Can You Take Vapes On A Plane? A Complete Guide To Vaping & Air Travel
Travelling with your e-cigarettes and e-liquid can be a daunting task. There are lots of rules and regulations to think about when planning to take your vape gear on holiday with you, and policies are always evolving, making it hard to keep track and know you are making the right decisions.
In this blog, we will explore the most up-to-date information around vaping and air travel - from bringing vapes through airports to etiquette when onboard your flight, and of course, checking whether or not your destination even allows you to take vapes at all!
Bringing Vapes When Travelling Abroad - What To Consider Before You Get To The Airport
Prior to jetting off on your holiday, it’s essential that you check all the necessary information regarding vaping and the rules and regulations around it. Each country's regulations on vaping tend to differ from one another, and where some countries have similar rules to those we have in the UK, other countries have incredibly strict regulations where the use of e-cigarettes is considered illegal and could land you with a prison sentence if you’re caught!
It's also key to understand how to pack your vapes if you’re wanting to take them with you on holiday so that you stay on the right side of the safety precautions.
Read on to get a clear understanding of everything you need to consider about vaping before you travel.
Which Countries Have Banned Vaping?
29 countries around the world have banned the use, sale, and importation of vaping products altogether including: Australia (unless on prescription), Argentina, Brazil, India, Malaysia, Norway, Qatar, Singapore, Thailand. Bringing vapes into these countries as a tourist can land you in a lot of trouble, from fines to jail time. Other countries do not permit the sale of e-cigarettes but permit their use outside of public spaces (enclosed/semi-enclosed public places, workplaces, and public transport). These countries include: Turkey, The UAE, Mexico (typically in resorts only), Barbados, Jamaica, Moldova, Russia and Costa Rica.
Believe it or not, some of the most popular tourist destination countries have completely banned vaping, to the point where it is considered illegal to use an e-cigarette. Check the map below to see where vaping is and isn't banned around the globe:
Green = permitted under regulations
Amber = permitted but more heavily regulated
Red = Illegal
Vaping is completely banned in Thailand, a popular tourist destination for backpackers and holiday makers from the UK. Since 2014, it is illegal to possess any form of vape device, disposables included, as well as vape juice.
If caught with any of the above, you can expect a hefty fine of over £900 and even a potential five-year stretch in a Thai prison. It’s not worth trying to flout the rules and use e-cigarettes, either, as they have a zero-tolerance approach to tourists and vaping in Thailand, so it’s best to stay on the right side of the law and out of Thai prisons!
Other countries have tight restrictions on vaping also. Vaping in Mexico and vaping in Turkey is permitted limited to certain areas however it is illegal to purchase or sell vapes in the country, so you won’t be able to buy vape kits or vape juice if you happen to run out.
This is why preparation prior to travelling is essential if you’re flying to a country that prohibits the sale of anything vape-related. We explain how you can do this below. The best course of action is to always check the laws around vaping in your chosen destination, which can often be achieved with a quick Google search, or by asking your travel agent is applicable - vaping laws are always changing globally, so do your research ahead of time to avoid disaster.
If you are planning a trip to Europe this year, you can learn more about the specific vaping rules in those countries in our blog: Vape Rules For Travelling in Europe. Or for a little inspiration, you can check out our list of the best city breaks for vapers!
How Many Vapes Can You Take On A Plane?
Each different airline has different rules regarding how many vapes you can take on board; some include limitations and others do not. EasyJet only permit a maximum of two spare batteries per person, Aer Lingus permits four vape devices per person. Emirates, Jet2 and Ryanair allow up to 20 e-cigarettes per person, whereas British Airways permits 15 per person. Disposable vapes are subject to the same restrictions. It’s always worth checking with your airline for full clarification before flying.
As mentioned above, it is illegal to sell anything vape related in certain countries, so it’s essential that you take enough with you to last you for the duration of your holiday, but you may be wondering just how many vapes you can take on a plane in your luggage.
The rules do tend to differ with each major airline, and we suggest that you visit the airline’s official site and seek out the FAQs section about flying with them, which should give you a clear answer to the question in topic here.
We recommend working out your normal weekly vape usage, whether that be vape juice or vape coils, and using that as a range for how much you will need to take with you to last whilst on holiday.
Where To Put Vapes In Your Luggage
Any vape device that contains an internal battery must go in your hand luggage.
If your device has external batteries, these can be stored in the main luggage hold provided that the batteries are removed from the device and properly protected. As most airlines require you to remove electronics from bags for separate scanning, it is wise to pack them in a way that allows quick and easy access at the checkpoint.
