Plane passenger confused after being ordered to spit out Zyn by flight attendant
One passenger says she was asked to spit out her smokeless nicotine pouch, leading to confusion about what is and isn't allowed on flights
Jen Thomas
Smokeless nicotine pouches have been quickly growing in popularity, but one plane passenger landed herself in trouble by using them when on board.
Most people know that smoking and vaping is forbidden when flying, but the line is blurred when it comes to things like nicotine gum for those who are trying to quit smoking - and this includes the newly popular smokeless pouches.
One woman claims she was recently told by a flight attendant to spit her Zyn nicotine pouch out.
The incident has confused her and other passengers and people online, as they thought the pouches were allowed, unlike vapes and cigarettes or snus, which contain tobacco.
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It seems airlines can set their own rules, as the TSA says pouches are permitted in both carry-on bags and checked bags.
Well, this particular passenger shared her experience on Reddit, asking if anyone else has experienced the same thing.
She posted in the Delta airlines subreddit, asking about taking Zyn pouches onboard.
"Got told to spit my Zyn out on a flight. I really didn't know that was a thing?" she wrote. "Delta flight, first class (not that that matters). They brought a cup out and asked me to spit my Zyn out."
The passenger continued: "They said it was because it was a tobacco product. I didn’t put up a fight and complied right away. Was just wondering if this was an FAA thing I didn’t know about?"
According to their official websites, United, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines do not specifically mention the items being banned.
Redditors replied with their thoughts, with one saying: "Probably because the way you had it in your lip, it looked like a dip."
Another said it was hypocritical: "I was on a United flight a few days ago and the shopping/menu magazine in the seatback actually had a Zyn ad in it. It said something like, ‘Flight ready’."
"How would the FA even know what it is? Just looks like gum/mints," questioned one, as another argued: "Zyn isn’t tobacco. You can have it in flight."
Someone had another suggestion: "Tobacco or not, does it cause you to spit into a bottle or cup that could spill or be left stuffed in the seat pocket that someone else has to clean up? Then I’d say it doesn’t matter what you call it."
Someone else recommended: "It is allowed but be discreet. I see many people using them on flights, myself included, and as long as you’re not doing it right in front of an FA, you’re fine."
They also made a very good point: "It is silly because no one would stop you from using nicotine gum or a patch".
On the r/NicotinePouch subreddit, others were commenting saying they have never experienced a problem in the UK and Europe.
"Never had any problems, just kept them in my pocket the whole time (except security)" wrote one.
"Both are actively sold at Heathrow Airport as smoking alternatives... I keep mine in an unmarked tin and even that has never caused any issues," added another.
Someone else added: "I fly about 100 flights per year over 30 countries... no issues. Be discrete and discard the used ones properly and nobody will care."
In regards to the matter, Delta stated to Tyla: "Delta prohibits smoking and the use of all smokeless tobacco products (including e-cigarettes and vapes) on all flights."
The airline also bans smokeless tobacco, including pouches and gum.