Introduction
The rules on flying with e-cigarettes are constantly changing and adapting with certain considerations to take into account. This article is updated regularly with content accurate as of January 2024.
The use of e-cigarettes on commercial airlines and travelling with your vape kits and e-liquids remains the same. Although vaping onboard any airline remains prohibited, the majority of countries still welcome vaping, especially throughout Europe. When it comes to purchasing vape supplies and vaping in public, it’s recommended to check with your destination country for further guidance.
Can you take a vape on a plane?
Vape kits and vaping accessories are allowed to be taken onboard commercial aircraft although for the majority you’ll be required to keep these on your person in your carry-on luggage. E-cigarettes much like laptops and other electronics utilise lithium batteries which cannot be stored in the hold of a plane due to fire hazards.
You can expect to keep your device in the cabin with you (carry-on luggage), not your checked luggage. Your device should be separated from any pods or tanks with them as it will be counted as a battery and has to be stored safely.
Can you take e-liquids on a plane?
Much like other liquids, you are permitted to take onboard e-liquids, although please note that the same regulations apply. Your carry-on-luggage must only contain a limit of 100mls in any variety of liquid, including e-liquids. For this reason, it’s important to highlight that if you’re planning on taking various other toiletries on board with you then you will have little allowance left to take onboard any larger shortfill e-liquids.
If you do take liquids in your hand luggage, gov.uk state the following:
- containers must hold no more than 100ml
- containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm
- contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed
- the bag must not be knotted or tied at the top
- you’re limited to 1 plastic bag per person
- you must show the bag at the airport security point
Do I need to empty my tank before flying?
Before going through security, you should ensure that any component attached to your battery is separated. You do not have to empty your tank, although this will have to be included within your declared liquids. It’s also advisable to empty your tank anyway as air pressure on the plane can cause your tank or pod to leak.
How do you take a disposable vape on a plane?
Travelling with a disposable vape kit has the same restrictions as any other vape kit however there are many benefits to flying with this type of device. Firstly, disposable e-cigarettes are light and compact making them much easier to travel with. With a disposable being a sealed unit, there is no need to separate a tank or battery.
Due to risk of electrical fire you must not take disposable vapes in your checked in luggage, you must only carry disposable vapes in your hand luggage (in a resealable plastic bag).
Can I fly with rebuildables (RDA / RTA)
If you prefer using unregulated mods or rebuildables, it’s strongly advised to switch to something simpler for your trip. Something like a disposable kit is perfect for travelling as they are lightweight, compact and very versatile.
If you're set on taking your advanced kit and plan on taking onboard pliers, coil wire and other tools, you may be stopped at security with questions asked, especially if you’re travelling to a country where vaping isn’t that accepted.
Ensure that any sharp objects used for your build are placed in your checked in luggage.
Can I vape on a plane?
Unfortunately, vaping is not permitted on any commercial airline. Many airlines now have specific instructions within their pre-flight notices highlighting vaping restrictions. Although there are many lower powered vape devices available such as certain pod kits, don’t think that vaping discreetly will be okay.
Although e-cigarettes are prohibited on aircraft, there is an exception when it comes to the Ryanair. The airline allow the use of the smokeless cigarettes they sell on board, however according to reviews and comments, they are most likely not as good as your current set up, although will provide you with the nicotine you may be craving whilst flying with Ryanair.
What happens if you vape on a plane?
Even though you may be tempted to vape discreetly onboard an aircraft, airlines such as Qatar Airways have been known to arrest and imprison travellers for vaping on their flights. Even though you will be most likely warned to stop using your e-cigarette device first; vaping, much like smoking is not worth the fines or possible jail time for a quick nicotine fix.
Can you vape in an airport?
Vaping in airports seems to have tightened up over recent years. For the most part, it’s widely accepted to vape within designated smoking areas if the terminal/airport you’re travelling from provides one. These designated areas are mostly signposted and within an outdoor setting although indoor areas are becoming more popular with airports over recent years.
What are airport policies on vaping?
Of the UK's 23 airports only 11 have a designated vaping/smoking area once you're through security and your luggage has been scanned.