Taking a vape on a plane and knowing where and how to put your vapes in your luggage is one of the most crucial things you must know about before you fly, as it could potentially stop a disaster from happening if done correctly!
Any vape device that has an internal battery, like a pen vape, pod vape or disposable vape MUST be stored in your hand luggage, and NOT in your checked bag, which goes into the luggage hold. This is to prevent a risk of combustion from the pressure within the hold that would be put onto your vape device. This could cause serious chaos if you choose to neglect this rule, so please ensure that you follow the correct procedure.
If you have a vape device that uses external batteries, these must be removed from your device and placed in a hard plastic carry case. If this is done, you are welcome to store your vape device and batteries within your checked baggage, as the batteries will be separated from the device. You can also put them in your hand luggage if you wish.
Some airlines will have a restriction on how many pairs of extra batteries you can carry on board with you, so it’s worth checking with whoever you are flying with to get a full understanding.
Small vape kits, such as pod devices (see below), are the easiest to travel with, as they are compact and don't take up too much room.
Voopoo Argus Z2 Pod Vape Kit
Vaporesso Xros 5 Mini Pod Vape Kit
Vaporesso Xros 5 Pod Vape Kit
Voopoo Argus G3 Pod Vape Kit
Elf Bar Elfx Pro Pod Vape Kit
Uwell Caliburn G4 Pod Vape Kit
Are Disposable Vapes Allowed in Carry-On Luggage?
Yes, they must only be stored in your carry-on luggage and not put into your checked bags, which go into the luggage hold aboard the aeroplane. As they contain e-liquid, you may be required to put them in your liquid allowance bag.
Disposable vapes contain a lithium-ion internal battery, which means they must only be put in your carry-on luggage if you’re intending to take a disposable vape on an aeroplane.
If you are planning to take your vape on holiday with you, do not put disposable vapes in your checked baggage as this is a serious fire risk and could cause harm to you and everyone else aboard the aircraft.
Although disposable vapes are now banned for sale in the UK, use of them is not illegal.
Airport Security Checks & Airline Policies on Vaping - What to Expect When You Arrive at the Airport & Board Your Flight
So now you know the dos and don’ts of vaping in certain countries, as well as knowing how to correctly pack your vape gear, it’s time to dive into everything you need to know when it comes to vaping restrictions at UK airports.
When travelling with your vape through an airport it’s important to understand what kinds of security checks and policies you will have to adhere to, ensuring you don’t land in any trouble or get your vape kit and e-liquids taken off you.
Different airlines can impose differing restrictions regarding vapes and many other products so be sure you have double-checked before bringing them along with you to avoid any unwanted delays or upset before your relaxing holiday!
Can You Vape in UK Airports?
No airports in the UK allow vaping within the terminal buildings in accordance with indoor smoking/vaping rules and regulations.
However, some airports have designated vaping areas signposted outside of the terminal buildings and in certain cases special booths for smoking/vaping, such as those at Dubai Airport.
As airports are classed as enclosed public spaces, vaping is strictly prohibited within any airport terminal building, which coincides with the laws that were introduced in 2016 in the UK.
Some airports will have outside smoking & vaping areas once you have passed through security, which we will go into detail about below.
Which Airports Have Smoking/Vaping Areas?
Some of the larger UK airports, such as Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester have designated smoking/vaping areas outside of the terminals past security. Some Airlines only have smoking/vaping areas before security, however, meaning you may have a long wait between your last vape and arriving at your destination, so plan accordingly to manage cravings with alternatives like Nic Pouches or NRTs.
Not all airports in the UK have designated smoking/vaping areas once you pass through security, meaning that you won't be able to vape, so make sure you use your vape before passing through security.
From my experience, I like to always fly from Manchester Airport because there’s an outside smoking & vaping area outside of Terminal 4 where I can go out to enjoy a vape before my flight.
Another one of my favourite airports to fly from is Heathrow, as it was the first airport to create a designated vaping-only area, which is located in Terminal 4.
Many airports will have one shelter for both smoking and vaping, which isn’t the ideal situation if you’re a vaper that has converted from smoking to vaping as you’ll likely be surrounded by those tempting smells of cigarette smoke whilst you try and enjoy your vape and resisting the urge.
If you want to vape in an airport, we have picked out some of the most popular UK airports which people jet off from and have highlighted their rules and regulations below regarding vaping once you pass through security.
Belfast International Airport
E Cigarettes are permitted to be used in the designated smoking areas outside the terminal building.
Bristol Airport
E-cigarettes can only be used in the designated smoking areas.
