Can You Take Vapes on a Plane?
Travellers need to consider essential laws and regulations when flying with their vapes. Here’s a clear guide to UK airline rules, packing tips, and global restrictions to travel confidently and stress-free.
Key Points
- Vapes must go in hand luggage.
- Disposable vapes count as liquids.
- Checked luggage is off-limits for any vape device.
- Rules vary by airline and destination; always check before you fly.
- Never vape or charge devices on board.
Can You Take Vapes on a Plane? An Overview
Yes, you typically can take vapes on a plane but only in your carry-on. UK aviation rules prohibit vape devices and lithium batteries in checked luggage due to fire risk. Keep devices switched off during the flight and never attempt to use or charge them on board.
Can You Put Vapes in Checked Luggage? An Overview
Here’s an overview of what’s allowed per vaping device.
|
Vape Product |
Checked Luggage |
Carry-On |
|
Disposable Vapes |
No |
Yes |
|
Vape Pods |
No |
Yes |
|
Vape Kits |
No |
Yes |
|
Vape Batteries |
No |
Yes |
|
E-liquids (≤100ml) |
No |
Yes |
Vape Pods and Kits: Packing Rules
Pods and refillable kits are allowed in carry-on bags. Prefilled pods count as liquids, so place them in your clear bag. Empty refillable tanks before flying to prevent leaks caused by cabin pressure.
It is important to remember - while you can bring vapes on an airplane, you should never use any vapes on a plane as it is illegal.
E-liquid Rules
All e-liquids are treated as standard liquids under airline rules. This means they must adhere to the standard Cabin Liquid Allowance:
- No container may exceed 100ml.
- All containers must fit within a single, clear, resealable plastic bag no larger than one litre (usually 20cm x 20cm).
- The bag must be presented separately for airport security screening.
To prevent leaking:
- Seal e-liquid bottles tightly.
- Keep bottles upright and double-bagged if possible.
- Consider carrying e-liquids in dedicated travel tubes or silicone sleeves.
Disposable Vapes: What’s Allowed?
Disposable vapes are permitted in hand luggage. Because they contain e-liquid, they must fit inside your clear liquids bag at security. Keep them in original packaging for easy identification and store them in a leak-proof bag to avoid spills.
Tip: Most airlines permit multiple disposables, but always confirm with your carrier.
Note: Disposable vapes have been banned for sale in the UK since June 2025, but you can still travel with them if purchased legally elsewhere.
Airline Regulations in the UK
It is always important to check the vape regulations of the airline you are travelling with as well as your final destination before you jet off on your holidays or business trip.
Travelling within the UK? Read our guide to UK vaping laws.
So, what are the vaping regulations for some of the major UK airlines?
Policies are broadly similar, but details differ. Examples:
- British Airways: “Place these items in your hand baggage (not in checked baggage) and protect each of them to prevent accidental activation. If there are any liquid components, you also need to follow the safety requirements for liquids. You cannot use e-cigarettes, vapes or similar items on board.”
- EasyJet: “You can carry cigarettes in your cabin bag. (It’s worth checking how many cigarettes you’re allowed to bring into your destination country). You can carry e-cigarettes and a maximum of two spare batteries in your cabin bag – but not in the hold.”
- Emirates: “E-cigarettes (including e-cigars, e-pipes, Electric Portable Incense (Perfume) Burner or other personal vaporizers) containing batteries are allowed only in hand luggage and must be individually protected to prevent accidental activation.”
- Ryanair: “You can take e-cigs on the plane but you cannot use them.”
- TUI: “E-cigarettes or electronic smoking devices and their batteries may only be carried in your hand baggage (recharging or use on board is prohibited).”
Always confirm with your airline before travelling.
Vaping at UK Airports
It is generally prohibited to vape inside airport terminals. Designated smoking areas are usually outside or, in some cases, airside after security.
For example:
- Gatwick: No vaping beyond security; outdoor areas only.
- Manchester: Airside smoking zones in Terminal 1 and 2.
|
Airport |
Vaping Landside (Before Security) |
Vaping Airside (After Security) |
|
Heathrow (LHR) |
Yes |
Yes (only in T2 & T4 smoking terraces) |
|
Gatwick (LGW) |
Yes |
No |
|
Manchester (MAN) |
Yes |
Yes (T1 & T2 only) |
|
Birmingham (BHX) |
Yes |
No |
|
Stansted (STN) |
Yes |
No |
|
Luton (LTN) |
Yes |
No |
|
Edinburgh (EDI) |
Yes |
No |
|
Glasgow (GLA) |
Yes |
No |
|
Bristol (BRS) |
Yes |
Yes (airside terrace) |
|
Newcastle (NCL) |
Yes |
No |
This content was updated in November 2025 and is subject to change based on the airport’s facilities.
Global Vape Restrictions: What to Know
Some countries ban vaping entirely. Here’s some examples:
- Thailand: Complete ban, penalties apply.
- Singapore: All vape products prohibited.
- Australia: Vapes require a prescription.
🌍 We’ve mapped out vaping laws around the world, so you don’t have to. See the map below to know where vapes are fully banned, restricted, and legal.
Always check official government sources or your destination’s embassy before travelling.
Vapes on a Plane: Pre-Travel Checklist
There is more to do pre-travel than just packing your vapes properly.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- ✅ Confirm airline and airport rules.
- ✅ Pack devices and batteries in carry-on only.
- ✅ Place e-liquids and disposables in a clear bag.
- ✅ Empty refillable tanks and pods.
- ✅ Check destination laws, some countries enforce strict bans.
How about other nicotine products? Check our guide on taking snus on a plane.
FAQs: Travelling With Vapes
Can I put my vape in checked luggage?
No, vape devices and batteries must go in your carry-on.
Are e-liquids allowed in cabin bags?
Yes, if each container is under 100ml and stored in a clear resealable bag.
Can I vape on the plane?
No, vaping and charging vaping devices are prohibited during flights.
What if my destination bans vaping?
Leave devices at home or comply fully with local laws to avoid penalties.