Terri Addams
13/08/2024 • 5 min read
Air travel has undergone significant changes over the past few decades, particularly concerning smoking regulations. Until the 1970s, smoking on planes was a common sight. The practice continued for several years, with designated non-smoking sections, usually situated at the front and back of aeroplanes.
However, as awareness of the dangers associated with in-flight smoking grew, airlines and governments started to enforce bans, eventually culminating in complete prohibition. This was primarily due to concerns over passive smoke affecting non-smoking passengers and the potential fire hazards smoking posed in an enclosed and high-altitude environment.
Ralph Nader is among the earliest and most vocal advocates for smoke-free regulations. In 1969, he petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ban smoking on aircraft, highlighting the health risks associated with secondhand smoke. His efforts and those of other health advocates and flight attendants' unions played a crucial role in raising awareness and pushing for the eventual implementation of smoking bans on flights.
The shift towards a smoke-free flying experience gained momentum in the 1980s, with individual restrictions leading to comprehensive bans.
The United States fully banned in-flight smoking by 2000 for all domestic and international flights, following a tragic incident in 1997 when Dr Abid Hanson suffered a fatal asthma attack after inhaling second-hand smoke on a flight. The UK and several European countries, such as Germany and France, had already implemented similar bans by 1997. These regulations were part of a global trend to make air travel safer and healthier for everyone on board.
In recent years, the advent of electronic cigarettes and vapes has prompted new questions about onboard smoking policies. Despite being a seemingly safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, vapes and e-cigarettes are explicitly banned during all stages of a flight, including taxi, takeoff, and landing. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has enforced strict regulations prohibiting electronic smoking devices on aeroplanes. This prohibition stems from the potential fire risks posed by these devices. Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes are powered by lithium ion batteries, which are known for their volatility. The FAA has reported incidents where these batteries have overheated, leaked, or even exploded, causing fires and injuries.
Such risks make vaping on a plane not only dangerous but also a federal offence, punishable by hefty fines and possibly even jail time, depending on the jurisdiction.
Is there a limit to how many vapes you can take on a plane? It depends on the number of lithium batteries that come with the device. Depending on which airline you are flying with, the limit varies between 15 and 20 disposable vapes. Any vape liquids should be stored in separate containers, which should not exceed 100ml each and must be placed in clear, resealable plastic. These same rules apply when bringing vapes through the UK’s airport security.
Given the strict regulations, passengers are allowed to bring vapes and e-cigarettes in carry-ons on planes, but only under specific conditions. These devices and spare lithium batteries must remain in the carry-on luggage. They should never be placed in checked baggage due to the fire risk in the cargo hold. To prevent accidental activation, vapes and e-cigarettes must be carefully packed. It's recommended to use a protective case or remove the batteries, storing each in a separate case or plastic bag to avoid short circuits.
For those who think they can stealthily vape in the plane’s bathroom, they couldn’t be more mistaken. Modern aircraft are equipped with highly sensitive smoke detectors that can also detect vapour micro-particulates, and any attempt to vape can quickly alert the crew. Moreover, the consequences of getting caught can be severe, including hefty fines and possible legal action. It's not just about following the law; it's about ensuring the safety and comfort of all passengers and crew members onboard.
The reasoning behind these stringent rules is clear. Vapes and e-cigarettes, while popular and often perceived as a less harmful alternative to smoking, still pose significant risks when used improperly, especially in confined spaces like aircraft. The lithium batteries that power these devices can cause severe damage if they malfunction, making them a potential hazard during flights.
While smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited on commercial flights, passengers can still carry these devices, provided they follow safety guidelines. The complete ban on in-flight vaping is a necessary precaution to prevent accidents and ensure a safe environment for all travellers.
So, next time you're boarding a plane, remember to stow your vape safely in your carry-on and consider using other alternatives like gums and patches instead until you're safely back on the ground, where you can find the airport’s designated smoking areas, if any. Your fellow passengers and the crew will appreciate your cooperation, and you'll avoid facing any legal repercussions. References: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-44818617 https://executiveflyers.com/when-was-smoking-banned-on-planes/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Nader https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inflight_smoking#Use_of_electronic_cigarettes https://www.newsweek.com/vaping-smoking-plane-what-happens-faa-regulation-fine-viral-tiktok-1834120#:~:text=The%20FAA%20says%20that%20vaping,that%20pose%20a%20fire%20risk.