Cardiff Airport
No use of electronic cigarettes is permitted inside the terminal. They can only be used in the designated smoking areas outside the terminal next to Gate 2.
East Midlands Airport
Use of e-cigarettes has not been permitted inside the terminal since August 2014. Once you have passed through security control, there is a smoking/vaping area, located at Castle Rock bar.
Gatwick Airport
Smoking e-cigarettes is not permitted anywhere inside both North and South Terminals. Designated smoking areas are clearly marked outside both terminals.
Heathrow Airport
Prohibited use of e-cigarettes inside the terminal buildings. There are dedicated areas for smoking/vaping outside the terminal buildings.
Humberside Airport
E-cigarettes cannot be used within the terminal or outside the terminal entrance. They can only be used in the smoking area.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport
Although not made explicitly clear on the website, e-cigarettes can only be used in outdoor smoking areas.
London City Airport
No outside smoking/vaping areas once you’re passed through security.
Luton Airport
E-Cigarettes are only permitted to be used in the smoking areas outside of the Terminal entrances.There are also some airports which do not have any smoking areas passed security.
Manchester Airport
No use of e-cigarettes allowed inside the terminals however outside smoking/vaping areas are provided airside at Terminal 1 and outside Terminal 4.
Newcastle Airport
E-Cigarettes can be used in the smoking areas outside of the terminals as well as in the two designated areas once you pass through security.
Southampton Airport
There are no outside smoking areas once you have gone through security.
Stansted Airport
Use of e-cigarettes has not been permitted indoors since August 2014.
Can You Bring Vapes Through Airport Security?
In most cases yes, you can bring your e-cigarette and e-liquid through airport security. Batteries must be switched off and can only be carried in hand luggage, being removed for separate scanning at checkpoints. Vape pods and tanks (if not emptied) must be removed from the battery and placed with any spare 10ml bottles into a clear plastic bag. Before moving through the checkpoint.
Almost every major airline enforces a policy on electronic items that use rechargeable batteries, preventing them from being stored in any luggage intended for the aircraft’s hold.
According to Gatwick Airport’s official guide page, this means you must ensure your vape kit batteries are switched off and placed in your carry-on hand luggage only. This applies to both domestic and international flights. You will also have to remove them for separate screening at any airport not currently using CT scanner technology, which can check them from within your bags.
When travelling through Manchester Airport in 2023, your humble author enquired about the reason behind not having them in the hold. I was told this policy exists because of the fire risk batteries can pose, which can be much more easily combated from the areas of the plane where you sit, rather than stuck in the hold mid-flight – a fair answer, I’m sure you would agree.
As for any vape tanks or pods attached to those batteries, you’ll want to detach them. This is not only to reduce the risk of the device accidentally firing if you forget to switch it off, but if they still contain any liquid, they will need to be stored separately in the clear plastic bags given out to stash all your other liquids (including refill e-liquid bottles) inside while passing through security.
As for taking disposable vapes through airport security, these devices can’t be switched off, nor can you remove any part that contains the e-liquid pre-filled inside them. This means any items you have brought with you must be placed in the plastic liquids bag provided. This can be an issue if you have brought multiple with you as you might struggle to fit them in alongside your other liquids like suncream and toothpaste, etc.
Airports will not give you more than one bag either, as I discovered when facing this exact issue – the bag wouldn’t seal as it was so full of disposables and toiletries and instead of giving me a second bag, they insisted I dispose of some of the contents – so long moisturiser!
Your airport security vape checklist:
- Turn the battery off
- Carry in hand-luggage only
- Remove pods or tanks
- Store pods or tanks containing liquid in the bags provided
- Keep batteries easily accessible for any separate electronic scanning
Can You Take Electronic Cigarettes on Planes?
You can, however, they must be carried in your hand luggage to comply with fire safety rules, much like other electrical items containing Lithium-Ion batteries. All top-up e-liquid bottles, pods/tanks containing e-liquid must be stored in the clear plastic bag provided at security in your hand luggage.
Provided your chosen airline has no policy to the contrary, and your destination permits vaping, you can take your vape kit on a plane with you, so long as it is packed into your hand luggage only. By the time you are getting on the plane, you will already have passed through security, which should ensure you have done so.
Any e-cigarette batteries incorrectly stored in your checked hold luggage will have been flagged, and you will be asked to remove them and take them in hand luggage or dispose of them altogether.
Can You Take Disposable Vapes On An Aeroplane?
Yes, you can take disposable vapes on a plane, but some airlines have restrictions on how many you are allowed to bring with you. The average number permitted is between 15 and 20, so check with your travel provider before packing. You must keep them in your hand luggage or on your person as they are considered a fire risk because they contain a Lithium-Ion battery.
