Delta’s Zyn Ban Sparks Confusion Over Smokeless Nicotine on Flights

A recent incident on a Delta flight has sparked confusion among travelers about the use of smokeless nicotine pouches like Zyn in the air. While the TSA permits these pouches in both carry-on and checked luggage, individual airlines set their own rules for onboard use, leaving passengers in a gray area of policy ambiguity.

A first-class passenger on a Delta flight was asked to spit out their Zyn, with the flight attendant citing it as a tobacco product. The passenger complied but took to Reddit’s 'r/delta' forum to express surprise, noting they were unaware of any such restriction. Delta’s official policy, buried in its Contract of Carriage, bans all smokeless tobacco products, including pouches and gum, alongside smoking and vaping. A Delta spokesperson confirmed this stance, emphasizing a strict no-tobacco policy on all flights.

Yet, the skies aren’t so clear-cut. Major airlines like American, United, Southwest, JetBlue, and Alaska don’t explicitly address nicotine pouches on their websites, creating a patchwork of enforcement. Social media reactions on Reddit ranged from speculation—some users suggested the pouch might have been mistaken for dip—to outright defiance, with one traveler noting they use Zyn discreetly on flights without issue. Another pointed out the irony: nicotine gum and patches, which serve similar purposes, rarely face scrutiny.

The incident highlights a broader issue: inconsistent airline policies and a lack of clear communication leave passengers guessing. As one Redditor quipped, 'If it’s in the in-flight magazine, it’s gotta be flight-ready, right?' With smokeless nicotine products growing in popularity, airlines may need to rethink their approach to keep up with modern habits—or at least make the rules crystal clear.