Adults only (18+)

Can You Take a Vape in Hand Luggage

Vaping is now a common part of daily life for millions of UK adults, and many travellers take their vape devices with them when they fly. But when it comes to airport security and airline rules, things can get confusing. Can you take a vape in your hand luggage? Where do you store e-liquids? And can you actually use a vape on a plane? The answer depends on international aviation safety standards, airline policies, and liquid restrictions set by airport authorities. Understanding these rules before you travel will help you avoid confiscation, delays, or fines and ensure your vaping equipment arrives safely at your destination.

Can You Bring a Vape on a Plane?

Yes, you can bring a vape on a plane, but it must be carried in your hand luggage, not in your checked suitcase. This rule applies across all UK airports and airlines. The reason is safety. Vape kits and e-cigarettes contain lithium batteries which pose a fire risk if damaged or overheated. Keeping them in your hand luggage allows cabin crew to respond quickly if a battery malfunction occurs.

You can take your vape device, spare batteries, coils, and pods on board, provided they comply with airport regulations. However, you cannot use or charge your vape anywhere on the aircraft. All UK airlines and most international carriers have strict no-vaping policies, and anyone caught using a vape on board may face penalties similar to those for smoking.

UK Airport Rules for Vapes

All major UK airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Edinburgh, follow the same general guidelines. You are allowed to carry vapes and e-liquids through security in your hand luggage, but liquids must follow the 100ml rule. This means each e-liquid bottle must not exceed 100ml, and all bottles must fit inside a single clear, resealable plastic bag with a total volume of no more than one litre.

You should also remove your vape device from your bag when passing through security, as it may need to be screened separately. Security staff are used to seeing e-cigarettes, so this is a routine process. However, it’s best to ensure the device is switched off and any tanks are empty or tightly sealed to avoid leaks caused by cabin pressure changes.

Why Vapes Are Not Allowed in Checked Luggage

The lithium-ion batteries used in vape devices are sensitive to temperature and pressure. If packed in checked luggage, they could overheat or become damaged without anyone noticing, creating a serious fire hazard in the aircraft hold. For this reason, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) both prohibit battery-powered vaping devices in checked baggage.

Even disposable vapes and pod systems fall under this rule, as they also contain built-in batteries. Always keep them in your hand luggage where they can be monitored.

How to Pack Your Vape for Travel

When packing your vape for air travel, make sure it is switched off and ideally disassembled. Remove any pods or tanks to prevent leaking and store them in a sealed plastic bag. Cabin pressure can cause liquid to expand slightly, which may force e-liquid out of the tank if it remains full during flight. Empty or half-filled tanks are less likely to leak.

If you are bringing spare batteries, place each one in its own protective case to avoid short circuits. Never pack loose batteries with metal items like coins or keys. Keeping everything organised not only helps with safety but also makes security screening smoother.

Carrying E-Liquids on the Plane

E-liquids are subject to the same restrictions as other liquids at airport security. Each bottle must be 100ml or less and placed in your one-litre clear plastic liquids bag. If you need more liquid for your trip, you can pack larger bottles in your checked luggage, provided they are sealed securely and packed upright to avoid spills.

It’s also a good idea to bring a small amount of tissue or paper towel in your carry-on, just in case your e-liquid or tank leaks slightly. Cabin pressure and temperature changes can make even well-sealed containers expand.

Can You Vape at the Airport?

Most UK airports treat vaping the same way as smoking. You cannot use e-cigarettes inside terminals, lounges, or boarding areas. However, some airports provide designated smoking areas outside where vaping is also permitted. Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester all have outdoor smoking zones before security, and these are the only places where vaping is allowed.

Once you pass through security, vaping areas are rare, so it is best to vape before entering the departure area. Always check signage and follow airport staff instructions. Using a vape indoors or outside of designated zones could lead to warnings or fines.

Can You Vape on the Plane?

No, you cannot vape on any commercial flight. The use of e-cigarettes is strictly prohibited by all UK and international airlines. Cabin air is filtered and recirculated, and vapour could trigger smoke alarms or irritate passengers with respiratory conditions.

Attempting to vape on a plane, even discreetly, can result in severe consequences. Airlines treat it as seriously as smoking, and penalties can include fines or being banned from future flights. It is safest to wait until you land and reach a designated area before using your device again.

International Rules and Variations

While UK rules are fairly consistent, regulations can vary between countries. Some destinations have strict laws regarding vaping, and a few ban it entirely. For example, countries like Thailand and Singapore have made it illegal to import or use vapes, and breaking these laws can result in large fines or confiscation.

Before travelling abroad, always check the vaping laws of your destination country. Even if vapes are legal where you live, customs officials in another country may not allow them through. It’s worth confirming with your airline or checking government travel guidance before you go.

Flying Within Europe

In most European countries, including Spain, France, and Germany, vaping is legal but subject to the same restrictions as smoking. You can bring your vape in your hand luggage and use it in designated outdoor areas, but not inside terminals or on planes. E-liquids must still follow the 100ml rule when passing through security.

If you are travelling within the EU or EEA, you should have no problem carrying vaping products as long as they are for personal use and meet local nicotine and packaging regulations.

Vaping Devices with Built-In Batteries

Many modern pod kits and compact vape devices use built-in batteries that cannot be removed. These can still be taken on planes but must remain switched off throughout the journey. To be safe, disconnect pods or tanks to prevent accidental activation. Some devices feature button locks or power-off sequences that can be activated before travel. Always check the user manual if you are unsure.

Storing Vapes During the Flight

Once on board, keep your vape in your bag or pocket, not in the overhead locker. The cabin temperature and pressure remain stable, but you should still avoid using or charging your vape at any point during the flight. If you use a refillable kit, ensure that all caps and seals are tightly closed to avoid leaks that could damage your belongings.

Travelling with Vape Accessories

You can bring most accessories such as coils, spare pods, and cotton in your hand luggage without issue. Coils and tanks are not restricted, but if they contain traces of liquid, they should be placed in your clear liquids bag. Batteries must be carried safely, ideally in non-conductive cases. E-liquid bottles should be clearly labelled to help security staff identify them.

What Happens if You Break the Rules

Airlines and airports take vaping regulations seriously. Using a vape on a plane can result in fines or criminal charges under UK aviation law. Even trying to charge a vape on board can lead to disciplinary action. Always follow crew instructions and remember that policies exist to protect passenger safety.

If you accidentally pack a vape in your checked luggage, inform airport staff before checking in. They will advise you on how to remove and carry it safely. Ignoring this rule can cause delays or confiscation.

After You Land

When you arrive at your destination, wait until you reach an outdoor area where vaping is permitted before using your device. Some airports have designated smoking and vaping zones outside arrivals, while others prohibit vaping entirely on airport grounds. Always respect local laws and signage to avoid fines or confiscation of your equipment.

Final Thoughts

You can take a vape in your hand luggage when flying from the UK, but not in your checked bags. The device must be switched off, stored securely, and never used or charged on the plane. E-liquids must follow the 100ml limit and be placed in a clear liquids bag at security. Once you arrive, follow local vaping laws and use only in designated areas. Travelling with vaping equipment is simple and safe as long as you prepare in advance and follow the rules. By packing carefully and vaping responsibly, you can enjoy your journey without any disruption or risk.