An e-cigarette has quite a few differences with a traditional cigarette. The main thing they have in common is that they are both used to deliver nicotine. However, that is where the similarity ends. The differences are easy to understand.

Combustion vs. Vaporization

In a traditional cigarette a flame is applied to the tobacco. This heats it enough so it will continue smoldering for as long as it is drawn on. An electronic cigarette does not use fire, and produces more “smoke”. Smoke is the particulate result of combusting matter. Smoke sometimes contains vapor as well. Vapor, which is emitted by the e cig, is simply a liquid that has been transformed into a gas by means of heating. The vapor drawn from an e-cigarette may or may not contain nicotine. However, it does not contain the hundreds of toxins found in traditional cigarette smoke that are known health hazards. E cig vapor does not contain tar.

Flavor

Tobacco is sometimes mentholated, but beyond that the tastes are very limited. Vaporizers use a fluid that contains flavoring if desired, and the flavor is much more apparent than it is in the limited number of flavored tobaccos on the market. The flavors include everything from pina colada to coffee to tobacco. There is a variety available. One of the ways that smokers use vaporizers to get over the cigarette habit is by picking a flavor that tastes much better than the cigarettes they are used to.

Mechanism

An e-cigarette is a very simple device. Smokers need to be aware of three main components.

Power Source: This is either the battery or a USB pass-through that allows smokers to heat the atomizer, and produce smoke. There are numerous different patterns available, and they have to be matched with the atomizer or cartomizer the smoker has.

Atomizer: A heating element that attaches directly to the battery. Some are used with fluid-filled cartridges, and some are dripped on directly by the user.

Cartridge: The reservoir that holds the fluid. If the carriage attaches to an atomizer, it is properly called a cartridge. If an atomizer is included it is called a cartomizer. One atomizer will last through many cartridges. Cartomizers last a shorter amount of time, but have a new atomizer included with every one.

Battery Life

The batteries sold with e-cigarettes, as with any other battery, have a limited amount of times that they can be recharged. However, they usually last, on average, many months. They should be drained fully before recharging. When a battery becomes weaker, smokers will receive less of a hit off of the vaporizer. This means the battery needs a recharge.There are numerous accessories that go along with e-cigarettes including more advanced chargers, atomizers, and so forth. Experimenting can be fun. Smokers who are so inclined can experiment with the many different flavors of e-juice if they wish to try a different taste now and then. There are also different colored LEDs available on the ends of these cigarettes.

Like every other electronic device, an e-cigarette will have issues occasionally. Fortunately, these issues are usually very easily remedied. The cartridges have limited life spans, so newer users need to make sure they are not trying to fix a vaporizing device instead of realizing that the cartridge is simply worn out before getting frustrated with it.

Lifespan

The cartridge, atomizer, and cartomizer devices on e-cigarettes are all disposable components. How long they last will depend upon how much a smoker uses them. An atomizer can last many weeks, sometimes more than a month, for someone who vapes rather heavily. For a lighter user, they can last much longer. Cartridges last as long as the material in them, and can continue to be refilled with e-juice. When the filler material gets stiff and dried out, it is time to replace them. Cartomizers will generally start to taste bad when they are worn out, or when the atomizer becomes worn out. The cartridges need to be changed usually once per week. However, some smokers get much longer life spans out of them provided that the reservoir material can take fluid.

Batteries can last many months. They work best, however, if they are only charged after they are run down fully. While this is not as much of an issue as it was for older types of rechargeable batteries, it is still recommended that they be run down before they are charged up rather than charging them every time the device is not in use.

No Heating

When a vaporizer is not properly heating the fluid that has been put in, it is usually because the atomizer has gone out. If the atomizer has been on the device for a while, it might be time for a change. Sometimes, however, this is not the reason. A dirty atomizer may also be to blame. When the cartridge or cartomizer is overfilled smokers will end up with liquid on the connection between the battery and the atomizer which can also create problems. Smokers should also be sure the filler contains fluid. An end cap on the cartomizer or cartridge before setting the device down will help ensure this. The reservoir can dry out quickly, particularly in arid climates, causing smokers to believe that there is a problem with the device.

