Are you a vaper and planning to bring your wax vaporizer or dab pen on a plane?
Here is the short answer: You can bring a dab pen on a plane, but only in carry-on luggage, never in checked bags. The TSA focuses on security threats (like batteries) rather than drugs, but they may report cannabis products to local law enforcement. Batteries must be protected to prevent accidental activation.
In this post I will cover everything you need to know about taking dab pens and other concentrate vaporizers on planes in both carry-on and checked bags.
Let’s dive in.
TL;DR:
You can bring a dab pen or wax vaporizer on a plane, but only in your carry-on bag because lithium batteries are banned from checked luggage.
The TSA folks mainly care about battery safety, not cannabis laws, but they still report cannabis products to local authorities.
Vape oils in carry-ons must follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule.
Vaping during a flight is prohibited.
If you’re flying internationally, make sure that you always check the local vape laws first since many countries completely ban vaping devices.
Disclaimer We’re not promoting any kind of smoking. It’s not exactly the healthiest habit, so please take care of yourself. and this information is strictly for adults over 21 and over.
Can You Take Dab Pens Through The Security Checkpoint?
The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) control what you can and can’t bring on flights within and from the U.S.
They don’t specifically mention dab pens on their website, but they stated that any empty electronic cigarettes and Vaping devices are allowed in carry-on bags.
Bring a dab pen on a plane / TSA rules
Dab pen oils will need to be in small quantities and follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule, as they are considered liquids.
Each container must be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less and placed inside a quart-sized bag, or you can simply leave them empty until you get to your destination.
If you are traveling with a disposable vape like a Delta 8 pen, it is better to place it inside your personal item bag at all times.
I wanted to find more answers from the TSA social media and here is what I’ve found.
Jonathan wanted to bring a Dab Pen, but he doesn’t have a medical note from his doctor.
And since his Dab Pen have Marijuana or CBD oil, it will only accepted if the HTC concentration is 0.3 percent or less.
While you can have dab pens and vape devices in your carry-on baggage, federally controlled substances like cannabis products and CBD , even small quantities, are not permitted on most United States flights. Don’t risk it also ensure that you do’t take them to a country that restrict them.
Can You Take a Dab Pen In Checked Baggage?
All types of dab pens and vapes are not permitted in checked bags, as they contain lithium batteries that may cause a battery fire.
The FAA already has a dedicated section about devices that operate with lithium batteries and the regulations for traveling with them.
As a quick glimpse, lithium batteries are only permitted on board the airplane.
So if it happens that your carry-on bag is gate-checked, ensure that you remove your dab pen or any other device that operates with a lithium battery.
MJ Collins asked the AskTSA team on X about taking Disposable vapes in checked baggage.
The TSA team replied electronic smoking devices are must be packed in carry-on bags.
But what happens if you accidentally put a vape in checked luggage?
If you forget and put a vape in your checked luggage, then the security officers will most likely confiscate it.
So you will probably not have any way to get it back, so make sure that you always place your vape in your carry-on bag.
Item
Carry-on bag
Checked bag
Empty dab pen
Yes
No
Disposable dab pen
Yes
No
Wax vaporizer
Yes
No
THC cartridges
Risky / depends on laws
Risky / depends on laws
CBD vape pen (<0.3% THC)
Usually allowed in the US
Usually allowed
Vape batteries
Yes
No
Vape juice / oil
Yes
Yes
Charging dab pen on plane
No
No
Can You Travel With Dab Pens On International Flights?
If you want to take a dab pen on an international flight, it is better to research whether the country you are traveling to allows vaping, even if the airline allows vaping devices, or vice versa.
Even then, it is better to check the official website of your destination country and call your airline to ensure they allow dab pens on their flights.
Here is a table of countries that do not allow vapes within their territories:
Countries
Bring dab pens?
Mexico
Not permitted.
Japan
Using Vapes is not forbidden in Japan, but nicotine is.
Nicaragua
Not permitted.