Disposable vapes like Elf Bar are beginning to be banned from sale in certain countries around the world, and are already banned in the UK. If you use disposable vapes as your main type of device and have stocked up prior to the ban, it may be worth investing in a refillable kit prior to travelling.
Check your airline's guidelines on how many are permitted to be carried on board the plane, as well as checking the rules of the country that you are flying to, as well,l for how many you're allowed to take, as if you take too many with you, you may end up having them taken off you at airport security.
Can I Vape On The Plane?
No, according to the Gatwick Airport Guide, “Using e-cigarettes on the plane is not permitted by any airline.” These are individual policies rather than laws, however. Smoking has been banned on planes since 1990, and all major airlines treat vaping in the same way, with many including a statement about not vaping in their pre-flight safety announcements.
While there are technically no strict blanket rules about e-cigarette use on planes, most airlines adopt similar policies so it is always safest to assume you can’t vape once onboard.
If you are unsure, you should always check with your airline first to be sure and avoid any issues.
Smoking has been banned on aeroplanes since 1990, and since vaping rose to popularity, it has been held to the same restrictions.
Below are some of the policies from the UK and Ireland's most popular airlines:
| Airline | Vaping Policy |
|---|---|
You are allowed to bring your vape on board but you must not vape, or use any other form of cigarette on board. |
|
You can take vapes in your hand luggage and a maximum of two spare batteries, but you cannot use them on the plane. |
|
You are not allowed to take vapes in your checked baggage in the hold, you must carry them in your hand luggage. You must not vape on board under any circumstances. |
|
You are allowed to take an e-cigarette on board but it must be in your hand luggage and you must not use it at any point. You are only allowed up to four vape devices per person. |
|
You are allowed to take e-cigarettes on board but they must be in your hand luggage and you can’t use them. You are held personally responsible for ensuring the vape device is switched off to prevent accidental firing. |
|
Passengers are required to carry e-cigarettes in the cabin/hand luggage and not in checked baggage, and are not permitted for use during the flight. |
|
E-cigarettes cannot be carried in checked baggage, batteries must be protected to avoid accidental activation, all flights are non-smoking or vaping. |
It’s never worth trying to dodge around the rules and have a sneaky stealth vape whilst on board, as if you are caught by the cabin crew of a UK airline or indeed any other, you’ll likely be met by the police at the other side of your flight and that really isn’t the best way to start your holiday!
Have You Tried Nicotine Pouches?
If you are concerned about travelling for longer periods of time without access to nicotine in vape form, nicotine (nic) pouches are a discreet alternative permitted for use on flights.
Nic pouches are only just gaining popularity in the UK but offer a great alternative to vaping when on flights. They are placed between the gum and cheek and steadily release nicotine over time without producing any kind of vapour or requiring an electronic device to function. This means you can discreetly manage cravings on flights without running afoul of any airline policies.
The TSA do not class Nicotine as a “harmful” substance, and it is permitted to be carried aboard flights. Nicotine Pouches fall in the same category as Nicotine Gum, patches and other forms of Nicotine Replacement Therapy that comes with no restrictions.
The TSA state that “powder-like substances greater than 12oz/350ml must be placed in a separate bin for X-Ray screening and may be subject to additional screening and may need to be opened upon request by TSA staff. For your convenience, we recommend you put any powders greater than 12oz in your checked baggage”
Want to read more about Nicotine Pouches? Check out our Nic Pouch guides
Nicotine and E-Liquid Restrictions When Travelling
As vape juice is a liquid, it is subject to the restrictions imposed on travellers regarding all liquid-based products, from deodorant and perfume to moisturiser and toothpaste. Avoid any issues when going through security by taking note of the information below, and if in doubt, always contact your airline/airport ahead of time to double-check their policies.
If you are looking to stock up on vape juice before travelling, we have a huge range to offer you from our original £1 range to our bar salts collection and many more.
How Much E-Liquid Can You Take With You When Flying?
E-liquids fall within the commonplace 100ml per container restrictions applicable to all other liquid based products when passing through airport security and travelling on planes unless covered by a new 2-litre liquid permission thanks to CT scanners being rolled-out. While 10ml e-liquid bottles fall well below the 100ml limit, make sure you allow enough room for all your vape juice refills to fit in the small plastic bags provided at security alongside your other liquid-based toiletries, etc.
Provided your destination allows you to bring vaping products into the country, you can bring top-up e-liquid bottles with you when flying, however you must ensure that they don’t exceed to 100ml volume per container cap.
