Smoking electronic cigarettes on commercial flights is officially not OK.
Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Transportation clarified the existing smoking ban on tobacco cigarettes to explicitly include e-cigarettes.
The department says more research is needed to understand the possible risks of e-cigarette smoke, but it wants to be on the safe side. It cited studies showing harmful chemicals in e-cigarette vapors, which could pose problems in a confined space — like an airplane.
And for any smarty-pants out there who would still try to challenge the smoking ban, the Department of Transportation says the rule does include "electronic cigars, pipes, and devices designed to look like everyday products such as pens."
In October, the department prohibited charging the devices in-flight and putting them in checked bags.
But you can have them in carry-on bags — for those of you who still want your vapes on a plane.
This video includes clips from Utah Department of Health, Vape District, California Department of Public Health and TSA.
