Is the Use of Chewing Tobacco Actually Allowed on Planes?

Chewing tobacco is a smokeless alternative to cigarettes, just like snus. This tobacco product is especially popular in Sweden. The difference with chewing tobacco is: as the name suggests, it is chewed. Snus, on the other hand, is considered a sucking tobacco and is placed under the upper lip. The nicotine is slowly released and absorbed through the oral mucosa. But that's not the only difference. There are also legal differences.

In Germany, the sale of 'tobacco for oral use' - meaning snus - is prohibited under the Tobacco Products Act. This prohibition applies across the entire EU, with the exception of Sweden. Violations in Germany can result in imprisonment of up to one year or a fine, according to a report by the Scientific Services of the German Bundestag.

However, even though the sale is prohibited in the EU, the consumption of snus is allowed. Chewing tobacco is not covered by the ban on snus, as further noted. But can chewing tobacco be consumed on the plane? We inquired with the airlines.

Michael Lamberty, spokesperson for the Lufthansa Group, stated in response to our inquiry: 'Unlike e-cigarettes, which are not allowed onboard, there is generally no objection to using chewing tobacco onboard.' The aviation group consists of more than 300 subsidiaries, including airlines such as Lufthansa German Airlines, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings.

Lamberty also pointed out that import regulations, which exist in some countries, must be respected regardless.

Delta, on the other hand, does not allow any tobacco products to be consumed onboard. This includes smokeless chewing or dipping tobacco. However, nicotine patches and gum can be used under standard transportation conditions, as a spokesperson explained.

According to a Ryanair spokesperson, there are no onboard restrictions on the transport or consumption of chewing tobacco, subject to local customs restrictions.

A Condor spokeswoman noted that the airline adheres to applicable official guidelines for both carry-on and checked luggage. 'As long as all customs formalities and carry-on and import regulations for the destination country are observed, guests are allowed to bring them along.'

Airlines handle chewing tobacco regulations differently. In practice, this means: If you want to use chewing tobacco onboard, check with your airline to see if it's actually allowed and get familiar with luggage regulations. In any case, it's wise to keep an eye on the customs and import regulations for the specific country to avoid unpleasant surprises at the airport during your vacation.

For example, when traveling to EU countries, you should check the duty-free allowances for tobacco goods provided by the custom authorities of the respective country.

What should travelers know at the moment? All important travel news can be found at bettercities.net.

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