Can You Take Vapes on a Plane? (2026)

• Vapes and e-liquids must be carried in hand luggage only — not checked baggage.
• All e-liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a clear plastic bag.
• Airlines may have different policies on the quantity and types of vapes allowed.
• You cannot use vapes on a plane or inside most terminals (except designated smoking areas).
• Important UK update: Single-use disposable vapes have been banned from sale in the UK since 1st June 2025. If you're flying from the UK, only rechargeable, refillable devices are now legally available for purchase.
• Consider alternatives like nicotine pouches if you're restricted from taking vapes — you can read about taking snus on a plane in our latest guide.

Here's a quick overview of the rules for carrying different vape products on planes:

*Single-use disposable vapes are banned from sale in the UK as of 1st June 2025. However, if you already own one or are travelling from a country where they remain legal, they may still be carried in hand luggage. See the section below for more detail.

Note: There have been recent changes at some airports as to what liquids and volumes you can carry. Make sure to check with your departure and arrival airport for their specific rules regarding liquids in hand luggage.

Since 1st June 2025, it has been illegal to sell or supply single-use disposable vapes in the UK, under regulations introduced as part of efforts to tackle youth vaping and reduce environmental waste. This applies across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The ban covers any vape device that cannot be recharged, refilled, or have its coil replaced. Rechargeable devices with replaceable pods — such as prefilled pod systems — remain legal.

What this means if you're flying from the UK: You will not be able to purchase a disposable vape in the UK before your trip. If you're looking for a low-maintenance option, rechargeable pod kits with prefilled pods are the closest legal alternative.

What this means if you're flying into the UK from another country: Disposable vapes may still be legal at your departure destination. You can carry them in your hand luggage on the flight, but be aware that bringing them back into the UK for personal use may raise questions at customs, and they cannot legally be sold on once in the UK.

The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, which received Royal Assent on 29th April 2026, also introduces further upcoming regulation, including advertising restrictions and a new Vaping Products Duty of £2.20 per 10ml of e-liquid from 1st October 2026. (Sources: UK Parliament, Gov.uk)

Yes. Rechargeable vape kits — including refillable tanks, pod kits, and mod devices — can be carried on a plane in your hand luggage. They cannot be placed in checked baggage due to the lithium batteries they contain, which are classified as a potential fire hazard in the aircraft hold.

When travelling with a rechargeable vape:

• Make sure the device is fully switched off before going through security.
• Protect the device to prevent accidental activation.
• Empty any refillable tanks before travelling — pressure changes can cause leaking.
• Keep any e-liquid in containers of 100ml or less and place them in a clear liquids bag like you do with other toiletteries.

You cannot use or charge your vape onboard any commercial flight.

Yes, in most cases you can take vape pods on a plane, whether prefilled or refillable. Keep them in your hand luggage and ensure any liquid-containing pods are sealed and placed in your clear liquids bag at security. It is advisable to keep pods in their original packaging where possible so that security can identify the contents quickly, reducing the chance of delays or confiscation.

According to UK Government guidance, you can travel with your vape device and pods, but must keep them with you at all times — they cannot be stored in checked luggage. Always check with your airline before flying, as individual policies on the number of pods permitted may vary.

If you are flying from a country where disposable vapes are still legal, you can carry them in your hand luggage. They must be treated the same as any other vape device: hand luggage only, switched off, and with any liquid component placed in a clear plastic bag for security.

However, disposable vapes can no longer be purchased in the UK. They have been banned from sale since 1 June 2025. If you are departing from the UK, you will need to use a rechargeable alternative instead.

If you are travelling internationally and want to bring disposables with you, check the vaping laws of your destination before you travel — disposable vapes are banned or heavily restricted in a number of countries. See the world vaping laws section below.

Wherever you're headed, packing your vapes correctly will help avoid issues at security and keep your kit in good condition during the journey. Follow these five tips:

1. Fully Switch Off Your Vape Device. Sleep mode or standby is not sufficient. Where possible, switch the device off completely before going through security and during the flight.
2. Individually Wrap Spare Batteries. Most vape devices use lithium batteries. Individually wrap any spare batteries to prevent short circuits — this is both a safety precaution and an airline requirement for many carriers.
3. Put E-Liquids in a Clear Plastic Bag. Any e-liquids in your carry-on must be in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a single, transparent resealable plastic bag. Remove the bag and present it separately at security.
4. Empty Refillable Tanks and Pods. Air pressure changes during a flight can cause tanks and pods to crack or leak. Empty your tank or pod before boarding and store it in your hand luggage in a leakproof bag or case.
5. Use a Protective Case. Place vape devices in a case or wrap them appropriately to prevent accidental activation and physical damage during transit.

Airline policies on vaping broadly follow the same principle — hand luggage only, no use onboard — but specific rules on quantities and protection methods can vary. Always check the current policy of your airline before travelling.

(Last updated June 2026)

Airline policies are subject to change. Always confirm the current policy directly with your airline before travelling.

Each of these airports generally prohibits vaping inside terminal buildings and allows it only in designated outdoor areas before security. Check the specific airport's current guidance before you travel.

Vaping regulations vary significantly by country, and the legal status of vapes — particularly flavoured and disposable products — is changing in many jurisdictions. According to WHO and tobacco-control data, at least 34 countries have banned the sale of vapes outright. Many others allow vaping but apply strict controls including age limits, health warnings, flavour restrictions, and indoor-use bans.

Fully Banned Vaping is completely prohibited — including import, manufacture, and sale.

Notable examples include: India, Thailand, Singapore, Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Gambia, Uganda, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Nicaragua, Uruguay, Venezuela, Turkey, Taiwan, Hong Kong (SAR), Macau (SAR), Brunei, Lebanon, Syria, Vanuatu, and Norway (nicotine vapes).

Restrictions in Place Vaping is permitted only under medical or tight government controls — often requiring prescriptions or pharmacy-only sales.

Notable examples include: Australia (pharmacy-only, nicotine vapes require a prescription), Chile, Japan (nicotine vapes classed as medicines), South Korea.

Legal (With Regulation) Vaping is legal with standardised controls such as age limits, health warnings, and/or flavour restrictions.

Notable examples include: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, EU member states, Russia, New Zealand, China, Malaysia, Israel, UAE, South Africa, Bangladesh, Pakistan.

This information is provided as a general guide only. Regulations change frequently — always research the current laws of your destination before travelling with vaping products or contact your local embassy or consulate. 

If travelling with vape equipment feels like too much hassle, nicotine pouches are worth considering as an alternative for the journey. Unlike vapes, nicotine pouches contain no liquid, require no battery, and are not subject to the 100ml liquid restriction at security. They are small, discreet, and straightforward to carry.

Nicotine pouches are generally permitted for personal use on planes, though it is always sensible to check with your airline and confirm the laws of your destination country before travelling. For a full guide, including tips on airline and destination rules, read our article on taking snus on a plane.

Before you head to the airport:

• Check airline policy: Confirm your airline's current rules on carrying and using vaping devices, including any limits on the number of devices or batteries.
• Understand airport rules: Check the vaping policy at your departure and arrival airports, particularly whether any designated areas are available before security.
• Research destination laws: Vaping is banned or heavily restricted in a number of countries. Check the legal status of vaping at your destination before you travel.
• Pack appropriately: Switch devices off, protect batteries individually, empty tanks, and place all e-liquids in a clear 100ml-compliant liquids bag.
• UK travellers: Disposable vapes are no longer sold legally in the UK. Bring a rechargeable, refillable device instead.