Adults only (18+)

Can You Take Vapes on a Plane

As vaping has become one of the most popular alternatives to smoking in the UK, many travellers now bring their vape kits wherever they go. Whether you are heading on holiday or flying for work, it is important to know the rules before packing your vape. Can you take vapes on a plane? The answer is yes, but there are specific safety and airline regulations that you must follow. Knowing how to pack, store, and use your vape properly during air travel will help you avoid problems at security or in the cabin.

Can You Bring a Vape on a Plane?

Yes, you can take your vape on a plane, but it must be carried in your hand luggage. All UK and international airlines follow this rule because vape devices contain lithium-ion batteries that cannot be placed in checked baggage. These batteries can pose a fire risk if damaged or exposed to pressure in the aircraft hold. Keeping them in your carry-on bag ensures that any issue can be handled safely by cabin crew if necessary.

You can bring your vape device, spare pods or coils, and a small supply of e-liquids. However, there are limits to what you can carry and where it must be stored. You cannot use or charge your vape at any point on the aircraft, as vaping is treated the same as smoking and is strictly prohibited during flights.

Why Vapes Are Not Allowed in Checked Luggage

The batteries used in vapes are sensitive to temperature and impact. In the cargo hold, conditions can vary, and if a battery becomes damaged, it can ignite and start a fire. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) both prohibit battery-powered vaping devices from being stored in checked luggage.

This rule applies to all vape devices, including pod kits, refillable systems. Even small or single-use devices contain lithium cells that must remain in the cabin. Keeping them in your hand luggage allows for quick intervention in the unlikely event of a malfunction.

Packing Your Vape Safely for Travel

When preparing to fly, switch off your vape completely before packing it. If possible, remove the pod or tank and empty any remaining e-liquid, as cabin pressure changes can cause leaks. Store your device upright in your hand luggage, and keep spare batteries in individual protective cases to prevent contact with metal objects such as keys or coins.

Avoid overpacking liquids or accessories, and make sure your vape is easily accessible for security inspection. It’s best to pack your vape and e-liquids together in a small compartment of your carry-on bag to keep them organised and visible.

E-Liquid Rules at Airport Security

E-liquids are subject to the same liquid restrictions as toiletries and drinks when passing through UK airport security. Each bottle must be 100ml or smaller, and all bottles must fit inside a single clear, resealable plastic bag with a total capacity of one litre. This bag must be removed from your luggage and presented separately during screening.

If you need more e-liquid for your trip, you can pack larger bottles in your checked luggage. Make sure they are tightly sealed, stored upright, and placed in a waterproof bag to prevent leakage. It is also worth leaving a small air gap at the top of each bottle, as air pressure can cause expansion.

Can You Vape in the Airport?

Most UK airports do not allow vaping inside terminal buildings. Vaping is treated the same as smoking, meaning it is only permitted in designated outdoor areas. Airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester have outdoor smoking zones before security, and these are the only places where vaping is allowed. Once you pass through security, you are unlikely to find any vaping areas, so it is best to vape before entering the departure lounge.

Using your vape indoors, even in restrooms, can result in warnings or fines, so always check signs and follow airport guidance.

Can You Vape on the Plane?

No, vaping is strictly prohibited on all commercial flights. Airline regulations treat vaping the same as smoking because vapour can trigger smoke alarms and disturb other passengers. Attempting to vape on a plane, even discreetly, can lead to severe penalties, including fines, being banned from the airline, or even prosecution under aviation safety laws.

Cabin air is carefully filtered and recirculated, so vapour released in the cabin could linger and cause discomfort for those with respiratory conditions. It is safest to wait until you land and reach a designated area before using your device again.

How Many Vapes Can You Bring on a Plane?

You can bring more than one vape device as long as they are for personal use, but it is best to carry only what you need. Airlines typically allow a reasonable quantity of vaping products, but bringing too many could raise questions at security or customs.

Spare batteries are usually limited to two or three, depending on the airline, and must be carried in your hand luggage. Always check your airline’s website for specific rules, as some have their own limits for lithium batteries.

Travelling with E-Liquids and Accessories

You can also bring spare coils, pods, and empty tanks in your hand luggage without issue. Coils and tanks that contain traces of liquid should be placed inside your clear liquids bag to avoid confusion at security. Keeping all components clean and dry helps prevent mess and makes inspection easier.

For longer trips, packing spare e-liquids and accessories in checked baggage is fine as long as they do not contain batteries. Remember to seal all bottles and store them separately from clothes to avoid leaks.

Vape Charging and Power Banks

You cannot charge your vape device on the plane, and some airlines even prohibit connecting it to USB ports. Always make sure it is fully charged before travel and switch it off during the flight. If you bring a power bank, it must also be kept in your hand luggage and follow the airline’s watt-hour limits. Charging devices mid-flight is considered a safety hazard and can result in disciplinary action.

International Rules and Restrictions

While vapes are permitted on flights departing the UK, the laws in your destination country may differ. Some countries allow vaping freely, others impose restrictions, and a few have outright bans on possession or use. Thailand, Singapore, and India, for example, have made it illegal to import or use e-cigarettes.

Always check local laws before travelling, as breaking them could lead to fines or confiscation of your device. Even within Europe, vaping rules vary, with some nations banning indoor use and others restricting nicotine levels.

Vaping After You Land

Once you arrive, wait until you reach an outdoor smoking or vaping area before using your device. Many airports abroad enforce strict no-vaping rules, even outside terminal buildings. Look for designated zones or ask airport staff where vaping is permitted.

If you are travelling through multiple airports on connecting flights, remember that each country’s security and customs regulations may differ. It is best to assume that vaping inside any airport terminal is not allowed unless signs clearly indicate otherwise.

Tips for Travelling with a Vape

Before flying, clean your device and empty the tank to avoid leaks. Pack your vape in hand luggage, keep e-liquids within the 100ml limit, and store batteries in cases. Arrive early to give yourself time for additional screening if needed, and always carry your device carefully to prevent damage.

If your destination has hot weather, avoid leaving your vape in direct sunlight or inside a car, as high temperatures can affect battery performance. Carrying your vape in a cool, shaded bag keeps it safe and functional throughout your trip.

Final Thoughts

You can take vapes on a plane as long as they are carried in your hand luggage and switched off during the flight. E-liquids must follow the standard 100ml liquid rule, and batteries must be protected and kept in your carry-on bag. Never vape or charge your device on board, and always respect local laws once you land. By following these simple guidelines, you can travel with your vape safely, legally, and without any disruption to your journey.