Connections are where travel plans can get messy. This short guide explains how e-liquids are handled at rescreening, what to do with dutyfree, and where your vape, pods and batteries should be during layovers.
Changing planes can mean different checkpoints, different rules and tight timings. If your route includes a second security check, the way you pack your vape kit matters. Use this short guide to set up your hand luggage for transfers, and to avoid common pitfalls with eliquids and dutyfree purchases.
Even when airports and airlines differ, the basics stay the same: devices and spare lithium batteries in cabin bags, no use or charging on board, and liquids in travelsize containers when required. We include links to dependable official guidance at first mention and keep the rest practical.
Key takeaways
Expect rescreening at some connections and keep liquids ready in a clear bag
Dutyfree liquids should stay sealed in their tamperevident bag until your journey ends
Keep vape devices powered off in your hand luggage during layovers; do not charge them
Spare lithium batteries belong in carryon only, protected in battery cases
Follow the stricter rules when airports on your route differ
Why connections cause problems for vapers
On a single flight, your kit might sail through security. Add a connection, and you may face different screening rules, a second liquids check or tight gate changes. The most common issues are eliquid bottles above the handluggage limit at rescreening, unsealed dutyfree purchases, and devices or spare batteries packed in the wrong place.
Liquids on transfers: when you might be rescreened
Some routes keep you airside without a second check. Others send you through security again before your next gate. If you will be rescreened, follow the gov.uk liquids guidance: bottles in hand luggage must be 100ml or less and fit inside a single clear 1litre bag. Keep your vape juice with your toiletries in that bag so you can present everything together quickly.
Tip: if you are unsure whether a connection involves rescreening, pack as if it does. Smaller bottles in a clear bag will save time if you are asked to present liquids again.
Dutyfree eliquids and sealed bags
If you buy eliquids, shortfills or other liquids after security, keep them sealed in the tamperevident bag with the receipt visible until your journey ends. If you open the bag early, you may be asked to surrender the items at the next checkpoint. Where airports on your route apply different rules, follow the stricter setWhere your device, pods and batteries should be during layovers to avoid delays.
Keep your device in your cabin bag, switched off, with the fire button covered or locked. Do not place vapes in checked baggage at any stage. Spare lithium batteries must stay in carryon only and should be carried in proper battery cases so the terminals are insulated. See the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s safety advice on what to pack.
If your tank or pod weeps when left upright, remove it and store it in a small zip bag while you move between gates. Keep a couple of tissues handy for quick cleanups. Need spares before you fly? Browse Replacement Pods, Tanks and Coils.
Packing for multileg trips: smart layout and spares
Lay out your hand luggage so the essentials are easy to reach at checks:
Clear liquids bag at the top of your cabin bag
Vape device powered off, in a sleeve or pocket
Spare cells in insulated battery cases
Two or three small eliquid bottles rather than a single large bottle
A spare pod or coil, plus a short USB cable
If you prefer a lowmaintenance travel day, consider a compact pod kit. Sealed pods are simple to present at security and are less prone to leaks. See our Pod Vape Kits and Prefilled Pod Kits collections.
Regional quirks to check before you route
Rules can differ by country and airport, and some destinations restrict the sale of flavoured eliquids or where you can vape indoors. Plan to check your airline’s battery policy and your departure airport’s liquids page before you travel, then repeat that check for any connecting airports on the day.
Quick Connection Checklist
Clear liquids bag packed at the top of your cabin bag
Eliquids in 100 ml bottles inside the clear bag
Device powered off and protected; no charging in terminals
Spare batteries in proper cases in carryon only
Dutyfree liquids sealed in their tamperevident bag with receipt visible
Conclusion
Transfers run smoothly when your packing anticipates rescreening. Keep liquids organised, devices and batteries in the cabin, and dutyfree sealed until you arrive.