These airports include:
- Aberdeen, near Gate 5 (£1 fee)
- Bournemouth, follow signs
- Bristol, next to Gate 4
- Cardiff, next to Gate 2
- Doncaster, first floor
- East Midlands, near Castle Rock
- Leeds Bradford, ground floor near Sports Bar
- Liverpool, lower level – signposted
- Manchester Terminal 1, near food court and Manchester Terminal 2, upper level
- Belfast, beside Lagan Bar (£1 fee)
- Newcastle Airport, in Bar 11
Each UK airport has different regulations when it comes to vaping, below is some further guidance on the UK's major airports:
Gatwick Airport: Vaping is not permitted inside either North or South Terminals. E-cigarettes may be used in designated smoking areas clearly marked outside both terminals.
Heathrow Airport: E-cigarettes are prohibited inside any terminal building. Dedicated smoking areas can be located outside the terminal buildings where vaping is permitted.
Luton Airport: You may not vape anywhere within the airport grounds apart from the designated smoking area outside the terminal which is located by the front entrance.
London City Airport: E-cigarettes are prohibited within the terminal and once you pass through security.
Southampton Airport: Vaping is prohibited inside the terminal building and whilst walking to the planes. There are designated smoking areas outside the terminal building and before passing security where vaping is permitted.
Stansted Airport: The use of e-cigarettes has been prohibited indoors since August 2014.
Exeter Airport: Vaping is not permitted inside the terminal.
Birmingham Airport: Vaping is treated the same as smoking meaning that e-cigarettes may only be used outside the smoking facility.
Bristol Airport: You may vape in any designated smoking areas.
East Midlands Airport: The use of e-cigarettes have been prohibited inside the terminal since August 2014.
Humberside Airport: Use of e-cigarettes is not permitted within the terminal or outside the terminal entrance. Vaping is only permitted within the smoking area.
Newcastle Airport: The use of e-cigarettes is only permitted within the smoking shelters located at the front of the terminal building or in two other designated smoking areas found after passing through security.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport: You may only vape within signposted outdoor smoking areas.
Manchester Airport: The use of e-cigarettes is forbidden within the airport. Terminal 1 smoking area is located near the food court once checked-in and through security. Terminal 2 has a smoking area located on the upper level of the departure lounge. There is no smoking area within Terminal 3.
Cardiff Airport: E-cigarettes are prohibited inside the terminal. Vaping is permitted in the designated smoking areas which can be found outside the terminal next to Gate 2.
Belfast International Airport: Vaping is only permitted within smoking areas outside the terminal.
George Best Belfast City Airport: E-cigarettes are prohibited within the terminal building, outside smoking areas are available.
Aberdeen International Airport:An airside smoking facility has been introduced, after security. Located adjacent to the main departure lounge, near gate 5, passengers wishing to use the shelter will pay £1. Smoking after security, anywhere other than within this designated shelter, is strictly prohibited.
George Best Belfast City Airport: Vaping is not allowed inside the terminal building and there are no dedicated areas after security.
What's the best vape kit to travel with?
Whilst a disposable vape may be a good choice when travelling, our best recommendation for 2024 would be the Joyetech Widewick and VLTZ bundle; due to the wicking technology used it's much less likely to leak in hot weather and when travelling by air, it also includes enough e-liquid to last most people well over 7 days of vaping (the equivalent of up to 15 disposables).
Countries who have banned vaping
When travelling aboard it’s important to first check on vaping restrictions within your destination country. Vaping is unfortunately banned in numerous countries around the world, mostly within the Middle East and Southeast Asia where the highest risks of punishment can be found if caught vaping.
Vaping is banned with possible imprisonment in the following countries:
India, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand
Vaping is banned (including zero nicotine) in the following countries:
Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Germany (only in the State of Hessen), East Timor, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Laos, Lebanon, Mexico, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Palau, Qatar, Seychelles, Syria, Uganda, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam
Vaping is banned (except zero nicotine) in the following countries:
Australia, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, South Africa
Disposable vapes are banned in the following countries:
Antigua and Barbuda, Bhutan
Vaping is legal but cannot be imported or purchased in the following countries:
Argentina, East Timor, Iraq, Mauritius, Nepal, Suriname, Turkey
Non-tobacco flavoured e-liquids are banned in the following countries:
Bulgaria, China, Estonia, Netherlands, Poland, Russia (as of March 1st, 2024)
Vaping is banned in enclosed public places in the following countries:
Barbados, Bermuda, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guyana, Honduras, Iceland, Jamaica, Luxembourg, Moldova, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, United Arab Emirates (Including Dubai), Uruguay
The following countries have banned vaping in all public places with extra restrictions in selected outdoor recreational areas such as parks and beaches:
Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Ibiza, Spain
Reviewed and updated: January 3rd, 2024
How do I buy vape kits and e-liquids abroad?
