What will you say if they ask you what that thing is?
The Solo contains two Li-ion batteries. These are widely viewed as dangerous and a potential fire hazard. I wouldn't be surprised if you get questioned.
Vapes on Planes - Traveling With Vaporizers
- Thread starter vtac
- Start date
What will you say if they ask you what that thing is?
The Solo contains two Li-ion batteries. These are widely viewed as dangerous and a potential fire hazard. I wouldn't be surprised if you get questioned.
As well I learned the hard way that large lithium ion batteries (like the ones in laptops and the arizer) are similar in size and radiographic density to cylindrical C4 charges.
That's why they tend make you turn on your laptop to show them that it works and is not a well disguised bomb. In the case of a laptop that is fine - but when the Solo beeps and starts flashing a "HEAT" light, that might trip some suspicion. Especially when they find that little glass straw which I'm sure they will immediately assume is a crackpipe. Not to mention the fact that you could technically classify the tube as a weapon because you could break it into a shank...
That's why they tend make you turn on your laptop to show them that it works and is not a well disguised bomb. In the case of a laptop that is fine - but when the Solo beeps and starts flashing a "HEAT" light, that might trip some suspicion. Especially when they find that little glass straw which I'm sure they will immediately assume is a crackpipe. Not to mention the fact that you could technically classify the tube as a weapon because you could break it into a shank...
Dreamerr
Always in a state of confusion and silliness♀
Wait so they would go though your luggage that is checked as well when you have lithium ion batteries in it? I thought many on this forum have traveled with vapes. That is not something I wanted to hear ugh.
Also aren't there many products with these types of batteries that we take with us in our luggage?
Also aren't there many products with these types of batteries that we take with us in our luggage?
I'll assume you mean vapourizers that use Li-ion batteries. NiMH batteries like those used by the MFLB or the Palm 2.0 aren't likely to attract attention.
In the US and Canada, you are not allowed to have loose Li-ion batteries in checked baggage. If they are enclosed in a device then you must take steps to prevent accidental activation. You can have loose Li-ion batteries in carry-on but you must protect them from accidental shorting (tape over the terminals, carry them in separate packages, etc.). You could put your Solo, Pax, Inhalater, or whatever in checked baggage as long as you make sure it won't turn on. You could also check your Cera or FlashVAPE as long as the battery is in the device.
The dilemma here is that the vapourizers we're talking about here are used for cannabis. Airport security is about public safety not drug use. They have no mandate to enforce drug laws, but they do have the right to search your luggage and ask questions. Technically they should report drugs to law enforcement, but it's not as clear what the reaction to a vapourizer would be—if they knew what it was. If I were carrying one I would definitely have an answer ready in case I got asked what it was.
francis
Vape enthusiasms
Dreamerr
Always in a state of confusion and silliness♀
Thanks Paka cause that was a bit concerning. If it is in your luggage I suppose they would have to ask you after the flight or pull you aside before take off since they check the baggage after you go into the terminal. I think I will carry my mouthpieces and such in the carry on but not sure if that is better. I was more then likely thinking of the solo or the PN. If I take the PN I will separate the mouth piece and the PN and still but it all in the checked luggage since most airports now don't let you bring e-ciggs in your carry on from what I read but I could be wrong.
al bundy
Vaporist
Took my solo and 3 stems (2 straight 1 bent) from Newark to ft lauderdale week before Easter. Cleaned solo with Iso and opened it up and cleaned inside. Put it in my shaving bag in checked luggage.
Also a 1/4 oz vacumme packed in a pocket in a pair of folded pants. I only used one stem and I left it in Fla for when I go back.
you could always mail it to yourself where your going.
On a side note friend was coming back from carribean and had his eq taken apart the customs guy told him a tenth of a gram is a $500 fine. Anything over you get locked up.
Not enough came out to register on the scale for a fine but they looked through his luggage real good for weed. He made his flight home.no problem.
Also a 1/4 oz vacumme packed in a pocket in a pair of folded pants. I only used one stem and I left it in Fla for when I go back.
you could always mail it to yourself where your going.
On a side note friend was coming back from carribean and had his eq taken apart the customs guy told him a tenth of a gram is a $500 fine. Anything over you get locked up.
Not enough came out to register on the scale for a fine but they looked through his luggage real good for weed. He made his flight home.no problem.
banana_republic
Well-Known Member
Hello dear vapourists,
I will be traveling in a few days to a foreign country and am still deciding on the vaporizer gear (if any) to bring with us. We're 5 friends and lots of luggage and details who might arouse attention (2-3 surfboards per person), huge hiking backpacks, long haired guys, tattoed girls....