Pressure Switch Sticks On or Off

Most of the time smokers can remedy a switch that is stuck by tapping the device on a table a few times. The pressure switches on breath-activated vaporizers will stick now and then, but it is usually not a major problem. A windy environment, such as a car with the window down, may create a stuck pressure switch as well. In such cases, it is best to just put the device down, or to roll up the window so that it does not stay on too long. Another option is to use an e cig with a manual switch. Manual battery switches sometimes wear out after a while, but the switches usually last longer than the batteries.

Contrary to what some people believe, there’s no reason that you have to use the e-juice of one particular manufacturer in any e-cigarette. The flavors are just blends of different flavoring agents, glycerin and, in some cases, nicotine, which produces vapor when heated by the atomizer in these devices. What you will notice, however, is that there are some significant differences in taste between the different products on the market.

Heavier Tastes

The heavier tastes on the market tend to be the tobacco flavors and the coffee and chocolate flavors. There are also flavors that are designed to emulate the taste of a cigar or a pipe. These flavors are usually better for those who are using an e-cigarette to give up their regular smoking habit. They have a passable taste and there are even some flavors available that are designed to imitate the taste of a particular brand of tobacco.

Lighter Tastes

Vanilla, coconut and other flavors are also available for e-cigarettes. Most of the time, ex-smokers will like the taste of tobacco less and less as they drift away from it. Eventually, it will taste as bad to them as it did the first time they smoked it. This is usually a process, but those who decide they like vaping will sometimes enjoy trying out different flavors. There is an incredible variety to choose from and many of them are quite good.

Vapor Volume

Some fluid has a much higher vapor production than others. You’ll have to experiment a bit to find out which brands work for you. The type of e-cigarette you use will also play into how much vapor you get out of it. In some cases, you may find that one particular e-cigarette “likes” a certain brand of e-juice. In other cases, you’ll just happen to get a very hot atomizer and this will make it seem like the vapor you’re using is better than others you’ve tried. Try an entire bottle before you come to any conclusions.

Strength

Among those e-juices that come with nicotine, there are different strengths. Unlike so-called “light” and “full flavor” cigarettes, there actually is a difference between the nicotine strengths you get with the different levels of fluid. If you’re getting too much of a buzz off of the e-cigarette, try a weaker nicotine strength. If you’re craving a cigarette all the time when you’re trying to use the vaporizer instead, go with a higher strength.

Remember that e-cigarettes hit much differently than a regular cigarette does. For the best results, hold it with the tip down and draw lightly. This encourages the vapor to rise upward into your mouth, which gives you a nice, strong hit. When your cartomizer or atomizer starts to go, you’ll notice that the hits get thinner and the taste gets weak. It’s usually best to have a spare along so that you don’t end up running out of parts when you’re away from home. There are cases available with slots for holding your accessories and, sometimes, which provide a charge, as well.

Many people are wondering about electronic cigarettes in airports. Most airports are now smoke free facilities, and do not permit smoking anywhere. Some have designated areas outside the buildings at certain terminals, but these are before you reach security. A TSA blog written by a TSA employee was happy to inform electronic cigarette smokers that they are permitted to carry on their e cigs as well as their accessories. However, he suggests asking permission at the airport as well as on the airplanes if vaping is allowed. Another suggestion is to bring your electronic cigarette paperwork along to show attendants and security officials if they have any questions. Many people are still unaware of what electronic cigarettes

