Can You Take Vapes on a Plane? How to Travel with a Vape

Ever wondered if you can take a vape on a plane? The good news: yes, you can. However, there are a few rules you’ll need to follow, especially around where you pack it, how you carry spare batteries, and what you do with e-liquids.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about flying with your vape, plus answer the questions vapers ask most often. With expert advice and travel-friendly kit recommendations from Chris Price, E-Commerce Manager at Vape Shop, you’ll be ready to fly with confidence.

Contents

• Can you take vapes on a plane?
• How to pack your vapes for air travel
• UK airline policies and regulations
• Frequently asked questions
• The best vapes for travel

Can you take vapes on a plane?

“The short answer is —yes, you can bring a vape on a plane, but only in your carry-on luggage,” says Chris. “Vapes, e-cigarettes, and other battery-powered smoking devices aren’t allowed in checked luggage because the lithium batteries they use can pose a fire risk if they’re damaged or short-circuit in the aircraft’s hold. For safety, most airlines ask you to keep them in your hand luggage so the crew can act quickly if a device overheats (although this is very rare).”

How to pack your vapes for air travel

• Power off your devices — Before you even set foot in the airport, make sure your vape is completely powered off. This prevents any accidental activation that could overheat the coil or put unnecessary strain on the battery. If your device uses a removable battery, taking it out entirely during the journey adds an extra layer of safety.

 

• Protect your batteries — Lithium-ion batteries are one of the main reasons airlines require vapes to be kept in carry-on luggage. They can pose a fire risk if damaged or short-circuited, so each one should be individually wrapped in your hand luggage so the terminals can’t touch metal objects. It’s also worth checking your airline’s rules, as some limit the number of spare batteries you can bring.

 

• Store e-liquids correctly — E-liquids are subject to the same rules as any other liquid at UK and international airports. Each bottle must be no larger than 100ml, and all of them together must fit into one clear, resealable bag with a capacity of no more than one litre. This bag needs to be kept in your hand luggage and taken out for screening at security.

 

• Empty fill tanks — Changes in cabin pressure during a flight can cause vape tanks to leak, and in some cases, even crack. This is because the trapped air and liquid inside expand at altitude. To prevent messy leaks in your bag or damage to your equipment, it’s best to either empty the tank completely before you fly or only fill it partway.

 

• Store your vape separately — Once everything is powered down and packed safely, keep your vape device separate from other items in your carry-on. Placing it in its own compartment or in a small, clear pouch will make security checks quicker and reduce the risk of accidental activation during the journey.

UK airline policies and regulations

Most UK airlines follow the same foundational rules for travelling with vaping gear:

• Pack your vape in your hand luggage only — it must never go in check-in baggage.
• Keep e-liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, stored in a clear, resealable plastic bag (maximum one litre).
• Ensure all vaping devices are completely switched off before boarding.
• Vaping is prohibited on aeroplanes.

That said, it’s always best to double-check with your airline before flying. While those core rules remain consistent, airlines differ when it comes to the number of batteries or devices allowed and any additional precautions. 

Here are some of the UK airlines’ regulations when it comes to battery allowances and the number of electronic devices permitted (correct as of August 2025):

• British Airways — You can bring up to 15 devices containing lithium batteries in your hand luggage. Since each vape typically contains a lithium battery, you’ll need to factor that into your total device count.

 

• Ryanair — You may carry one spare lithium-ion battery up to 300Wh, or two spares up to 160Wh each, in your hand luggage only. The airline doesn’t state a maximum number of vapes allowed, so you might want to contact Ryanair directly to confirm.

 

• Jet2 — Allows up to 15 personal electronic devices per passenger, which includes vapes. There’s no stated limit on spare batteries, so contact Jet2 directly to clarify if you plan to travel with extras.

 

• TUI — No published limits on the number of vapes or spare batteries allowed. Contact TUI directly if needed.

 

• EasyJet — You can bring up to 15 personal electronic devices per passenger, which includes vapes. No specific limit on vape devices is stated, as long as you stay within this 15-device allowance. You can also bring a maximum of two spare lithium-ion batteries in your carry-on, and they must be individually protected.

Always check with your specific airline before you fly for the most up-to-date rules and requirements, and don’t rely solely on third-party sources, as policies can change without notice.

Frequently asked questions

Can you take vape juice on a plane?

Yes, you can, but only in small bottles. Airport security treats e-liquids the same as toiletries, so each bottle has to be 100ml or less, and they all need to fit into one clear zip-up bag (max 1 litre). That bag comes out of your carry-on when you go through security.