Our decision to the moment is to bring a SOLO (a friend has one and should bring just the device with her, and another person should bring the tubes...). But, I am still willing to bring the VG coil (as a backup, maybe), take all parts apart and mess it up into different backpack compartments, is that good idea? A fake MFLB was taken out of our "to bring list", as it is brand new, but we never know what might come from its materials into our lungs and body. A real MFLB is very used and will stay home, really not a good idea to bring that one....
We'll probably bring some tobacco (although we don't smoke, just to pretend we do...) messed with the lighters and papers, everything on that luggage that goes "below the plane" (not hand luggage)
We've already decided not to bring any flowers with us, but to eat some edibles right at the airport before leaving to stand an almost 24hours journey...
Any advide or tips? Will the SOLO (if found) arise suspicious eyes, even without a tube? The guy might say it is a heater for treating arthritis in his hands...
Cheers and thans a lot!
I will be traveling in a few days to a foreign country and am still deciding on the vaporizer gear (if any) to bring with us. We're 5 friends and lots of luggage and details who might arouse attention (2-3 surfboards per person), huge hiking backpacks, long haired guys, tattoed girls....
Our decision to the moment is to bring a SOLO (a friend has one and should bring just the device with her, and another person should bring the tubes...). But, I am still willing to bring the VG coil (as a backup, maybe), take all parts apart and mess it up into different backpack compartments, is that good idea? A fake MFLB was taken out of our "to bring list", as it is brand new, but we never know what might come from its materials into our lungs and body. A real MFLB is very used and will stay home, really not a good idea to bring that one....
We'll probably bring some tobacco (although we don't smoke, just to pretend we do...) messed with the lighters and papers, everything on that luggage that goes "below the plane" (not hand luggage)
We've already decided not to bring any flowers with us, but to eat some edibles right at the airport before leaving to stand an almost 24hours journey...
Any advide or tips? Will the SOLO (if found) arise suspicious eyes, even without a tube? The guy might say it is a heater for treating arthritis in his hands...
Cheers and thans a lot!
banana_republic
Well-Known Member
Hello dear vapourists,
I just came back from that trip and would like to give some feedback on what went on...
We were that group of 2 boys and 3 girls, long haired, tatooed, who ate some space cake right before the first checkpoint to board the plane, carrying 10+ surfboards (which usually raise suspicious eyes), lots of food (which is forbidden to get into the foreign country we went to), a SOLO (one brought the device, other the glass tube) and a VG coil (disassembled into all pieces possible and spread into different backpack pockets).
The border control's so messy (sometimes I feel like I am lucky to live in the "3rd world" part of our planet...) that they did not find anything apart from a wax bar which was in the latest board pack that went through X-ray!!!
I feel like I deserve an Oscar prize, for acting and started saying something like: "this is not my boardbag, those're that girl's boards, maybe she brought some food by mistake!!", and they started asking why I was bringing someone else's bag and started opening and investigating it completely to find nothing (of course), but I insisted they should look anyways, that we did not know about it and maybe some fruit was there by mistake....
While there, we were gifted some local flowers, which for them is natural (polinesian people do not accept the foreign country that's supposed to be their land, they respect their own laws, and the police knows it and let them grow their plants at home and smoke wherever they want to) and we were very happy vaping organic flowers either with the SOLO (most of the times) and the coil (thanks STU!!! I always remember your generosity when I use it!) mostly while at home recharging the solo.
On the way back, we left the glass tube over there, but I brought the coil disassembled and into different pockets (the same way it went over there) not very well cleaned, and even one "landrace seed".
The federal agent from my local country checkpoint asked what was in my bag, and I felt I would have some trouble, only to notice that the next guy from the line right behind me threw his bag over mine (probably to have the agents Xray view confused), and they noticed that, apologized and let me go, but asked the guy (who was coming from the US and bringing tons of electronics, probably) to stay there and open up his bags.
So, my conclusion, is that people travelling around South America should not worry too much to carry on vapes on their bags, it's really easy to come and go. I believe they would only stop someone bringing a huge pack of flowers, but some small residue left in vape parts (if any, that was my case, just small particles) does not bring any attention at all.
Take care everyone, travel safe and vape on!
I just came back from that trip and would like to give some feedback on what went on...
We were that group of 2 boys and 3 girls, long haired, tatooed, who ate some space cake right before the first checkpoint to board the plane, carrying 10+ surfboards (which usually raise suspicious eyes), lots of food (which is forbidden to get into the foreign country we went to), a SOLO (one brought the device, other the glass tube) and a VG coil (disassembled into all pieces possible and spread into different backpack pockets).
The border control's so messy (sometimes I feel like I am lucky to live in the "3rd world" part of our planet...) that they did not find anything apart from a wax bar which was in the latest board pack that went through X-ray!!!
