Vaping has become an incredibly common way for those who crave nicotine to get their fix. In fact, according to a 2021 study published by the CDC, “4.5% of adults aged 18 and over were current electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) users, with e-cigarette use highest among adults aged 18–24 (11.0%).”
However, the prevalence of vaping has posed an issue for regulators. Vaping is prohibited in many indoor spaces, and vapes, or e-cigarettes, are officially banned on airlines per TSA regulations. Still, that hasn’t stopped some people from trying to sneak in a public puff or two, as shown by a recent TikTok video from user @tipsytalk.
In a clip with over 32 million views, the TikToker shows a person on an airline releasing a large cloud of vapor on a flight. Upon being confronted by a staff member, she says, “I apologize. I didn’t mean to do that. I would never vape again.”
“How to get booted off a plane,” the TikToker writes in the caption.
Immediately, commenters began to wonder about the fate of the woman, and how she could, as she claimed, accidentally vape while on an airplane.
“Are people that addicted they can’t go a few hours without it? that’s rlly embarrassing,” said a user.
“‘I didn’t mean to do that’ GIRL WHAT DO YOU MEAN,” offered another.
“The immediate reaction of ‘Okay’ before he even said anything just shows that she knew it was wrong,” stated a third.
@tipsytalk How to get booted off a plane
♬ original sound – TipsyTalk
A follow-up video from the same user confirms that the woman was removed from the flight, presumably in relation to the vaping incident.
The video shows another staff member confronting the woman. After a few seconds of deliberation, the woman is removed from the aircraft without incident.
“Do people not realize it’s a federal offence? Like the entitlement,” said a user in the comments section.
“Imagine getting kicked off a plane bc u literally couldn’t wait 5 minutes after boarding to hit ur vape,” wrote a second.
@tipsytalk Replying to @jpg mafia ♬ original sound – TipsyTalk
According to Newsweek, vaping while on an airplane can net those who perform the act a fine of around $2,000.
“FAA regulations prohibit smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, on board airliners,” a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) spokesperson told the outlet. The spokesperson later added, “Passengers who violate federal vaping laws could face fines up to $1,771.”
The Daily Dot reached out to @tipsytalk via TikTok direct message.
Update 3:46pm CT March 20: In a TikTok DM exchange with the Daily Dot, @tipsytalk claimed that this video was taken on a March 13 Delta flight “in Atlanta during a layover from Vegas to Fort Lauderdale.” Additionally, the TikToker says that was not the first time the person had vaped on the flight, though it was the first time it was observed by staff.
“The lady got on the plane and was yelling at someone on the phone in her AirPod and swearing, and seemed intoxicated,” they explained. “You could tell that the flight attendants were paying close attention to her and felt she was going to be a problem. The one flight attendant was standing near her again because he way she was acting, and that’s when the video started.”
“I was recording because I felt like something was about to go down,” the TikToker continued. “A few minutes later the two delta employees board and ask to her to get off the plane.”
Despite the flyer’s initial behavior, the TikToker says she was able to be removed without incident.
“No one really seemed to notice as boarding had just started,” explained the user. “No other issues.”
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