To ensure that you continue vaping whilst your travelling, it's important to make sure you have enough e-liquid. Always check with destination regulations on vaping to understand if you're able to buy or carry e-liquids to the destination country. If you're not able to buy them, ensure to pack enough e-cigarette refills or e-liquid in your luggage as highlighted above.
When travelling through Europe and international countries it's advised to look for licensed tobacconist stores for your e-liquid refills. It's also important to note that countries may have different limits on nicotine strengths when compared to the UK, for this reason be wary of using e-liquids which have nicotine strengths higher than what you are used to.
Bringing e-liquids back to the UK
When returning back to the UK with any e-liquids you may have purchased abroad, it's advisable to to check their nicotine strength. If they are stronger than what you are able to purchase in the UK then they are most likely a violation of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). We recommend purchasing enough to get you through your travels so you don't have the hassle or worry brining any back to the UK.
What are airlines policies on vaping?
Each airline has their own rules and regulations when it comes to travelling with e-cigarettes. Below we highlight a few popular airlines and their policies on vaping.
In general, the information provided above stands for the majority of airlines with the essential rule to follow of not vaping whilst on board their aircrafts. Also remember that any rechargeable batteries cannot be packed within your hold luggage and you must take them within your carry-on luggage.
- British Airways: “Electronic cigarettes may be carried in hand luggage but must not be used on board.”
- Easy Jet: “All electronic cigarettes and a maximum of two spare batteries in a carry-on and on one’s person.”
- Emirates: “All Emirates flights are non-smoking – this also includes the use of e-cigarettes. No e-cigarettes can be used on board Emirates flights.”
- Quantas Airlines: “The use and charging of all e-cigarettes and other personal vaporisers are not permitted on board an aircraft. They must be carried in hand luggage.”
- Ryanair: “You may carry electronic cigarettes on board but are strictly forbidden to use electronic cigarettes or any other type of cigarette on board the aircraft.”
- Virgin Atlantic: “Electronic cigarettes are a device that looks like a cigarette and works by creating a vapor, which contains nicotine. Electronic cigarettes are NOT permitted to be used onboard our aircraft”
If you’re travelling with an airline not listed above, you can find any information regarding their policies either on their website or contacting them directly.
Displayed policies reviewed and updated: January 3rd, 2024
Planning on travelling with a vape this year?
If you're planning on a break away this year let us know in the comments below, we'd love to hear about your adventures! If you have any further questions or concerns about travelling with your vape kit be sure to drop a comment and we'll advise wherever possible!
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Vape kits and e-liquid are allowed on a plane although e-cigarettes must be taken through security in your carry-on baggage as any electronic cigarette is strictly prohibited in hold baggage (checked luggage).
You should never attempt to vape any e-cigarette on any flight with many airlines now having specific instructions within their pre-flight notices. Even though you may be tempted to secretly vape onboard, doing so could cause significant legal problems.
E-cigarettes must be carried in your carry-on baggage so they can be checked by TSA customs. Electronic vape devices are prohibited in checked luggage.
Customs may check your vape device if it looks out of the ordinary. You have no reason to worry about TSA taking your e-cigarette unless it is severely damaged or could cause harm.
TSA will check your carry-on baggage when it goes through airport security which will include any vape kit and e-liquids that you are carrying.
Like any other e-cigarettes, disposable vapes are allowed to be taken onboard an aircraft.They follow the same regulations as vape kits and must not be used on the plane.
If you are caught vaping on a plane you could face significant legal problems. Airlines have been known in the past to imprison travellers for vaping on their, especially within middle eastern countries where vaping is banned.
E-liquids are permitted on aircraft like other liquids but must follow TSA regulations whereby containers must not hold more than 100ml and placed within a single, transparent, resealable bag.
Vaping is treated like cigarettes when it comes to airport policies. For this reason you may only vape within designated smoking areas at airports or outside the terminal grounds. If you vape in any other part of the airport it will be treated the same as smoking which could land you with a fine.
TSA does not have a policy regarding the use of e-cigarettes regarding minors or those aged under 18. Therefore anybody can take a vape on a plane regardless of age. However laws which prevent those underage vaping are still in force around the world and we highly advise that you do not vape if you are under age.
TSA does not have a policy regarding the use of e-cigarettes regarding minors or those aged under 18. Therefore anybody can take a vape on a plane regardless of age. However laws which prevent those underage vaping are still in force around the world and we highly advise that you do not vape if you are under age.
