The strict rule that could get you barred from an airline – and people break it every week
PASSENGERS can get into trouble on planes for a number of different reasons, some of which infuriate flight attendants more than others.
One of those things is vaping, which has become more of a problem among passengers over the last year.
Data released by IATA (International Air Transport Association) showed an increase of 37 per cent of unruly passenger incidents.
Of those incidents, vaping was the number one issue that flight attendants encountered from their passengers, something they’re not particularly happy about.
In a Reddit thread asking attendants if passengers could bring them on board, one wrote: “If you use any of those freaking vapes on a plane, swear to god, the pilots will be more than happy to drop you off in the middle of nowhere.”
Another said: “I had someone caught vaping in the lav during boarding. Like, they couldn’t even wait to get to their seat?
“We booted her and she said she didn’t know it wasn’t allowed.”
To try and stop people from vaping on planes, strict new rules could be brought in, including flight bans for offenders.
Conrad Clifford, IATA’s Deputy Director General has said that there will be a crackdown on those who do not follow the rules.
He said in a press release: “Passengers and crew are entitled to a safe and hassle-free experience on board. For that, passengers must comply with crew instructions.
“While our professional crews are well trained to manage unruly passenger scenarios, it is unacceptable that rules in place for everyone’s safety are disobeyed by a small but persistent minority of passengers.
“There is no excuse for not following the instructions of the crew.
“No one wants to stop people having a good time when they go on holiday—but we all have a responsibility to behave with respect for other passengers and the crew.
“For the sake of the majority, we make no apology for seeking to crack down on the bad behaviour of a tiny number of travellers who can make a flight very uncomfortable for everyone else.”
His words echo those of Delta C.E.O Ed Bastian, who proposed rule-breakers be banned from flying in the future.
In an open letter last year, he wrote: “[A no-fly list] will help prevent future incidents and serve as a strong symbol of the consequences of not complying with crew member instructions on commercial aircraft.”
The rules for vaping on the plane are all the same – it’s not permitted.
However, airports differ, with some having designated smoking areas outdoors where passengers can go to for a smoke or a vape.
According to Airport Parking and Hotels (APH), Aberdeen, Bournemouth, Doncaster, East Midlands, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester T1 and T2 and Newcastle Airports are the only UK airports with a smoking area after security.
Vaping in some countries is also illegal and it’s worth checking beforehand whether it’s permitted to bring vapes from another country.
Some popular destinations for Brits that have banned vaping, or the importing of vapes for personal use, include Australia, Turkey, Mexico and Thailand.
A full list of the places that vaping is illegal can be found on the blu website, as well as a full list of places that allow vaping.
Meanwhile, these are the rules for having vapes in your hand luggage and checked-in bags.
And this is how many vapes you’re allowed to take with you on a plane.