You are standing in the security line of an airport surrounded by travelers and TSA personnel. You remove your items from your pockets — keys, phone, wallet, etc., then you feel your vape in your pocket and instantly feel the nervousness of possibly having the vape set off the metal detector and causing a larger interrogation than a normal security check.
You have traveled many airports in the past with your vape including, Atlanta and Dubai, and smaller regional airports, and you know this is a common fear among vapers. However, let’s cut through the smoke and get to the facts.
The Short Answer: Most Likely Not
Most standard vape devices, which include pod-style systems such as JUUL or Vuse, and box-mods, will not trigger a walk-through metal detector.
Why? Standard walk-through metal detectors are designed to find significant amounts of metal such as those found in firearms and large metal objects. As stated above, the amount of metal in your average vape is minimal: a battery case, a coil, and some internal wiring, and therefore does not provide a sufficient “metal signature” for a walk-through metal detector to flag.
I have walked through metal detectors while carrying my vape in my jacket pocket, my pants, and even holding it in my hand, and not once did the metal detector alert due to the vape alone. I was alerted when I forgot to take out a Swiss Army knife attached to my keychain and/or I was wearing steel-toe boots, both of which contain significantly more metal than a vape.
But Here's the Catch: It's All About Context and Composition
If you use an all-metal mechanical tube mod that is constructed of thick brass or copper, then you fall into a gray area. Tube mods are essentially a hollow metal tube with a battery inside. Due to the sizeable metal content of these mods, they may be detectable by a metal detector. I recall observing a traveler that was using a large, custom-made mod, and he received a pat-down and was searched, however, when the agent saw the mod and determined that it was a vape, he released the individual without further incident. In this instance, the problem wasn’t the vape, but rather the unknown, high-density metal object.
More modern airport security uses advanced imaging technology (AIT) scanners. The AIT scanner is the blue-lit booth that you stand in front of with your hands raised. These scanners do not just detect metal; they create a 3-D image of your body and any abnormalities that may be present. Therefore, if the agent cannot identify an unusual bulge in your pocket caused by your vape, they will flag it.
According to the TSA’s blog, the AIT scanner is “looking for anomalies.” Anomalies can include a clumped, irregular shape in your pocket, regardless of what it is. Examples of anomalies can also be a large quantity of money in your pocket, or a bag of almonds.
The Real Rule: The TSA's Stance on Vapes
This is the most important aspect of the overall topic, and it relates directly to metal detectors.
Electronic Cigarettes And Vaping Devices Must Be Carried In Carry-On Baggage
The TSA prohibits all electronic cigarettes and vaping devices from being placed in checked luggage.
Why? The lithium ion battery contained within your vape poses a fire hazard in the cargo hold. A fire in the cargo hold would be difficult to monitor, whereas a fire in the cabin could be extinguished quickly. Also, the lithium ion battery can experience thermal runaway events when exposed to heat.
Personal Experience and Recommended Practice: My consistent routine includes:
- Remove All Items From Pocket: I place everything into the bin, including my vape, and it sits right next to my phone and wallet. This gives the X-ray technician a clear and unobstructed view of the contents of my bag.
- Don’t Try To Hide It: Trying to conceal your vape in your shoe or hiding it in a hat is a bad idea. It looks suspicious and may lead to a second screening if the agent sees it.
- Prepare For A Closer Inspection: Sometimes the X-ray agent may see the internal battery and liquid reservoir of your vape and ask to inspect the bag. I once had a very curious agent at Salt Lake International Airport, and he pulled my bag aside and asked to see the vape. He then proceeded to swab the vape for explosive residue, which is a normal procedure. It took 1 minute and I was back on my way. The key is to remain polite and cooperative.
Your Vape Will Probably Be Okay, But Your Manners Are Important
To finally alleviate your concerns:
- Metal Detectors: Your standard vape is extremely unlikely to set off a metal detector.
- Security Scanners: The bigger risk is that it will be viewed as an anomaly on the body scanner or in your bag on the X-ray.
- Cardinal Rule: Pack Your Vape In Your Carry-On. Never pack your vape in your checked luggage.
Airport security sees thousands of vapes per day. Treating your vape like any other electronic item – visible, accessible, and in your carry-on — will make their jobs simpler and result in a smooth journey through security, much like the vapor produced by your device.