Despite being advertised to be "smoked anywhere" it seems as if some airlines have decided they do not want them on board due to disruption and the need to explain to people around that the e-cig is not generating real smoke.

Electronic cigarettes are allowed on most airlines, however, Continental is one that has decided against allowing passengers to smoke these on board. The ban covers "the use of electronic, simulated smoking materials", which seems rather strange, considering no tobacco is burnt in the process and rather, the battery heats liquid nicotine that creates a vapour. This created somewhat of a ruckus with a passenger recently who decided to start quoting Osama Bin Laden and ended up being kicked off his plane (read more here)

Last year the U.S. Department of Transportation wanted to implement a ban of electronic cigarettes. Transport Secretary Ray LaHood said, "Airline passengers have rights, and this rule would enhance passenger comfort and reduce any confusion surrounding the use of electronic cigarettes in flight".

This is potentially one of the most ridiculous excuses in history. How dumb does LaHood believe American citizens to be, if they cannot grasp the fact the electronic cigarette is emitting a vapour and is not actually burning tobacco. Surely the smell- or lack of it, would be an instant sign. Many batteries do not even light up the typical red, and have green or blue lights attached: a definite indicator this is not a real cigarette.

This strange idea of banning e-cigs in flight has spread across to the UK, with the likes of British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, TUI, Thomson and Thomas Cook all following suit and disallowing passengers to smoke on board. Other airlines that have included themselves in the ban are Air Canada, American Airlines, JLM and Japan Airlines.

Make sure you double check with your airline if you actually are able to smoke on the flight, if you're looking to do it. Alternatively, if you'd rather just risk it, you can always just hide under the blanket they give you or take a sneaky drag when everyone is asleep! (We strictly advise not to).