Passengers are permitted to travel with vapes and e-liquids in their luggage, as long as they follow the specific guidelines for the airline they're travelling with.
Since different airlines have their own rules and regulations, it’s important to understand what’s required from the airline you’re travelling with so you don’t run into any issues at the airport.
If you’re getting ready to travel abroad, we’ll guide you through the different regulations for the most common airlines, so you can breeze through check-in and security.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Vapes and e-cigarettes must be carried in hand luggage, not checked baggage, because they contain lithium batteries.
Keep your vape switched off and protected against accidental activation throughout the flight.
Do not use or charge your vape on the aircraft, including through onboard USB ports or portable chargers.
Most UK airports limit individual containers to 100ml, although some airports with newer scanners allow larger containers.
Airline rules vary, particularly around spare batteries, battery capacity, and how devices should be stored, so always check your airline before travelling.
Check the laws at your destination before packing your vape, as vaping products are banned or heavily restricted in several countries.
Connecting flights can introduce additional restrictions, so check the airline, airport, and local regulations for every stage of your journey.
CAN YOU TAKE VAPES ON A PLANE?
Yes, you can usually take e-liquid and vapes on a plane, but the rules depend on where you’re planning to pack them and what airline you’re flying with.
Under no circumstances can a vape be placed in checked-in luggage, as it contains lithium-ion batteries, which pose a fire hazard if they become damaged, overheat, or short-circuit in the cargo hold.
That’s why aviation safety rules require electronic cigarettes and vapes to be kept in the aircraft cabin where any problem can be spotted and dealt with quickly. When placed in hand luggage, any vapes should be protected against accidental activation.
The same goes for vape kits, pod devices, and other battery-powered e-cigarettes, so always make sure they’re switched off.
HOW MUCH E-LIQUID CAN YOU TAKE ON A PLANE?
Most UK airports still restrict cabin liquids to containers of 100ml or less, while some, including Heathrow and Gatwick, currently permit containers of up to 2 litres.
This limit also applies to e-liquid in exactly the same way as toiletries, drinks, and other liquids, and it refers to the size of the container rather than the amount of e-liquid inside it, so make sure you buy travel-friendly containers.
Even though new airport security scanners are being implemented that allow you to bring 2 litres of liquid in your hand luggage, different airports are at different stages of introducing this technology, so don’t just assume it’ll be running at your airport; check first.
The only two airports that currently have it in the UK are Heathrow and Gatwick.
Tip: If you want to bring larger shortfill bottles with you, buy travel containers that are under 100ml and pour the e-liquid into the containers, making sure they’re sealed properly.
A QUICK PACKING GUIDE
With all the different rules for travel luggage, it can get confusing when packing for your next trip abroad.
We’re here to make things easier with a quick packing checklist for your vape device and accessories.
While disposable vapes are now illegal to sell in the UK since 2025, it isn’t illegal to own or travel with one, so you can still travel with one and pack it in your cabin luggage.
Vapes and spare lithium batteries must also always go in hand luggage rather than in checked baggage.
CAN YOU USE OR CHARGE A VAPE ON A PLANE?
While taking a vape onto an aircraft may be permitted, using or charging it during the flight is generally against the law.
Much like smoking, you can’t vape on a plane since it’s an enclosed environment and it’s illegal to smoke indoors. Plane staff need to protect their passengers and comply with international aviation rules.
You also shouldn’t charge your vape on board, even if you have a portable charger or your seat has a USB port, as the lithium batteries can overheat, become damaged, or catch fire.
IATA's passenger guidance states that all vapes should remain completely switched off during the flight and packed in a way that prevents their heating element or firing button from being activated accidentally.
CAN YOU VAPE AT THE AIRPORT?
Some airports have designated smoking or vaping areas, while others prohibit vaping throughout most or all areas of the terminal.
If you want to vape before you board, then you’re best finding a designated smoking area before you go through security, as smoking areas may be limited or not available once you pass security.
