Can You Take Vapes on a Plane? (2025)

If you are looking for a quick overview on the rules for carrying vapes on planes, here is a quick guide to help you navigate which suitcase to pack your vapes in: 

Note: All e-liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a clear plastic bag for security screening. 

Yes, in most cases you can take your disposable vape on a plane. However, you cannot use it in the airport (other than in designated smoking areas) and must take it in your hand luggage. It is also important to remember that disposable vapes contain e-liquid— so you need to put them in the clear plastic bag at security, and you must make sure they are in a leakproof bag! It is best to keep your disposable vapes in their original packaging when travelling so that security can find the ingredients list and identify the vape, so you don’t have it taken away. 

It is important to remember—while you can bring a disposable vape on an airplane, you should never use your vape on a plane as it is illegal. 

According to the UK Government, you are allowed to take your vape device when you travel, but you must always keep it with you - you cannot put any vape devices in your checked-in luggage. They also say you should check with the airline you are flying with before you travel as their policies may differ on what vapes and how many disposable vapes you can travel with. Typically though, you can fit around 15 to 20 disposable vapes in your carry-on luggage (as they all need to be in a clear plastic bag for security, as they contain liquids!). 

In short: you can put disposable vapes in your carry-on suitcase, but not in any checked-in suitcase. Vapes, like most electronic devices, usually have lithium batteries that make them a potential fire hazard and is the reason they cannot be kept in your checked-in luggage. 

Yes, in most cases you can also take your vape pods and vape kit devices on a plane. However, you still cannot use your vape in the airport (other than in designated smoking areas) and must make sure to carry the device and refill pods in your hand luggage. It is also important to remember that the pods contain e-liquid (if they are vape prefilled pods). This means you will need to put them in the clear plastic bag at security and ensure they are sealed/in a leakproof container for travelling (especially if you are using refillable pods and plan to bring a bottle of e-liquid too). It is best to keep your spare pods in their original packaging when travelling so that security can find the ingredients list easily as this means the pods are less likely to be confiscated. 

It is important to remember—while you can bring vapes on an airplane, you should never use any vapes on a plane as it is illegal. 

In short, you can travel with as many vape pods as you need (provided they are sealed and fit in your liquids bag at security). According to the UK Government, you are allowed to take your vape device and pods when you travel, but you must keep it with you at all times (so you cannot store any pods or devices in your checked luggage). The UK Government also suggests you check with the airline you are flying with before you travel as their policies may differ on what vapes and how many vape pods you can travel with. 

You can put your vape pods and rechargeable device in your carry-on suitcase, but not in your checked suitcase. These devices have lithium batteries that make them a potential fire hazard and the pods have a risk of leaking. 

If you are lucky enough to be taking vapes on a plane, make sure to pack your vapes safely. Wherever you are packing your vapes, make sure that you read our 5 tips for packing your vapes properly:

1. Make Sure to Fully Switch off Your Vape Device. Sleep mode won’t cut it; make sure the device, where possible, is fully off.
2. Individually Wrap Spare Batteries Before Putting Them in Your Hand Luggage. Most vape batteries contain lithium and can short circuit if you are not careful. This is why it is important to individually wrap any batteries if you plan to carry any.
3. Put Any E-liquids in a Clear Plastic Bag if You Carry Them in Your Hand Luggage. Any e-liquids you plan to put in your carry-on bags will need to be 100ml or under and put in a clear plastic bag and remove them when you get to security.
4. Empty Any Refillable Pods and Tanks and Place Them in a Leak-Proof Bag or Case. The pressure can cause your tanks to crack or leak, so we suggest you empty your tank before you travel and store them in your hand baggage to avoid any nasty surprises when you arrive.
5. Use Protective Cases for Your Devices. To prevent accidental activation and damage, place your vape devices in protective cases. 

It is always important to check the vape regulations of the airline you are travelling with as well as your final destination before you jet off on your holidays or business trip. Travelling within the UK? Read our guide to UK vaping laws. 

So, what are the vaping regulations for some of the major UK airlines? (last updated May 2025) 

As vaping continues to be a topic of debate, it's important to know the specific rules at airports around the UK, especially if you are a vaper who enjoys travelling. Here's a summary of the vaping policies at several major UK airports, including whether vaping is allowed inside terminals and where the designated areas are located. 

Each of these airports has clear restrictions, generally prohibiting vaping inside the terminals and only allowing it in designated outdoor areas. If you’re a vaper, be sure to check the designated smoking or vaping zones before heading to security. 

Global vape regulations vary widely. According to WHO and tobacco-control surveys, at least 34 countries ban the sale of vapes – including India, Brazil and Thailand – often via laws prohibiting importation, manufacture or retail. In contrast, many countries allow vaping but apply strict tobacco‐style controls (age limits, health warnings, flavour bans, indoor-use bans, etc.). A handful (e.g. Japan, Chile, Australia) restrict e-cigarettes as medical products (prescription/license only). We break down the current legal status of vapes across the globe, highlighting if vapes are Fully Banned, Restrictions in Place, or Legal (allowed with regulation)

Vaping is completely prohibited – including import, manufacture, sale, and often public use.

Some of the 34 countries where vapes are banned includes:

• Asia & Middle East: India, Thailand, Singapore, Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Sri Lanka
• Africa: Ethiopia, Gambia, Uganda
• Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Nicaragua, Uruguay, Venezuela
• Others: Norway (nicotine vapes), Turkey, Taiwan, Hong Kong (SAR), Macau (SAR), Brunei, Lebanon, Syria, Vanuatu

Vaping is allowed under medical or tight government control – may require prescriptions, licenses, or only be sold via pharmacies.

Some of the countries that have strong restrictions on vape products includes:

• Australia – Pharmacy-only, import and flavour limits, nicotine ≤20mg/ml
• Chile – Nicotine vapes classed as medicines; no approved commercial sales
• Japan – Nicotine vapes treated as medicine; only nicotine-free sold domestically
• South Korea – Prescription needed for some vapes; synthetic loopholes under review

Vaping is legal with standardised controls such as age limits, health warnings, flavour restrictions, or sales regulations.

Some of the countries that allow the sale of vapes with standard controls include:

• North America: United States, Canada
• Europe: United Kingdom, EU member states, Russia
• Asia-Pacific: New Zealand, China, Malaysia (as of 2024), Bangladesh, Pakistan
• Middle East & Africa: Israel, UAE, South Africa

Before embarking on your journey, ensure the following: 

1. Check Airline Policies: Confirm the airline's regulations regarding carrying and using vaping devices.
2. Understand Airport Rules: Familiarise yourself with the departure and arrival airports' policies on vaping.
3. Research Destination Laws: Investigate the vaping laws of your destination country to avoid legal issues.
4. Pack Appropriately: Ensure all devices are turned off, batteries are protected, and e-liquids are within the allowed limits. You could also consider trying out nicotine pouches if you cannot bring vape products!