Australia
If you don’t have prescription, the sale or importation of vapes is illegal.
Ethiopia
Not permitted.
Uganda
Not permitted.
Palestine
Not permitted.
Kuwait
Not permitted.
Brunei
Not permitted.
Argentina
Not permitted.
Brunei
Not permitted.
Iran
Not permitted.
Lebanon
Not permitted.
Antigua and Barbuda
Not permitted.
Turkmenistan
Not permitted.
N. Korea
Not permitted.
Mauritius
Not permitted.
Colombia
Not permitted.
Suriname
Not permitted.
Panama
Not permitted.
Qatar
Not permitted.
Brazil
Not permitted.
Syria
Not permitted.
Thailand
Not allowed, using vapes will cause sever fines or even jail .
Vatican City
Not permitted.
Timor-Leste
Not permitted.
Sri Lanka
Not permitted.
Laos
Not permitted.
Singapore
Not allowed and vaping can cause in huge fine up to $1500.
Nepal
Not permitted.
India
Not permitted.
Seychelles
Not permitted.
Suriname
Not permitted.
Uruguay
Not permitted.
Cambodia
Completely banned.
Venezuela
Not permitted.
Bhutan
Not permitted.
How To Pack A Dab Pen When Traveling?
Photo by Lemkhanzar on Pexels.com
According to a review published in Preventive Medicine, past 30-day nicotine vaping among youth nearly doubled from 11% in 2017 to 21% in 2018, making vape devices increasingly common among travelers and airport passengers.
And If you do decide to travel with your dab pen, It is better if you bring it in its original packing if possible.
And ensure that you keep it inside your personal item or carry-on bag at all times and do not try to vape during your flight.
Also make sure to pack it neatly. Keep it out of sight and secure it in your carry-on bag.
Final Thoughts
You can bring dab pens on most US airlines in carry-on baggage (American Airlines, United, Southwest, Delta, etc.). However, it requires some prior precautions, as the rules differ from state to state and from one country to another.
But as a general rule, empty dab pens are permitted on planes in carry-on bags only. The oil is allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage.
And as we pointed out above, the oil needs to follow the TSA liquid rules for carry-on baggage (all liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes carried onto a plane need to be in 3.4 oz / 100 mL or smaller bottles and must fit into a single 1-quart plastic bag).
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
FAQs About Bringing a Dab Pen on a Plane
What happens if TSA finds a dab pen?
An empty dab pen is usually not a big deal if it’s packed in your carry-on bag. However, THC oils or cannabis concentrates may lead to confiscation or involvement from local law enforcement.
Can dab pens go through metal detectors?
Dab pens can go through metal detectors and X-ray machines like other electronic devices.
Should you separate the battery and cartridge?
Yes, if possible. Turn the device off and separate the cartridge and battery to help prevent accidental activation.
Can you charge a dab pen on a plane?
Airlines generally do not allow passengers to charge or use vape devices during flights.
Can you bring CBD pens on a plane?
Possibly. Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC may be allowed in the US, but laws vary by state and country.
Can you bring a disposable dab pen on a plane?
Yes, but only in your carry-on bag or on your person, never in checked luggage.
Can drug dogs smell dab pens?
Drug dogs may detect cannabis residue or THC oil inside a dab pen.
Can you fly domestically with a dab pen?
Yes, many travelers do, but federal law still applies at airports and on airplanes.
What’s the difference between a wax pen and a dab pen?
For TSA purposes, they are treated the same way as vaping devices.
Can you bring dab pen oil or cartridges on a plane?
Vape liquids must follow the TSA liquid rule, but THC oils and concentrates may still be federally illegal.
Can you put a dab pen in your pocket at the airport?
The TSA allows vape devices on your person or in your carry-on bag.
Can you bring multiple dab pens on a plane?
Yes, as long as they are for personal use and packed safely in your carry-on.
Can minors bring dab pens on planes?
Local age restrictions apply, and minor travelers may face legal issues depending on the destination.
Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist
passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.