I feel like I deserve an Oscar prize, for acting and started saying something like: "this is not my boardbag, those're that girl's boards, maybe she brought some food by mistake!!", and they started asking why I was bringing someone else's bag and started opening and investigating it completely to find nothing (of course), but I insisted they should look anyways, that we did not know about it and maybe some fruit was there by mistake....
While there, we were gifted some local flowers, which for them is natural (polinesian people do not accept the foreign country that's supposed to be their land, they respect their own laws, and the police knows it and let them grow their plants at home and smoke wherever they want to) and we were very happy vaping organic flowers either with the SOLO (most of the times) and the coil (thanks STU!!! I always remember your generosity when I use it!) mostly while at home recharging the solo.
On the way back, we left the glass tube over there, but I brought the coil disassembled and into different pockets (the same way it went over there) not very well cleaned, and even one "landrace seed".
The federal agent from my local country checkpoint asked what was in my bag, and I felt I would have some trouble, only to notice that the next guy from the line right behind me threw his bag over mine (probably to have the agents Xray view confused), and they noticed that, apologized and let me go, but asked the guy (who was coming from the US and bringing tons of electronics, probably) to stay there and open up his bags.
So, my conclusion, is that people travelling around South America should not worry too much to carry on vapes on their bags, it's really easy to come and go. I believe they would only stop someone bringing a huge pack of flowers, but some small residue left in vape parts (if any, that was my case, just small particles) does not bring any attention at all.
Take care everyone, travel safe and vape on!
hoptimum
Well-Known Member
Possibly, but to Pak's point, airport security is looking for bombs and not drugs, and I don't see how an MFLB would show up on a metal detector if you had it in your pocket or even by being scanned in a check-in bag. If you have it in a ziploc baggie, it wouldn't smell at all.
t-dub
Vapor Sloth
That is a dangerous assumption. When I go to PDX and the guy with the dog has a DEA patch on his shirt, what do you think he is looking for?
hoptimum
Well-Known Member
If I am at SFO and I am an authorized patient in California, I wouldn't be worried about the DEA or their dog. Local law enforcement will not prosecute me. Nor have I ever seen any DEA at SFO. What kind of dog is going to be sniffing close enough to my crotch to detect whatever minute amount of aroma that could escape a sealed baggie? The absolute worst case scenario if I am not carrying quantities that might be construed as distribution, is that they might confiscate my device and my small amount of flowers. But I don't see that happening.
t-dub
Vapor Sloth
Hey, your an adult, do what you will. Most of my flying is international, so domestic with a MMJ card is a completely different deal. SeaTac has stated publicly they wont bother MMJ patients either. The point is you MUST understand who is looking at you, and why, and with what technology. Immigration and customs is a whole different ballgame. The dogs will be out of a job soon anyways, so landing domestically, not a problem, but if flying international you must consider the laws on your connections and final destination.
hoptimum
Well-Known Member
Agreed, International is a whole different deal and level of risk. And some states in the USA are still pretty dicey. My attitude when traveling in general is not to do anything that will raise suspicion. Just let them see what they expect to see. I see you're in Oregon, what seems to be on the horizon where you are (not to derail the conversation).
t-dub
Vapor Sloth
Well PDX is a puzzle because they run "experimental" or "pilot" programs with DEA sometimes, and they are international, so its tighter than you would think. I was picking some peeps up coming in from Asia so I had the opportunity to just sit and watch them work. First they quietly bring in cops to the sides and behind the long security line. Then the DEA guy with the dog comes in, by surprise, and starts going person by person, bag by bag, slowly down the line. The other cops are looking for your reaction and anyone that tries to get out of line is instantly detained and questioned. I have watched them do this twice now. The picosecond laser will make all this moot since it can tell you what you had for breakfast from 150 feet away . . . 
al bundy
Vaporist
Friend came back from Caribbean had Extreme.
They shook it onto a scale and said one tenth a gram of bud is a fine($500 US i think) anything more they take you away to jail.
The scale didnt register anything but they searched him and suitcase THOROUGHLY thinking he"d bring flowers home.
Next time he went 8 months later and they did look at his No2 and Extreme and he cleaned them before he came home and no hassle.
They shook it onto a scale and said one tenth a gram of bud is a fine($500 US i think) anything more they take you away to jail.
The scale didnt register anything but they searched him and suitcase THOROUGHLY thinking he"d bring flowers home.
Next time he went 8 months later and they did look at his No2 and Extreme and he cleaned them before he came home and no hassle.
t-dub
Vapor Sloth
Oh at least the USA authorities are "predictable" to a certain degree and somewhat civilized, meaning you probably wont come to any "serious" harm while under their "care". Other countries don't have the same sense of humor about it. Europe is one thing and there is a lot of experience on this forum with it, but Asia is quite another story, and forget any of the Arab nations. I have a little experience with Europe but mainly fly to Asia and if you have ever gone through an airport in the ROC you will understand where I am coming from. You feel scared even when in complete compliance.
