If you’re leaving the country this summer either for business or pleasure, the chances are you won’t be able to vape on the plane. Now, if you’re only going on a hop, skip and a jump across the Channel to Europe, this might not be the scariest concept this side of Stranger Things. 

But if you’re going further afield, say across the pond, then 6+ hours without your vaping device starts to look like a lifetime.  

So how can you cope on a long-distance flight without your e-cig? 

First things first… the rules around vaping and air travel

Can you vape on a plane?

We all know that smoking on a plane is a big no-no. And unfortunately, the powers that be haven’t switched on to the fact that vaping isn’t smoking and so have placed a ban on vaping on planes too. 

In the UK, both Ryanair and Easyjet allow passengers to carry their vaping device in their hand luggage, but that isn’t the rule for all airlines. So always check with the airline you’re travelling with, especially if you’re going on international flights.  

And side note - not every country in the world will welcome you vaping there. 

With that in mind, here are our top tips to coping on a long-distance flight without your vaping device

Travelling without your e-cigarette

1. Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is not just for those opting to lead alternative lifestyles. It is a great way to calm yourself down and help you destress. Because if you’re not allowed to use your go-to destress device, ie your vaping device, then any other way to calm your nerves and ease your anxiety is the next best thing. 

2. Don’t be late

Don’t leave yourself such little time that you get all worked up and stressed at the airport, desperate to relieve the pressure with your e-cig. Give yourself plenty of time to check-in, get through security and board your flight without looking like you’re auditioning for the next Home Alone film.  

3. Vaping at the airport 

Do your research beforehand and see if the airport you’re travelling from, through or to, has a smokers’ lounge that you might be able to use. 

4. Smoking cessation aids 

You could try other smoking cessation aids as an alternative to vaping, just for the duration of the flight only. 

Chewing gum has been shown time and again to soothe frazzled nerves, or you could use a throat spray that delivers a shot of nicotine, helping to stave off any nicotine withdrawal symptoms that you might suffer from. 

If you need something to do with your hands, nicotine inhalers can work well as they replicate the hand to mouth action as well as delivering nicotine as it’s required. 

5. Distraction aids

If you know that you’ll only focus on thinking about your e-cig when you get bored, make sure you pack plenty of ways to distract yourself and keep your hands busy. 

Magazines, crosswords, knitting, games on your phone, reading a novel - different strokes for different folks and all that, just make sure you bring yours onboard with you. 

6. Don’t drink alcohol

Alcohol and smoking go together like fish and chips, salt and vinegar or Bert and Ernie. 

A lot of people get into holiday mode the minute they hit the airport partaking in a tipple or three before even getting on the flight. If this is you, don’t do it to yourself. Alcohol can make your desire to vape even stronger. 

Also, if you know that you’re going to crave your e-cig the minute you sip on a cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc mid-flight, then don't put yourself through the misery by ordering one. Stick with water and soft drinks and keep your cravings under control.

7. Sleep

Remember when you were a little kid and you were excited about something: going on holiday, Christmas, a day trip on the weekend, and you knew that if you went to bed early the good thing would come to you quicker? Well, the same is true of sleeping on planes. If you can get your napper down during the long haul flight, the journey will pass in an instant. 

Besides, in our current climate, can you honestly say that you aren’t a little sleep deprived? And what better place to catch up on some much needed ZZZs?

If you really can’t sleep, you can buy over the counter sleeping medicine and take it mid-flight, that way, when you wake up, you will be at your destination. If you take it when you get on the plane and wake up mid-flight, you’ll potentially want your vape device, and you can’t have it. 

So don an eye mask, listen to some relaxing music and put the seat back. You have nowhere else to be right now.  

8. Snack your way through it

Snacking is a great way of keeping your hands, your mouth and your mind busy during the long haul flight. Either prepare beforehand and bring a snack pack on board with you, or purchase items as soon as the trolley hits the aisle. 

Savoury or sweet, whatever your preference, just make sure you have something you can pop in your mouth whenever the craving for your vaping device hits. 

Summary

Finally, as a treat before you get on the plane, plan what e liquid you’re going to vape as soon as you reach your destination, and keep that happy thought in mind if you start struggling.