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September 7, 2017

Ryanair Appears to Change Course, Allowing Vapes in Carry-On Bags

After publication on the evening of Sept. 7, Ryanair changed its policy to allow vapes in cabin baggage.

After this story was originally published Thursday, Ryanair changed its “general terms & conditions of carriage.” The phrase “electronic cigarettes” was removed from the heading “Passengers are prohibited from carrying the following items into either airport security restricted areas or Cabin Baggage or Checked Baggage” (section 8.9.1).

Under section 8.3.3, Ryanair added this statement:

“You may carry electronic cigarettes on board but are strictly forbidden to use electronic cigarettes or any other type of cigarette on board the aircraft.”

Gillian Golden of the Irish Vape Vendors Association (IVVA) told Vaping360 that the IVVA and the Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA) had jointly written Ryanair on Thursday afternoon inquiring about the language in the online policy document. And, as noted in the original story, Ryanair promised comments to Vaping360 twice.

It isn’t certain if the policy change came because of the comments from the IVVA and the IBVTA, or the questions from Vaping360 — or either.

What matters is that vapers will have one less concern when making travel plans.

Following is the original story that was published before the policy change.

Ryanair, the world’s largest international airline, no longer allows vapor products on its planes, according to its published terms and conditions for passengers.

The company’s most recent “general terms & conditions of carriage” document specifically includes “electronic cigarettes” among items listed under the heading “Passengers are prohibited from carrying the following items into either airport security restricted areas or Cabin Baggage or Checked Baggage.”

That means that vapers will have to either buy vaping products when they reach their destinations, or use other nicotine products that are allowed on Ryanair’s planes, like smokeless tobacco, NRT products, or combustible tobacco.

Vaping360 requested comment from Ryanair’s press office. We were told a statement would be coming today (Thursday), then that it would be issued tomorrow. We will update the story if the company offers some explanation or clarification.

Typically when an airline changes a baggage policy, others soon follow. Since they coordinate security and safety strategies, it would be unusual for one airline to make a decision like this in isolation. So it’s possible that prohibiting vapes from all flights could be adopted by other airlines.

Ryanair is based in Dublin, Ireland. According to the International Air Transport Association, it is the largest international airline (measured by international passenger bookings) in the world. The carrier grew rapidly from a small regional company to become a European powerhouse by copying the Southwest Airlines model of low-cost, no-frills service.

In 2015, ECigIntelligence reported that Ryanair had signed a promotional deal with Swiss e-cig company Dansmoke, which sells cigalikes and ego-type devices throughout Europe. That campaign — which involved Dansmoke ads printed on Ryanair boarding passes — had nothing to do with the company’s luggage and cargo policy though.

Smokers created vaping without help from the tobacco industry or anti-smoking crusaders, and I believe vapers have the right to continue innovating to help themselves. My goal is to provide clear, honest information about the challenges vaping faces from lawmakers, regulators, and brokers of disinformation. I’m a member of the CASAA board, but my opinions aren’t necessarily CASAA’s, and vice versa. You can find me on Twitter @whycherrywhy
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Mitch Clarke
Mitch Clarke
5 years ago

And just as quickly, they reversed their decision! See item 8.3.3 of their General Terms & Conditions of Carriage.

Enrico Carpita
Enrico Carpita
5 years ago

Just read Ryanair General Term and Conditions of Carriage on their website and the article 8.9.1 is not updated like your picture shows, also is still there the article 8.3.3 that clearly state “You may carry electronic cigarettes on board but are strictly forbidden to use electronic cigarettes or any other type of cigarette on board the aircraft.”

Tony Bason
Tony Bason
5 years ago
Reply to  Jim McDonald

Jim they are still maintaining that they are banned, I mentioned the t&c’s and they said they were incorrect and that they were in the process of changing them can’t find a number other than customer services to check,we fly out on Sunday and don’t know what to do

Виталий Соколовский
Виталий Соколовский
5 years ago

Is there any update, guys? Going to Paris on Monday. Worry a lot

Peter Stigaard
Peter Stigaard
5 years ago
Reply to  Jim McDonald

Why is Ryanair cited in the headline as a “policy leader”? To my knowledge no other airline has tried to prohibit e-cigs in carry-on luggage?
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0c7ddf9bcc3353b7447b0076786940dc67fb81ba9b14b0d6756aedd0304586bc.png

Michael Hoting
Michael Hoting
5 years ago

Companies have to deal with customers and if doing something like this, with less profit… 😀 Maybe it was a fault.. Maybe it was a try… 😉

Виталий Соколовский
Виталий Соколовский
5 years ago

on Ryanair Live Chat, just a few minutes ago, they said that e-cigarettes are still forbidden to carry in both hand and checked baggage. and they don’t have any updated information about changes. how can it be?

You can check it on Live Chat, from your end. I think the answer would be the same.

This is a screen shot of their final answer

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f6dc1bbe66c4f5a2cc9845173823cd143f34699d67119ef9f48f36ada9c18f78.png

Виталий Соколовский
Виталий Соколовский
5 years ago

All is well. Me, my vape and my selfmade liquids are in Paris now.

Jonny Stevenson
Jonny Stevenson
5 years ago

You should tried their live chat once again 😀 LOL