even are. Green smoke provides a card stating that the product is not a cigarette, but an electronic cigarette. Recently, an electronic cigarette user questioned Southwest Airlines about carrying his e cig onto their plane. The representative searched through their restricted items, and found electronic cigarettes are not included on the list. They claimed that they were considered a portable electronic, and they did not see any reason why they should not be approved to carry on. Another user asked a flight attendant if she could smoke her electronic cigarette on the plane. The attendants did not even know what an e cig was. The flight attendant asked the cabin crew, and none of them knew if they were permitted. They did state they would ask at their next monthly meeting, and told the passenger to go into the bathroom because, “what you do in the bathroom is your business”. The passenger proceeded to vape in the bathroom, and the crew actually came in to witness the fact that there is not an odor and minimal vapor. Another user recently contacted 3 airlines, the TSA, and obtained an FAA regulations handbook. The airlines all said the e cig was permitted in carry on bags, but could not state whether they were permitted to be used on planes. The TSA stated that electronic cigarettes are permitted in carry on bags. The FAA handbook did not state anything about electronic cigarette use as being prohibited. Our suggestion, to be on the safe side, is to contact the airport and airline to ensure that you are allowed to carry on your electronic cigarettes.

The following list of 100% smoke free U.S. Airports, as of July 5, 2010, was compiled by the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation. The airports on this list are 100% smoke free indoors including passenger terminals, airline clubs, and non-public work areas.

Alabama
Birmingham International Airport

Alaska
All enclosed areas of Alaska airports are smokefree

Arizona
(Mesa) Falcon Field Airport
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport
Grand Canyon National Park Airport
Grand Canyon West Airport
Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport
Page Municipal Airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Tuscon International Airport
Yuma International Airport

Arkansas
All enclosed areas of Arkansas airports are smokefree

California
Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport
Lake Tahoe Airport
Los Angeles International Airport
Long Beach Daugherty Field
Meadows Field Airport
Monterey Peninsula Airport
Oakland International Airport
Ontario International Airport
Oxnard Airport
Palm Springs International Airport
Redding Municipal Airport
Sacramento International Airport
Santa Barbara Airport
Santa Maria Airport
San Diego International Airport
San Francisco International Airport
San Jose International Airport
John Wayne Orange County Airport

Colorado
Archuleta County Airport
Colorado Springs Municipal Airport
Grand Junction Regional Airport
Montrose Regional Airport
Nucla Regional Airport
Rifle-Garfield County Regional Airport
Telluride Regional Airport
Yampa Valley Regional Airport

Connecticut
Bradley International Airport
Tweed New Haven Airport

D.C.
Reagan International Airport

Florida
Daytona Beach International Airport
Fort Lauderdale International Airport
Jacksonville International Airport
Lakeland Linder Regional Airport
Melbourne International Airport
Miami International Airport
Naples Municipal Airport
Orlando International Airport
Palm Beach International Airport
Panama City Bay County International Airport
Pensacola Regional Airport
Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport
Southwest Florida International Airport
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport
Tallahassee Regional Airport
Tampa International Airport

Hawaii
Dillingham Airfield (Waialua)
Hana Airport
Hilo International Airport
Honolulu International Airport
Kalaeloa Airport
Kalaupapa Airport
Kahului Airport
Kapalua Airport
Kona International Airport
Lanai Airport
Lihue Airport
Molokai Airport
Port Allen Airport
Upolu Airport
Waimea-Kahala Airport

Iowa
(Cedar Rapids) Eastern Iowa Airport
Des Moines International Airport

Idaho
Boise International Airport
Coeur d’Alene Regional Airport
Lewiston-Nez Perce Municipal Airport

Illinois
Central Illinois Regional Airport
Chicago Midway Airport
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Chicago Rockford International Airport
Decatur Airport
Greater Kankakee Airport
Greater Peoria Regional Airport
Mt. Vernon Airport
Springfield-Branson National Airport

Indiana
Evansville Regional Airport
Indianapolis International Airport

Kansas
Wichita Mid-Continent Airport

Kentucky
Blue Grass Airport (Lexington)
Louisville International Airport

Louisiana
Alexandria International Airport
Shreveport Downtown Airport
Shreveport Regional Airport

Massachusetts
Barnstable Municipal Airport
(Boston) Logan International Airport
Martha’s Vineyard Municipal Airport
Nantucket Memorial Airport
Provincetown Municipal Airport

