The Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that it has finalized a rule that bans the use of electronic cigarettes on commercial flights.
The rule applies to all scheduled flights of U.S. and foreign airlines flying in, to, and from the U.S..
Under this rule, the use of e-cigarettes in all forms including electronic cigars, pipes, and devices designed to look like everyday products such as pens, is explicitly banned. The ban does not include the use of medical devices such as nebulizers.
The DOT says this is one more step toward ensuring better treatment of passengers. Studies have shown that e-cigarette aerosol can contain a number of harmful chemicals.
The Department also extended the ban on smoking, including e-cigarettes, to all charter (nonscheduled) flights of U.S. airlines and foreign airlines.