Mr. Gweilo 420
Dude
Interesting thread and very relevant to what I have been researching recently. I will take a trip from Hong Kong to Australia next month. There will be a nice bag of flowers waiting for me when I arrive. The problem for me is I no longer smoke. So I have been searching extensively for an appropriate vape to take with me.
I want it to be new and unused just to be safe. Ideally I would like to bring it back to Hong Kong. After searching and searching and after many false starts I have decided on buying another Solo. I will also take a virgin wooden stem (thanks Ed!). I figure I will take the Solo and the stem in my checked luggage. My cover will be that it is an aromatherapy device and I will take one of the herb diffusers and a vial of essential oil. I will use the Solo during my trip. At the end I will clean it and the stem and bring it home the same way. Depending on how clean I can get the stem I will either bring it home with me or mail it back to Hong Kong.
Any comments friends? I think this seems safe. I was going to buy a Thermovape T1 but was fucked with by Vapornation. I almost got a Pax, then almost got a Vapor Blunt 2.0 and as of this morning have decided on a Solo.
I want it to be new and unused just to be safe. Ideally I would like to bring it back to Hong Kong. After searching and searching and after many false starts I have decided on buying another Solo. I will also take a virgin wooden stem (thanks Ed!). I figure I will take the Solo and the stem in my checked luggage. My cover will be that it is an aromatherapy device and I will take one of the herb diffusers and a vial of essential oil. I will use the Solo during my trip. At the end I will clean it and the stem and bring it home the same way. Depending on how clean I can get the stem I will either bring it home with me or mail it back to Hong Kong.
Any comments friends? I think this seems safe. I was going to buy a Thermovape T1 but was fucked with by Vapornation. I almost got a Pax, then almost got a Vapor Blunt 2.0 and as of this morning have decided on a Solo.
hoptimum
Well-Known Member
I'd be concerned about the lithium ion battery that might be misconstrued as an explosive device if detected. I believe Paka commented on that earlier. I was asking about the MFLB in a sealed bag, which might be less conspicuous since its mostly wood and uses AA batteries. But tdub points out that even this could be problematic in Asia. What are the drug laws like in HK? Might be safer to mail it to yourself in HK maybe?
Dreamerr
Always in a state of confusion and silliness♀
I still don't get this battery stuff since a lot of our devices we take with us have them.
I don't like butane but wouldn't those coil genies be the easiest to take. They are also so inexpensive you can toss it and not take the chance of bringing it back.
I don't like butane but wouldn't those coil genies be the easiest to take. They are also so inexpensive you can toss it and not take the chance of bringing it back.
Mr. Gweilo 420
Dude
Thanks for the comments guys. Honestly I had not considered the battery until reading this thread this morning. I think I am going to have to just risk it and act stupid if questioned.
Honestly, I considered taking a MFLB and leaving it there but I just consider it to be not a very good vape. I know that is almost sacrilegious to say that and I did start out with one but I just find it does not get me medicated well enough or fast enough. The Thermovape T1 uses more regular rechargeable batteries so may be safer. It can also be boiled to clean it but who knows if it is really totally clean.
Laws are super strict here in HK regarding drugs but laws regarding bongs/vaporisers are loose because not many people here know what those things are.
I guess I better cross my fingers and hope for the best. I will give a report after the trip but hopefully not from the big house lol.
EDIT: Hey Dreamerr - I looked hard at those Vapor Genie type vapes as pretty much an expensive disposable but from what I could tell they aren't that great and are likely to combust if used incorrectly. Am I wrong? Anyway, the trigger has been pulled which will please my wife. She thinks I am insane with all of this vaporizer business
EDIT AGAIN: So sorry for the double post. I thought I was editing. My bad
mod note: Thanks for noticing. Two posts merged.
Honestly, I considered taking a MFLB and leaving it there but I just consider it to be not a very good vape. I know that is almost sacrilegious to say that and I did start out with one but I just find it does not get me medicated well enough or fast enough. The Thermovape T1 uses more regular rechargeable batteries so may be safer. It can also be boiled to clean it but who knows if it is really totally clean.
Laws are super strict here in HK regarding drugs but laws regarding bongs/vaporisers are loose because not many people here know what those things are.
I guess I better cross my fingers and hope for the best. I will give a report after the trip but hopefully not from the big house lol.
EDIT: Hey Dreamerr - I looked hard at those Vapor Genie type vapes as pretty much an expensive disposable but from what I could tell they aren't that great and are likely to combust if used incorrectly. Am I wrong? Anyway, the trigger has been pulled which will please my wife. She thinks I am insane with all of this vaporizer business
EDIT AGAIN: So sorry for the double post. I thought I was editing. My bad
mod note: Thanks for noticing. Two posts merged.