In case there was any doubt - vaping is not allowed on commercial flights

The Federal Department of Transportation announced a ban of use of e-cigarettes on commercial flights on Monday, citing possible fire hazards.

The new rule also prohibits passengers from placing e-cigarettes in checked luggage.

In January of last year the Federal Aviation Administration recommended that airlines require that their passengers carry e-cigarettes exclusively in the cabin, and not allow them to be checked.

The new rule makes the ban mandatory.

"We know from recent incidents that e-cigarettes in checked bags can catch fire during transport," Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in an official press release. "Banning e-cigarettes from checked bags is a prudent safety measure."

The Department of Transportation also noted that e-cigarettes were already included in the restriction on the use of tobacco products in flight, but felt that a clarification was needed.