Maryland
Baltimore/Washington International Airport

Maine
Bangor International Airport
Portland International Jetport

Michigan
Bishop International Airport
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
(Grand Rapids) Gerald R. Ford International Airport
(Lansing) Capital City Airport

Minnesota
Duluth International Airport
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
Rochester International Airport

Missouri
Kansas City International Airport
Springfield/Branson National Airport

Mississippi
Jackson International Airport

Nebraska
Lincoln Airport
Omaha Eppley Airfield

North Carolina
Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Charlotte-Douglas International Airport

North Dakota
Bismarck Municipal Airport
Minot International Airport

Nevada
(Las Vegas) McCarran International Airport, NV
Reno-Tahoe International Airport, NV

New York
Albany International Airport
Binghamton Regional Airport
Buffalo Niagara International Airport
Elmira Corning Regional Airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport
La Guardia Airport
Long Island MacArthur Airport
Tompkins Co. Regional Airport
Greater Rochester International Airport
Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Westchester County Airport

Ohio
Akron Canton Airport
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
Dayton International Airport
Port Columbus International Airport

Oregon
Eugene Airport
Portland International Airport

Pennsylvania
Lehigh Valley International Airport
Philadelphia International Airport
Pittsburgh International Airport

South Carolina
Charleston International Airport
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport

Texas
El Paso International Airport
(Houston) William P. Hobby Airport
(Houston) George Bush Intercontinental Airport
San Antonio International Airport

Tennessee
Nashville International Airport

Virginia
Norfolk International Airport

Vermont
Burlington International Airport

Washington
Seattle Tacoma International Airport

Wisconsin
Dane County Regional Airport
(Milwaukee) General Mitchell International Airport

West Virginia
(Charleston) Yeager Airport

Wyoming
Cheyenne Regional Airport
Gillette-Campbell County Airport
Jackson Hole Airport
Riverton Regional Airport
Yellowstone Regional Airport

We have compiled the following list from airport websites as well as from an ABC News report.

Smoking areas in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International include:

Heinkein Bar & Grill Concourse A Food Court (2nd Floor)
Smoking Room between Concourse A, above the food court (2nd Floor)
Smoking Room between Gates B7 and B9
Smoking Room between Gates B22 and B24
Smoking Room between Gates C15 and C17A
Smoking Room between Gates C26 and C28
Sojourner’s Lounge between Gates D7 and D5
Smoking Room between Gates E8 and E10
Smoking Room between Gates E15 and E17
Smoking Room between Gates E28 and E30
Smoking Room between Gates T3 and T4
Smoking Room between Gates T12 and T13

In Cincinnati smoking is permitted in lounges located in ticketing areas in terminal 2 and 3 as well as concourse a near gate A-2, and on concourse B near the food court. The link to the bars and restaurants in the airport that once permitted smoking has been removed from the airport’s website.

Denver International is a non-smoking airport with the exception of four smoking lounges. The Aviator’s Club is located on the west side of Jeppesen Terminal. Level 6, in the atrium. Another smoking lounge, Mesa Verde, is on A Gates Mezzanine Level. The B Gates Aviator’s Club smoking lounge is on the mezzanine level, center core. The C Gates smoking lounge, Smokin’ Bear, is in the center core. You can also smoke outside the terminal, but not outside A, B, or C gates.

In Memphis smoking is only allowed inside the Blue Note Cafe.

At Washington Dulles International Airport, smoking is permitted in four smoking lounges beyond the main terminal, including two lounges in Concourse B, one in Concourse C and one in Concourse D. For hungry smokers, Max & Erma’s Restaurant, by Gate B72, delivers food to a few tables in the adjacent airport smoking lounge

At Salt Lake City International Airport there are five post-security smoking lounges.

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport has seven smoking lounges.

Gulfport Biloxi International Airport and Greensboro’s Piedmont Triad International Airport also have smoking lounges.

Also check out what airlines prohibit e cigarettes.

Please let us know if we have missed any airports. Please share any other smoking spots at airports in the comment section below.

