Zyn Pouch Sparks Bigger Questions About In-Air Nicotine Rules

Smokeless nicotine pouches, like Zyn, have been popping up everywhere lately, especially among people trying to quit smoking or looking for a nicotine fix without lighting up. But what happens when you decide to use them at 35,000 feet?

One passenger recently found out the hard way when she was asked to spit out her nicotine pouch mid-flight, leaving her – and plenty of people online – wondering if they were even allowed in the first place.

It’s no secret that smoking and vaping are banned on airplanes. You’ll hear the announcement about it before every takeoff.

However, when it comes to smokeless options like nicotine gum, patches, or pouches, things aren’t so clear. Many assume they’re fine since they don’t produce smoke or vapor. But as one traveler discovered, airlines can have their own interpretations of what’s acceptable.

The passenger shared her experience on Reddit, posting in the Delta Airlines subreddit to see if anyone else had encountered the same problem.

“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.”

She explained that the flight attendant told her it was because the pouch was considered a tobacco product.

“I didn’t put up a fight and complied right away. I was just wondering if this was an FAA thing I didn’t know about?” she added.

TSA Allows Nicotine Pouches in Bags, but Airlines Like Delta Ban Using Them In-Flight, Causing Confusion.

According to the TSA, nicotine pouches are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. But when it comes to actually using them during the flight, it’s up to each airline to decide.

Delta’s official policy groups smokeless tobacco products—including pouches—together with cigarettes and vapes under its smoking ban. So, technically, the flight attendant was enforcing airline policy.

However, the incident sparked a lively debate online. One Redditor pointed out the confusion: “Probably because the way you had it in your lip, it looked like a dip,” they said, suggesting that appearances can lead to misunderstandings.

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Passengers Called It Inconsistent to Ban Zyn but Allow Nicotine Gum, Though Messiness Remains an Issue.

Another user highlighted how inconsistent it all seems:

“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.’” This only added to the frustration, with someone else asking, “How would the FA even know what it is? It just looks like gum or mints.”

Others argued that Zyn shouldn’t even be treated like traditional tobacco.

“Zyn isn’t tobacco. You can have it in flight,” one person wrote, emphasizing that since the pouches are tobacco-free, they don’t fall under the same restrictions as snus or chewing tobacco.

One commenter made a practical point:

“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.”

If it creates a mess, flight attendants are going to have an issue with it. Some recommended simply being discreet.

“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,” one person advised.

They also noted what seems like a double standard:

“It is silly because no one would stop you from using nicotine gum or a patch,” highlighting that people chewing gum or wearing patches don’t face the same scrutiny.commons.wikimedia

Travelers Say Nicotine Pouches Are Fine on UK and European Flights If You’re Discreet.

Experiences seem to vary outside the U.S. as well. On the r/NicotinePouch subreddit, several travelers said they’ve never had issues flying in the UK or Europe.

“Never had any problems, just kept them in my pocket the whole time (except security),” one user said. Another added, “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.”

And for frequent flyers, it seems discretion is key.

“I fly about 100 flights per year over 30 countries... no issues. Be discreet and discard the used ones properly, and nobody will care,” one seasoned traveler shared.commons.wikimedia

Understanding the Psychology Behind Nicotine Addiction

It's important to understand the psychological underpinnings of nicotine addiction. Nicotine triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the brain's reward system, leading to feelings of pleasure and reinforcing addictive behaviors. As Dr. Martin Seligman, founder of positive psychology, states, "Addiction is often a response to the brain's reward system being hijacked." This can create a powerful psychological dependency on nicotine, making quitting extremely challenging.

People often turn to alternatives like Zyn pouches when trying to quit smoking, in part due to the phenomenon known as harm reduction. This principle suggests that people are more likely to gradually reduce harmful behaviors if they can substitute them with less risky ones (Harm Reduction Journal, 2008). The incident on the plane raises questions about the societal acceptance of these alternatives and their use in public spaces.

Despite the confusion, Delta has made its stance clear. The airline told Tyla:

“Delta prohibits smoking and the use of all smokeless tobacco products (including e-cigarettes and vapes) on all flights.”

This includes nicotine pouches like Zyn, as well as chewing tobacco and even nicotine gum, according to their policy.

So, if you’re planning on flying with nicotine pouches anytime soon, it might be a good idea to check your airline’s rules beforehand—and if you do use one, keep it low-key to avoid any awkward mid-flight run-ins with the crew.

The Impact of Social Norms on Behavior

Nicotine use in public, particularly in confined spaces like airplanes, is influenced by social norms. These unwritten rules of behavior can significantly affect an individual's actions, often leading to conformity (Cialdini & Goldstein, 2004). This incident may reflect a social norm that discourages the public use of nicotine products, even those that are smokeless.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Overall, the psychology of nicotine addiction, the concept of harm reduction, and the influence of social norms all play a role in this incident. As society's understanding and acceptance of nicotine alternatives evolve, so too will the rules and norms surrounding their use. Dr. Barry Schwartz, a choice researcher, emphasizes that "the choices we make are influenced by the social context in which we find ourselves," which highlights the need for further research into these societal shifts to better support those attempting to quit smoking (Barryschwartz). Additionally, Dr. Rick Hanson, a neuropsychologist, notes that "understanding the brain's reward system is crucial for developing effective strategies for addiction recovery" (Hanson, 2023). This underscores the importance of integrating psychological insights into nicotine addiction treatment.