VAPE RULES FOR MAJOR AIRLINES
While it’s a general rule that all vapes and vape products should be packed into your hand luggage rather than a checked-in bag, different airlines can have their own individual rules and restrictions around batteries, storage, and charging.
Here are the current vape rules for some of the most common airlines in the UK. Check your flight operator for a more in-depth look at their terms and conditions for travel.
BRITISH AIRWAYS
British Airways allows vapes, e-cigarettes, e-pipes, and similar vaping devices to be carried in your hand luggage and aircraft cabin.
You must remove your vape or e-cigarette in a larger cabin bag that’s placed in the hold and keep it with you in your smaller cabin bag or on your person.
If you're carrying removable spare batteries for your vape, BA currently allows up to four spare batteries per passenger, of which up to two can be power banks.
EASYJET
EasyJet also requires all e-cigarettes and vaping devices to be carried in the cabin rather than in the aircraft hold.
The airline currently permits a maximum of two spare batteries in carry-on baggage, and you must keep your vape at the top of a bag that’s easy to access while on the plane so you can monitor it during the flight.
RYANAIR
Ryanair allows passengers to bring electronic cigarettes and vaping devices on board, with a current maximum battery capacity of 100Wh.
Spare batteries must be kept in the cabin and individually protected against short circuits, either in their original packaging, with their exposed terminals insulated, or inside a suitable protective pouch or bag.
You can also carry up to 20 spare lithium batteries of no more than 100Wh in your cabin bag.
JET2
Jet2 allows e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes and other personal vapes to travel in hand luggage only.
The battery must remain installed in the device, the vape must be protected against accidental activation or short circuits, and its battery capacity must not exceed 160 Wh.
Jet2 also currently permits up to 20 spare or loose lithium batteries of up to 100Wh, provided they're protected against short circuits and carried in hand luggage under the seat.
TUI
TUI's rules are straightforward: e-cigarettes and their spare batteries can be carried in hand luggage but can’t be placed in hold luggage.
Any E-liquids must follow the standard airport rules and fit inside a clear plastic bag.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC
When travelling with Virgin Atlantic, your vape should be undamaged, protected against accidental activation and short circuits, and stored somewhere accessible rather than in an overhead locker.
If your vape has removable batteries, Virgin Atlantic currently permits up to five spare batteries of up to 100Wh as part of its general spare-battery allowance.
EMIRATES
Emirates currently lists e-cigarettes as permitted in carry-on baggage but not checked baggage under its dangerous-goods policy.
Like other airlines, Emirates requires e-cigarettes (including e-cigars, e-pipes, and other personal vaporisers) containing batteries to be individually protected to prevent accidental activation during the flight.
BEFORE BOARDING YOUR FLIGHT
So, to avoid problems, make sure your vape is:
Completely switched off
Protected against accidental activation
Kept in your cabin baggage rather than checked luggage
Make sure that there are no faults with your vape devices
Sufficiently charged before travelling
Not plugged into an aircraft USB port or power supply
Left unused for the entire flight.
CHECK VAPE LAWS BEFORE TRAVELLING ABROAD
Vape laws vary around the world, so just because you’re allowed to use and carry a vape in the UK doesn't mean it’ll be the same for the country you’re travelling to.
If you can’t use your vape abroad, what’s the point in packing it? That’s why you should always check whether you’re allowed to bring it to the country you’re visiting to save yourself wasted money and time stuck at security.
Here are some known countries where vapes are currently banned:
Thailand
Singapore
India
Vietnam
Laos
Hong Kong
Nicaragua
Mexico
Qatar
There may also be other bans and restrictions put into place in other countries, so double-check before you fly.
WHAT IF YOU HAVE A CONNECTING FLIGHT?
Even if your vape and e-liquid are accepted when you leave the UK, you may have to follow different airport security, airline, and local laws when you reach your connecting airport, which makes things tricky.
Some connecting passengers can remain in the secure airside area and simply walk to their next departure gate, while others may have to pass through a security checkpoint.
The liquid rules will apply at that new airport, so if you know you have a connecting flight, check the transit and customs rules for vapes and e-liquids there too to avoid any problems.