Electronic cigarettes have quickly become a popular choice for smokers who are trying to quit. There are many brands and models from which to choose. Most companies offer a 2 or 3 piece design. Traditional smokers curious about electronic cigarettes may wonder which design will benefit them.

Deciding whether to use a 2 or 3 piece design is a matter of personal preference. The 2 piece design, or the kr808 model such as V2cigs, includes a battery and a cartomizer. A cartomizer is an atomizer and cartridge in one. The 2 piece design is easier for smokers to maintain if they do not want to be bothered by refilling cartridges with eliquid. Eliquid is the substance used to refill a cartridge. Smokers will only have to screw in the prefilled cartomizer, and enjoy their smoking experience. Smokers, by using this model, will also only have to recharge the battery and replace the cartridges. The 2 piece design should not clog. Increased smoke volume may occur due to the fact that the cartomizer is not used as frequently. A downside to using the 2 piece may be that a smoker must purchase and use the cartomizers the manufacturer provides. In some case you can use customized or modified cartomizers, but this takes some experimenting.

The 501 model such as blucigs, or 3 piece design, consists of a battery, atomizer, and a cartridge. These electronic cigarette models are cheaper because smokers purchase eliquid to refill the cartridges which are cheaper than constantly buying refill cartridges. Smokers can research the cheapest eliquid because any brand can be used in any 3 piece electronic cigarette brand. The refill eliquid is offered in more flavors than the refill cartridges. This is an advantage because most smokers who try a flavor get hooked because they suddenly realize just how much they despise the tobacco taste. Buying the eliquid gives smokers the opportunity to test different flavors instead of just the cartridges that come with the ecig. The 3 piece design is also preferred by veteran electronic cigarette smokers. They can control the amount of eliquid they refill their cartridges with. They can also personalize their smoking experience by modifying their batteries, atomizers, and cartridges. While the 3 piece is preferred by veteran smokers, there is absolutely no reason why a beginner would not be able to easily refill their own cartridges.

Blucigs are a 501 3 piece design, and are one of the most popular brands. Their atomizer is also self-cleaning. If you wish to refill your own cartridges then the 3 piece is suggested as the 2 piece atomizers are intended to be replaced, and are not built to last. But if you prefer the ease of the two piece design you should consider a brand like V2 Cigs.

Electronic cigarettes are one of many breakthrough inventions recently which has managed to drastically change society. Cigarette smoking has turned into a serious issue over the past few years, and the number of smokers is rapidly increasing. The effect of smoking has caused problems not only for smokers, but also the people surrounding them. Cigarette smoking produces harmful gasses affecting the already deteriorating environment. Each year 400,000 smokers in America die from smoke related illnesses. Many areas in the United States have imposed smoking bans to deter people from smoking, and protect the environment. However, the number of new smokers continues to increase every year.

Electronic cigarettes, a chemical free alternative, have helped thousands quit smoking. Smoke is the main cause of most smokers’ health problems. Electronic cigarettes are smokeless devices which simulate smoking a traditional cigarette without the tobacco, tar and other harmful chemicals. They emit a vapor which eliminates the dangerous secondhand smoke. E-cigarettes have eased traditional smokers’ health concerns, and have also made them more acceptable.

Electronic cigarettes have emerged in large quantities with a number of multi-national manufacturers entering the business. They can considerably reduce the amount of nicotine consumed. Smokers can even choose electronic cigarettes without any nicotine at all. A major advantage is the fact that cigarette smokers have claimed they are finding it easy transitioning from regular cigarettes to electronic cigarettes.

Cigarette smokers have always ignored the warnings about health issues that are caused by smoking tobacco. A transition to e cigarettes will definitely reduce the effect of tobacco which will allow them to live a longer happier life. Another advantage of e cigs is that they will save smokers quite a bit of money. Unlike traditional tobacco cigarettes, electronic cigarettes cost about $2.50 per pack. A single cartridge of e cigs lasts the equivalent of two packs of regular cigarettes. Considering e cigarette’s benefits for both smokers and their loved ones, it is definitely a worthy decision switching.

