A Guide to Vaping Etiquette in 2024

Vaping etiquette has always existed in a murky space. Now, in 2024, vapers are coming under even more scrutiny from public perception in the face of the disposable ban.

For most vapers, the etiquette remains integral to the system. No, children should not have any access to e-cigarettes. No, vaping should not occur indoors or on the tube. You can still vape considerately in todays day and age, even if you feel the piercing eyes of the media looking down upon you with more and more unwarranted scrutiny.

Let’s explore our 2024 Guide to Vaping Etiquette.

Should Vaping be treated like Smoking?

Its fair to say that the public perception of vaping has gone downhill in the media firestorm of 2024. Nowadays, vaping and smoking seem to get lumped together in the view that they are bad for society.

Both etiquettes are vital in ensuring we all co-exist peacefully.

Its important to have a short set of unwritten practices that can be observed to make sure that the choice to vape doesn’t intrude on others, and its important to abide by these practises at all times if you’re a vaper.

In a time of dwindling perceptions, the integrity of e-cigarette use lies in the actions of vapers themselves.

The Unwritten Rules of Vaping Etiquette

1. Vaping Indoors

Whether or not to vape indoors is one of the most hotly debated topics in vaping etiquette. It’s a surprisingly tricky question with a few different answers based on the context.

Generally, vaping etiquette is concerned with the locations that have implemented smoking bans. So, that’s places like bars, cafes, restaurants, music venues, and so on.

There are a couple of things to consider. First, vapour can look like smoke. For some people, this will make them uncomfortable. Yes, you can go over to them and get into the weeds about how smoke and vapour are different things, but really, who has the time?

The second thing to think about is the odour. Depending on the vape juice or the manufacturer, vaping omits a smell. The scent of vaping preservatives and vape juice flavourings can annoy people who are sharing a space with you.

Moreover, some people are so sensitive to smells that they don’t just get annoyed—they get headaches or migraines. That’s something to consider, too.

In your own home, you can do as you wish. But a common scenario is when you are a visitor in someone’s home. If they vape, its probably alright, but ask anyway.

If they don’t, it’s good vaping etiquette to ask to vape outside. Vapour can leave a a glycerine residue on some hard surfaces like glass and mirrors, so vaping without asking would be rude

Finally, if you’re in a room with babies or children, it’s best not even to ask. Just don’t do it. It’s not even a matter of vaping etiquette. Trying to appease a worried parent by quoting from some half-remembered study into the lack of harm caused by second-hand vapour isn’t going to cut it.

2. Ban Underage Vaping

The big story of today. Whether you’re a fan of the disposable vape ban or not, we can all agree that minors should not be getting anywhere near vaping products.

E-cigarettes are a useful tool in nicotine replacement therapy, meaning they are aimed at helping smokers quit. If they are given to a minor who doesn’t know any better, a vape could act as a gateway to cigarettes, completely dishonouring the concept of vaping.

Encouraging underage vaping means encouraging negative health in children. Not only can you can face serious fines and penalties; it is morally abhorrent. It’s more than simply a matter of vaping etiquette.

When you buy from our website, you must categorically prove you are an adult to place an order. This has to be the code everywhere.

If your a parent who vapes, lock them away until you need them. Vapes should be viewed as potentially harmful, yet useful when-needed tools. Would you give your child a hammer, or a saw?

3. Stealth Vaping

Smaller devices with less vapour production have made stealth vaping a more viable option. However, just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.

The stealthiest of stealth vaping should go unnoticed by those around you. But there’s no guarantee it will fly under the radar. Some people might notice but be too polite to make a big fuss.

The other thing to remember here is that the vape community is working hard to get a more positive public perception. In that regard, you’re an ambassador for vaping. So, act as excellently as possible and don’t feed into the negative public perceptions. And a big part of that is observing vaping etiquette.

4. Travelling

The rules on this one are pretty clear. You’re not allowed to vape on trains, tubes or planes. Most transport authorities have explicitly banned e-cigarette use on their trains and buses and their platforms and waiting areas.