Vape batteries are allowed on an aircraft but must be packed in your carry-on baggage. Like other electronic items, e-cigarette batteries should be packed safely and presented to TSA for inspection. All batteries must be protected with exposed terminals insulated.
Vaping is permitted in all European countries, however it’s important to check local regulations. Many countries now treat vaping as smoking which therefore prohibits the use of e-cigarettes in public places. If you are unsure on where you can vape, it’s advisable to do so within a designated smoking area.
Many Asian countries have already moved to ban the use of e-cigarettes. Although there are still countries within Asia that permit the use of vape devices, it’s always important to check with destination authorities if you can vape in their country. Countries within South East Asia seem to have the strictest laws regarding vaping with the likes of Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines and India known to imprison those who break the laws.
Laws and regulations relating to vaping are constantly changing within the United Arab Emirates, especially with popular destinations such as Dubai. It’s strongly advised to check with destination authorities on local laws and restrictions. The UAE has some of the heftiest fines up to 2,000 Dirham (around £400) if you are caught vaping where it is not permitted.
South America has strict regulations regarding vaping with the use of e-cigarettes either banned or the laws uncertain. Within major countries such as Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, vaping is illegal. Although with Colombia and Peru there are no definite laws set out. Therefore we strongly advise against using e-cigarettes within South America.
With there being 50 states in the United States of America (USA) there are constant movements with the regulations on e-cigarettes and vaping throughout the country. In 2019, 13 states, 2 territories and 841 municipalities outlawed vaping within smoke-free public areas. Depending on the state, regulations on what is allowed may differ. Although the use of e-cigarettes in general is not illegal within the USA, it’s advised to check with the destination state(s) on local regulations and laws.
With over 50 countries within Africa, the laws and regulations for the continent are vast and ever changing. Major countries such as South Africa permit the use of e-cigarettes, however restrictions are in place to ban vaping anywhere smoking is also banned. If you are unsure of the vaping laws in your destination African country, we advise you to check with local government bodies for more information.
Although both within Oceania, there are different regulations and laws within Australia and New Zealand. Although vaping is legal in both countries, the regulations differ when it comes to the sale and use of vape kits and e-liquids; New Zealand allows the sale of e-liquids containing nicotine up to 20mg/ml for freebase and 50mg/ml for nicotine salts whereas the sale of e-liquid containing nicotine is prohibited in Australia.
The budget airline permits you to carry your e-cigarette on board however strictly forbid vaping onboard their aircrafts. There is an exception with the use of the smokeless cigarette they sell on board but their regulations are solely limited to this.
The amount of disposable vapes you can take on a plane depends on the individual airline policies. For example, Easyjet and Ryanair state "you can take up to 15 electronic devices, and up to 20 lithium batteries, onto the plane with you." With this being said, this is not exclusive to vapes and accounts for other devices such as mobile phones, tablets and cameras. Either way, we recommend checking directly with your chosen airline for more accurate guidance.
Electronic cigarettes are illegal in Mexico. It is illegal to bring vapes into Mexico, if you do you risk being fined and/or arrested.
Disclaimer: The content on www.royalflushvape.co.uk offers general insights about vaping and vape related products. Please be aware that this information is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice and should only be relied upon when explicitly referenced. We make no guarantees regarding the accuracy, reliability, or health-related advantages of the content displayed across all pages of our website, including blog posts, product pages and social media content.
8 comments
Tamara
I was wondering if you can detach your vape and put your coil in your suitcase , is that allowed or do you have to bring the coil with you ???
Alastair Elliott
Good Morning,
I am shortly going on holiday to mauritius. I cannot find any defining information on the internet about taking my personal vaping device with me from the UK. Can anyone advise if I am allowed to take it with me please and if they will not confiscate it at Mauritius security.
Many thanks.
Yvonne
How many refills of my electronic cigarette am I allowed to take abroad 🤔
W. Nokman
Hi, I’m travelling to Barcelona for 2 weeks and I’m wondering if if can bring my vape pen and the juices along, or if it will be confiscated? Thank you.
harriet
Is there a limit to how many disposable vapes you can take on a plane??
JOANNE BRIGHT
CAN YOU TAKE DISPOSABLE VAPES INTO CANCUN MEXICO
Margaret Gallacher
Hi
Can I take my e cigarette to Mexico
Thanks
Harpal Mann
Are you still allowed to take your vape to Oslo