According to The Telegraph, this rule was introduced in 2006 after British police foiled a terror plot to detonate explosives on transatlantic flights.
Thankfully with the most popular e-liquids being 10ml, you should be able to bring a few with you, just plan ahead to make sure you have enough room for them alongside other essential toiletries!
While the 100ml limit is well-ingrained in travel culture at this point, changes in scanner technology are seeing certain airports lift this restriction, but sadly this does not guarantee you will be able to bring larger containers.
A series of trials at larger travel hubs including New York’s JFK and London Heathrow saw new CT scanning technology set to be used to help reduce the steps needed to get travellers through quickly and safely, with larger volumes of liquid planned to be permitted through many airports’ security by June 2024 although some delays at London and Manchester’s major airports have seen this pushed back to 2025.
Shannon Airport in Ireland saw this technology fully implemented. The Irish hub has since reported runaway success, using the new CT scanning technology to get people through security checks at pace. In 2023, it was said that, if targets were met, we could see more UK airports lifting the 100ml limit this year (2024) – so it is well worth checking with your airline/airport to see if you can benefit.
At Northeast England’s Teesside International Airport, passengers can now carry individual containers of liquid up to 2 litres in volume – a massive jump from 100ml, which should make travelling with vaping products a lot easier, not to mention bringing back goodies from duty-free, etc…
London City Airport is another UK travel hub receiving the overhaul and joining what is being dubbed ‘the restriction-free club’ in the media. Once rollout is complete at London City, it will have become the first London airport to reinstate pre-2006 luggage regulations.
Take note of your destination, however – even if your airport of departure has relaxed liquid limits, you will still be held to restrictions at the airport of arrival, so if they enforce the 100ml limit at your destination, you must comply or risk losing your vape juice.
Below are the UK and European airports currently listed as using or set for conversion to CT scanners – please remember that just because these scanners are being deployed does not automatically mean they are allowing the new 2-litre liquid limit – always check before travelling.
UK & Irish Airports With CT Scanners
- Teeside
- London City
- Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton: partly in use
- Shannon: already available
- Dublin: currently converting
European Airports With CT Scanners
- Munich: have been converting since the beginning of the year (2024). The conversion should be completely finished in 2025
- Frankfurt: currently there are these ‘fast lanes’ in Terminal 1, Area A and B West, as well as in Terminal 2 at the central Schengen control. More are to be added by the end of the year
- Amsterdam: partly available
- Eindhoven: since June 2023
- Madrid Barajas and Barcelona El-Prat: by the end of 2024
- Palma de Mallorca: by the end of 2024
- Malaga: set for 2025
- Gran Canaria, Tenerife South, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Alicante, Ibiza, Bilbao, Menorca and Valencia: all set for 2026
- Rome Fiumicino’s Terminal 1: since March 2024
- Milano Linate and Milano Malpensa (Terminal 1): since February 2024
- Helsinki Airport: since June 2023
(information up-to date as of 22/05/24 from sources:
https://www.euronews.com/travel/2024/01/31/100-ml-airport-rule-to-be-removed-at-some-european-airports-will-it-make-flying-less-safe
https://www.thenationalnews.com/travel/2023/04/05/airports-where-travellers-dont-need-to-remove-liquids-and-laptops/
https://myflyright.com/blog/liquid-limit-airports-introduce-cutting-edge-scanners-for-hassle-free-travel/#:~:text=The+new+scanners+are+already,Vinci+International+Airport+in+Rome.
Please note that these dates and regulations can change quickly so always check before travelling)
Do I Need To Empty My Vape Tank/Vape Pod Before Flying?
Technically no, you do not need to empty a pod or tank before flying.
However if you do not, it must be removed from the vape battery and placed with your other liquids in the plastic bag provided as a part of your 100ml allowance.
While you don’t need to empty a pod or tank before flying, it is advisable to do so. In our personal experience, the change in pressure experienced while flying can wreak havoc on both e-liquid bottles and tanks/pods.
The shifting pressure can force the e-liquid out of containers, causing messy leaks that are best avoided – 10ml bottles are less prone to this, however, tanks and pods almost certainly will – so avoid this by simply emptying before you fly. Don’t end up like me with toiletries covered in menthol vape juice when you land, it’s not a great way to start your trip!
If you want to stock up on fresh replacement pods for your chosen vape kit before your trip, we offer a great range from leading brands that you can browse below:
Vaporesso Xros Replacement Pods - Pack of 4
Innokin Klypse Replacement Pods - Pack of 3
GeekVape Q Replacement Pods - Pack of 3
Oxva Xlim V3 Replacement Pods - Pack of 3