Your new electronic cigarette is not a complex gadget, but with everything new there is forever going to be a learning curve.  Here are some tips on the top way to enhance your e smoking experience so you can save both time and money.

Tips for new e cig smokers:

1. Get more batteries and atomizers/cartomizers.  These two things will be the most likely to need replacing.  A word of advice:  It is an excellent plan to make sure you like your e cigarette model before you buy all the additional add-ons and replacement parts.  Once you know you’ve chosen the correct model and you are content with it, get the extra parts… you’ll certainly get good value out of them!

2. Get a USB and car charger.  These devices will allow you to “vape” while cruising or while working on your computer without draining the battery on your electronic cigarette.  Again, make sure you are content with your model before buying the add-ons.

3. Start with a low dose of nicotine.  E cig cartridges normally come in at least 3 or more doses: High level (equivalent to an unfiltered regular cigarette), medium level (equivalent to a regular cigarette), low level (equivalent to light cigarette), and none (I think you can figure this one out ).  When you first receive your e-cig you might feel like experimenting with it right away, trying different doses and flavors (chocolate is a favorite of vapors).  If you are not careful you will end up taking more nicotine than you usually get from your regular cigarette… and potentially increase your need for nicotine.  Starting off with a lower level, and increasing the level once you get used to smoking straight nicotine is a smart thing to do. Also, electronic cigarettes don’t contain all the chemicals in traditional cigarettes so you may also go through a short period where you feel sick. This is normal as your body is adjusting to not having all the chemicals in your body from your traditional cigarettes. Most people who experience these symptoms say it feels like you have a sore throat and a slight cold. But these symptoms will wear off quickly once your body is used to not having all the additional chemicals in your body. Probably a good thing but we aren’t doctors.

4. Take extended but slow drags.  An extended, slow, balanced puff will give the best vapor capacity.  Slow, solid puffs will tend to overflow the atomizer producing less vapor (It’s also possible to get liquid nicotine in your mouth. Not a great taste as you will find out if this happens to you).

5. Switch atomizers/cartomizers often.  Atomizers and cartomizers tend to get stopped up if you don’t use your ecig properly. When this occurs the amount of vapor is significantly reduced.  Change the atomizer/cartomizer every day or when you notice the smoke volume decrease for best performance, and always try to sanitize often.  (This is really only applicable to the three-piece designed electronic cigarettes where an atomizer is completely separate piece.  There are more up to date two-part designs that have the atomizer and cartridge combined and is typically called cartomizers).

Follow the simple tips in this article, and you’ll be ahead of the game. Hopefully these tips will help you enjoy the electronic cigarette you choose so you are completely satisfied with your experience.  If you’re unsure about which E-cigarette is right for you please check out some of our reviews on the different electronic cigarette brands. We only choose the top brands and provide written as well as video reviews to help you decide which brand is right for you.

Good luck with choosing the right e cigarette for you. We hope these tips will help you have a better experience with your new e cigarette!

Many airlines are now adding e-cigs to their list of prohibited inflight items. This may come as a response to passengers that were not courteous with their vaporizing or because the fake cigarettes may be interpreted as real cigarettes and inspire other passengers to light up. Regardless, it’s now more important than ever to call ahead and ask your airlines policy. You don’t want to be expecting a fix at 35,000 feet only to discover that you’re not allowed to partake. As of February 2010 the following airlines have policies against e cigarettes:

• Continental: “The use of electronic, simulated smoking materials (cigarettes, pipes, cigars) is prohibited on Continental Airlines”
• American: “Devices that are not allowed to be activated at any time are those, including e-cigarettes….”
• Southwest: People report seeing ecigarettes are prohibited in the onboard literature
• Air Canada: “Electronic cigarettes (or ‘e-cigarettes’), provided they remain stowed and unused in your carry-on baggage.”

Any major airlines I’ve missed? Feel free to let me know in the comments.