If they made a remake of the classic 1987 movie Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, John Candy’s character would probably have a hefty sub-ohm kit that he drags on constantly, much to the chagrin of Steve Martin.

And while we are talking about automobiles — or cars, as I like to call them — you can’t vape in an Uber either. The ride-sharing app prohibits it as part of its Community Guidelines. Before you start vaping out the window instead, consider that glycerine residue we mentioned before, and how your poor Uber driver doesn’t get paid enough to have to clean it off his windows.

Finally, if you get into a friend or family members car, vaping etiquette dictates that you should ask permission before vaping.

5. Don’t Ridicule Smokers

Some smoke-to-vape converts can be annoying sometimes. Smugly bragging to smokers faces about how easy the switch was, how much money they save, and how much healthier they are. All the while pulling on their Elf Bar and blowing sweet vapours everywhere.

Yes, vaping exposes you to far less toxins than smoking does, but bragging about how much better you are to smokers faces will get no one anywhere, and will divide the two communities.

When you first find something game changing, it’s easy to go full advocate. But smokers shouldn’t be made to feel bad for smoking, just as vapers shouldn’t be made to feel bad in the wake of the recent disposable ban.

Give them the information, allow them to try your device if you’re comfortable with that. But don’t shame them or call them stupid for smoking. We want people to embrace vaping as a harm reduction measure, and you might end up putting people off.

6. Other People’s Devices

Using other people’s devices without permission is a big vaping etiquette no-no. This was true before the pandemic, and it’s true now. Always ask permission, and don’t be offended if they say no. Remember, it’s only a few rungs down from asking someone if you can use their toothbrush.

7. Don’t Allow Your Vapour to Go Into People’s Faces

It might seem like an obvious piece of vaping etiquette to follow, but it’s less about intent and more about the consequence of carelessness.

There is a school of ethics called consequentialism. Not to bore you with it too much, but essentially it states that the consequence of our actions is the best way to judge if an action is right or wrong.

People don’t usually like it when any kind of vapour or smoke is blown into their face, and though may not always say something, a screwed-up face should be more than enough consequence to not do it.

It’s terrible vaping etiquette.

So, even when you’re in public, be conscious of where your vapour is going.

8. Children and Pets

Vaping etiquette states extreme caution around children and pets. As mentioned earlier, you’ll probably run into many parents and animal owners who are dead against it. Not bothering others is a big part of vaping etiquette, so it’s best to avoid this kind of conflict.

Another interesting point to note is that nicotine is pretty toxic for cats. As little as 5mg can be fatal to our feline friends. Now, if you’re a dog person, this might not bother you, but it’s good vaping etiquette to avoid practices that could kill a friend’s pet.

This danger highlights an issue we need to consider: leaving your kits lying around. If you’re visiting a friend who has a dog or a cat, make sure you don’t leave your E-Liquid sitting around. The number one cause of nicotine poisoning (which can be fatal) in both dogs and cats is ingesting an E-Liquid that was left out in the open.

Occurrences of this are on the rise as vaping grows more popular, so it’s up to vapers to be responsible and keep their kits on them and to themselves.

10. Know Your Facts and Figures

Not so you can demolish people’s arguments, but more so because you might persuade someone to give vaping a go.

So, if you have time, do your research so that you can explain the key vaping concepts that might help people understand why vaping is a better alternative to smoking. Quote real studies, and read what health organisations have to say.

For a deeper comparison of the health effects of vaping and smoking, we have a helpful guide that can provide some more insight.

Summary

For vapers feeling as though their community is under threat after the disposable vape ban, its understandable that you’re angry. You may wish to completely give up on any kind of vaping etiquette.

Its imperative that you don’t give up on the rulebook. This will only damage the reputation of the vaping community even more, and the fact is, many people need vaping to stave off smoking. Being kind and considerate when you’re vaping is a must.