And remember: anything over 100ml won’t make it through, even if the bottle is half-empty. Also, you should always check the rules at the airport you’re flying from and into, as local security regulations can vary.

Can you take nicotine pouches on a plane?

Yes, nicotine pouches are fine to fly with, and because they’re solid, they don’t count towards your liquid allowance. You can pack them in your hand luggage or your checked bag. You can also usually use them on the plane, which is handy if you get nicotine cravings mid-flight. That said, always check your airline’s regulations before you travel, as policies can differ.

One thing to be careful of: some countries ban or restrict nicotine pouches altogether. If you’re flying abroad, double-check the local laws at your destination so you don’t risk having them confiscated at customs.

What happens if you put a vape in carry-on?

Nothing should happen, because that’s exactly where it should go. Airlines want vapes in hand luggage only — never in the hold — because of the batteries. Lithium-ion batteries can overheat, and the crew need to be able to deal with that if it happens.

However, when you go through security, you usually need to take your vape out of your bag, just like you would with a laptop.

Can you put a vape in your suitcase?

No, vapes aren’t allowed in checked luggage. If you leave one in your suitcase, there’s a good chance security will pull the bag aside and remove it, or it might even delay your luggage. Always pack your vape kit in your carry-on instead.

How many vapes can I take on a plane?

The short answer is: it depends. Most airlines set limits on the number of electronic devices and spare batteries you can carry, and vapes count towards that total. This usually means you can bring more than one vape, but the exact allowance will vary depending on who you’re flying with. To avoid any problems, check your airline’s rules before you travel.

Can you charge a vape on a plane?

No, charging vapes, e-cigs or any other battery-powered smoking devices is not allowed on planes. Airlines ban it because of the small chance that the lithium-ion batteries overheat while charging, and that poses a fire risk.

Even if you see a USB socket at your seat, don’t be tempted to plug your vape in. Keep the device switched off for the whole flight and only recharge it once you’re safely on the ground.

In what countries are vapes banned?

Some countries have banned vapes altogether, like Brazil, Thailand, and India. Others take a stricter approach without banning them completely. For instance, in Australia, vapes can only be sold through pharmacies for the purpose of quitting smoking or managing nicotine dependence (correct as of August 2025). 

Rules vary a lot around the world, so it’s always best to check the laws of the country you’re flying to before you travel. In some places, being caught with a vape could lead to fines or even criminal penalties, so it’s not worth the risk.

The best vapes for travel

Chris says: "The best vape for travelling with is probably a vape pen. They're small and lightweight, which makes carrying them in your hand luggage easier."

Any prefilled pod kit is also a great choice — they're also compact, simple to use, and you can bring the prefilled pods in your hand luggage as long as they're packed in your clear plastic liquids bag."

Here are a few of our favourites that we always recommend for trips:

Aspire PockeX Starter Kit

£16.99

Chris says: “The Aspire PockeX is a brilliant option for travel because it’s a vape pen in that slim, cylindrical shape that makes it super portable and easy to slip into a pocket or bag. What’s great is that, even though it’s a sub-ohm device, it’s still really compact — so you get all the benefits of great flavour and satisfying clouds without carrying something bulky around. Plus, it even comes with a free e-liquid."

Elfbar 600 Prefilled Pod Kit

£4.99

"The Elfbar 600 Prefilled Pod Kit is a rechargeable pod vape kit that's perfect for travel," explains Chris. "It's a vape pen style that's slim, lightweight, and has a 500mAh battery that'll last you all day, so you don't need to worry about constant recharging on the go."

"The prefilled pods make life easy — just click a new one in when you're done, no need to mess around with bottles or refills while you're away. They're clear too, so you can see exactly how much you've got left."

Vuse Go Reload Vape Pen

£4.99

Chris says: "If you're looking for a reliable vape pen, the Vuse Go Reload 1000 is a great option. It's got that slim, compact build that slips easily into a pocket, but still manages to pack in a rechargeable battery and up to 1,000 puffs per pod. It's inhale-activated and has a lock feature too, so it's safe to throw in your bag."

Still undecided on what e-cig you want? Read our guide on The Best UK Vape Kits.

Shop travel-friendly e-cigs at Vape Shop

At Vape Shop, you’ll find a wide choice of compact vape pens and easy-to-use prefilled pod kits that are perfect for taking on the go. Plus, our huge range of e-liquids means you’ll never be short of flavours.

Need more advice or inspiration? Take a look at our blog for expert tips and recommendations.