an individual capacity of 100ml or less.

• All liquid products must be placed in a single quart-sized travel bag (around 18 cm by 20 cm). Once you go through the airport’s security checkpoints, you will need to remove this smaller bag from your carry-on luggage for separate inspection. Getting a see-through travel pouch is the most convenient option.

Some of these vaping rules may sound quite strict, but it is very important to mitigate any fire risks to the greatest extent possible. Since batteries will be placed in a pressurised cabin with your carry-on luggage, the risk is already lowered. 

In-flight staff will also respond quickly to unexpected or suspicious situations, so do not vape while you are on your flight. If you do, you will be caught and supervised or have your device confiscated, which is simply not worth the hassle.

General Do’s And Don’ts

Here are some general tips for a happy and safe vape travelling experience:

Be sure to:

• Get permission before firing up
• Ask about general vaping rules and preferences
• Store your device and liquids safely
• Follow common sense and courtesy
• Use the stealth vaping method in public places

Refrain from:

• Cloud chasing in public
• Vaping around children
• Puffing away before checking if it is permitted
• Leaving your device and liquids out in the open

Although there are no specific laws that ban vaping in certain spaces, owners of establishments have the right to ask you not to vape while on their property. If you are planning to travel by plane, you will have to follow the safety precautions as specified. Since vapes are made for an on-the-go experience, you can always keep your device close, but make sure you check the policies of specific establishments before you take a hit.