Picture this, you are on your way to a beautiful tropical destination. For instance, Detroit, Michigan. You can’t wait to get there and you want to focus on getting your plans straightened out so that you don’t forget anything like making your last-minute hotel reservation or your checked bag with your only swimsuit in it.

Suddenly, you start shaking. But not excitedly shaking. Your hands won’t stop and the plane is starting to feel too small. Now, your head is starting to hurt and you can’t get it to stop. 

Unfortunately, an airplane is one setting where taking a quick hit to chill nicotine withdrawals out is not an option (unless you want to risk a hefty fine and/or being added to a no-fly list). According to the FAA, using a vape on a plane is actually a federal offense. And contrary to what you may think, you should never put one in a checked bag.

“Electronic smoking devices contain lithium batteries that pose a fire risk. Passengers are allowed to bring the devices on board but they must be appropriately packed. Vapes, e-cigarettes and spare lithium batteries must be placed in carry-on luggage only.”

Here are five suggestions to get you through a long flight without partaking in federally illegal activities.

1. Huff it, Don’t Puff it

One way you can tackle cravings is by taking deep breaths and controlling them to induce a sense of wellbeing. It may seem silly, but there are plenty of benefits to simply breathing deeply.

You can use an app, like the Breathe app found on an Apple Watch, or a proven method that requires nothing but your lungs and mind. One of our favorites is the 4-7-8 technique, which naturally sends tranquilizing signals to the brain without the use of outside substances. While seemingly simple, this breathing pattern has been a life saver in so many situations, and its benefits are not limited to helping you quit vaping.

According to WebMD, “Mindful breathing practices such as 4-7-8 breathing can produce what Harvard cardiologist Dr. Herbert Benson called the relaxation response. You have a natural stress response that's designed to help you deal with dangerous situations. This fight-or-flight response can help you survive but can take a toll on your health when it's overused for everyday stresses.“

Stress relief and help curbing cravings without paying for anything or using something other than your own body? 

Shut up and take my money!

2. Distract Yourself from Cravings

Obvious? Yes, but bringing a game, book, puzzle, or work to do can do wonders for taking your mind off of vape cravings. You can challenge your flight attendant to a game of checkers (though they might be kind of busy) or just learn about something new in a book. 

Sometimes distractions can be key to a successful quit journey. Many people we have interviewed use a distraction of some sort to help keep their mind off of nicotine and their vapes. Some pull themselves into work, others use creative outlets to channel their cravings.

If you are musically inclined (or just an audiophile) check out Teenage Engineering’s Pocket Operators. These little machines are capable of creating some seriously cool sounds and fitting in your pocket. If you are more of a visual artist, consider grabbing one of the classics, an Etch A Sketch. Yeah, they still exist and they’re still awesome, especially when you don’t want to pay $10+ for an hour and a half of Wi-fi. Try drawing the guy in the row ahead of you while they sleep. Creepy? Sure. But were you thinking about vaping? Probably not until now.

3. Snack Time

Kick back, relax and have some snacks! Try to really taste your food. Don’t wolf it down, savor each morsel and try to describe the flavors in depth. You would be surprised how complex the flavor profile of airline peanuts and Biscoff cookies can be when you channel your inner Gordon Ramsey. This is also a great distraction as well as a way to keep your mouth occupied if you need to satisfy an oral fixation.

Pro tip: Some airlines will give you free snacks on the plane, but it is almost always better to buy some in the airport prior to takeoff, if possible. Buying snacks on the plane can cost exponentially more for the same food. Supply and demand.

Try to find snacks you have not tried before, the new flavors will be more interesting (whether good or bad for you). The more varied, the better.

4. Nap Time

Feeling full from your work, games, snacks, and tired of thinking about how many words can be used to describe peanuts? Great! Go to bed. Sleeping on a plane is a sure-fire way to make sure your cravings won’t be bothering you too much. 

Since nicotine is a stimulant, it can inhibit healthy sleep patterns and cause alertness, even when you don’t necessarily want it. Use this time away from your vape to take advantage and suppress the desire to whip out your mod. The benefits of good sleep are seemingly obvious. But just to name a few, according to Health.gov: 

• Get sick less often
• Stay at a healthy weight
• Lower your risk for serious health problems, like diabetes and heart disease 
• Reduce stress and improve your mood
• Think more clearly and do better in school and at work

Still not sold, keep reading our articles and we will put you to sleep for free!

5. Zero your Cravings 

None of the above methods cutting it? Need to get the deep hit sensation that comes with vaping? Maybe even the flavor of some e-liquid? Yes, we make the Zero. Yes, shameless plug and all that... We know. We love doing this, because we really think it can help you (and let’s be honest, it’s kind of funny if we own it).

Our team and prototype testers have been using versions of this device for almost a year and it has not often failed to help level out cravings for the behavior of vaping. It won’t help too much with the physical pain of nicotine withdrawal, but you can also pair it with nicotine gum or any other NRT to get a more full satisfaction to take the edge off without pouring clouds into your lungs.

Angelic chorus ensues

Do you have a great way to kick vape cravings on a plane? Let us know in the comments below!