Can You Take Snus On A Plane?

We all know that smoking is not allowed on planes. But where do you stand with other nicotine products? If you are travelling abroad for work or a holiday, you will want to know what you can bring with you, and how you should store it when in the air.

Snus, otherwise known as nicotine pouches, often causes a lot of confusion, as they are smokeless yet still often put in the same category as cigarettes and vape kits. The following article aims to make clear the rules around flying with nicotine products. Read on to learn whether or not you can take snus on a plane, how you should store it, and whether you can use it mid-air.

What is snus?

Snus is a smoke-free nicotine product, often used as an alternative to cigarettes and vape kits. Snus takes the form of a pouch placed under the top lip to release nicotine, and they often come in a variety of flavours. Many of these nicotine pouches are tobacco free.

Can you take snus on a plane?

Nicotine pouches are completely smoke free and discreet, and so there are generally no restrictions about taking them onboard a commercial flight. They can be stored in your hold luggage or hand luggage without issue. In addition, there is no reason you cannot use snus on a plane as you would anywhere else. As long as you are discreet and respectful of other passengers, and dispose of it properly after use, you can go ahead and enjoy your flight while making the most of your nicotine pouch.

That said, it is important you consult the regulations of your particular airline before flying. It is possible that certain airlines may have blanket rules regarding tobacco products. So if your nicotine pouches contain tobacco, you need to make sure you are following the proper procedures.

Can you take snus abroad?

Although a nicotine pouch may be allowed on a plane, it’s important to note that other countries have their own rules and restrictions around these products. If you are using nicotine pouches that contain tobacco, many countries have customs laws stating only a certain amount of tobacco can be brought into the country, or that passengers with tobacco may pay an import tax.

Mexico, for example, states that passengers over the age of 18 can bring up to 200 grams of tobacco without being charged tax. Iceland, on the other hand, prohibits any smokeless tobacco products whatsoever. In certain countries like Norway, even tobacco-free nicotine pouches are prohibited from entering the country.

Therefore, it is essential you check both the airline’s policy and the customs laws of whatever country you are visiting.

What about other nicotine products?

Snus is generally allowed on planes, but is subject to airline policy and the laws of your destination country. But what about other nicotine products?

Cigarettes

Smoking on planes has been illegal for many years now, but you are still allowed to carry cigarettes in your hand luggage or hold luggage. You will not be allowed to smoke in the airport, unless it has a smoking lounge, and certainly not mid-flight.

But as with nicotine pouches, you need to be aware of the laws of the country you are travelling to. Most nations have laws regarding the quantity of tobacco products you can import. For example, the UK allows passengers to bring up to 200 cigarettes into the country at one time.

E Cigarettes

Since e cigarettes are still a relatively recent phenomenon, the rules on flying with these devices are constantly changing. It’s always a good idea to check the airline policy before flying. Generally, it is permitted to carry e-cigarettes and vape kits in your hand luggage, but they cannot be used on the plane or in the airport.

E cigarettes and vape kits are subject to the same airport restrictions as liquids or electronic items. During security screenings, the battery must be charged and placed with other liquids in a clear plastic bag. It is not permitted to charge them during the flight, and these devices cannot be stored in your hold luggage. 

Although many countries allow you to travel with an e cigarette, some nations like Qatar completely prohibit the import of these devices.

Lighters

In general, air passengers are allowed to take one lighter with them in their hand luggage. This is not to be used during the flight, and must be kept in a clear plastic bag when going through airport security screenings. A box of safety matches is also permitted.

Summary

In summary, there is no clear and universal guidance when it comes to taking snus, nicotine pouches, and other products onto a plane. It is essential that any air passengers check their airline’s regulations before flying, as well as the import laws of the country to which they are travelling. Failure to follow the correct procedure could result in your nicotine products being confiscated by airport security, or paying a fine to customs.

As a rule of thumb, users of nicotine pouches, cigarettes, and vape kits should follow these rules:

• Nicotine pouches are allowed on planes, but are subject to tobacco import laws when travelling to certain countries.
• Nicotine pouches can be used on planes as they are smokeless and discreet.
• E cigarettes and vape kits can generally be stored in hand luggage, but are subject to the same restrictions as liquids and electronic items.
• Cigarettes can be taken on board in hand luggage but smoking is not allowed in mid-air or in the airport.

The rules and regulations are changing all the time, especially as new devices and nicotine products are being created. The key is to stay aware of the changes and be cautious about breaking the law when travelling overseas.

Safe travels!