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If you’re planning either a domestic or trip abroad, it’s important to understand the rules around taking your vape on a plane. All of your vapes and e-cigarettes must be placed in your hand luggage when you travel on the majority of most airlines, but always check this prior to travelling as rules and policies differ across airlines and at different airports
This article will provide you with all the information you need when you’re packing your e-cigarettes for your next trip, as well as what you’re likely to expect in and out of the airport.
CAN YOU TAKE YOUR VAPE ON A PLANE?
LET’S FIND OUT.
Can you take vapes on a plane?
Yes, you can take vapes on a plane. However, there are specific regulations and requirements you must follow:
- Storage: Keep all vaping devices, including disposables, in your hand luggage. They are not allowed in checked baggage due to battery safety concerns.
- Battery Limits: Check with your specific airline regarding their battery policy. For instance, British Airways allows up to 15 device batteries, while EasyJet permits only two.
- E-Liquid Rules: Carry e-liquid containers of no more than 100ml each, within a transparent, resealable 1-liter plastic bag. While most airlines allow e-liquids in carry-on bags, always verify with your airline.
- Carry-On Only: Vaping devices must be in your carry-on or on your person, not in checked luggage, to adhere to safety regulations.
- Battery Safety: Protect your batteries from short circuits by keeping them in original packaging, a battery case, or by taping the terminals.
- No Vaping Onboard: The use of vapes or e-cigarettes during the flight is strictly prohibited for the safety and comfort of all passengers.
Can you take vape liquid on a plane?
Yes, you can take vape liquid on a plane in the UK, but with some rules:
- Container Size: Each e-liquid bottle must be less than 100ml in size.
- Carry-On Only: All e-liquids must be packed in your hand luggage, not checked bags.
- Clear Plastic Bag: Place all e-liquid bottles in one transparent, resealable bag measuring approximately 20cm x 20cm, with a total allowance of 1 litre. Each passenger is allowed one bag only.
- Security Screening: Make sure to show your bag of liquids separately when passing through security.
- International Rules: Check the vaping regulations of your destination country, as they may differ from your current location.
- Airline Policies: Be sure to check with your airline on their specific rules, as they may vary. However, please note that vaping on the plane is always prohibited.
Can I take disposable vapes in my hand luggage?
Yes, you can bring a disposable vape in your hand luggage when flying. However, it is important to remember that you cannot use it on the plane, and you should pack it according to the airline's guidelines for electronic devices and liquids.
You should never pack a vape, e-cigarette, e-liquids or disposable vape in your checked luggage as they use lithium batteries, which pose a fire hazard.
How many vapes can you take on a plane?
Airline policies vary when it comes to taking vapes on a plane. Every airline has its own set of rules regarding the number of e-cigarettes that can be brought aboard and how they must be carried. To learn more, take a look at some of the most frequently used airline-specific regulations.
| Airline | Regulations |
| British Airways | All vaping equipment must be placed within your hand luggage. Any liquid components in your hand luggage must be under the 100ml regulations and placed within a clear, sealable bag. You cannot use your e-cigarette onboard the aeroplane. Depending on your destination, you may not be able to bring your electronic vape into the country - ensure you check your destination before packing. |
| Easy Jet | You can carry e-cigarettes in your hand luggage. Passengers are able to bring a maximum of two spare batteries, which must be placed in their hand luggage. |
| Emirates | E-cigarettes must be protected onboard to prevent accidental activation - this means, ensuring your vape doesn’t spill, turn on, or leave your bag. Any refills or liquids within your hand luggage must be under the liquid allowance and placed in a clear, sealed plastic bag. |
| Jet2 | All e-cigarettes containing batteries must be kept in your hand luggage and switched off for the entirety of the flight (if applicable). The batteries within your vaping device must be under 2g or not exceed a Watt-hour of 100Wh. You cannot charge your e-cigarette onboard the flight. Passengers are limited to two e-cigarettes and/or batteries. |
| Ryanair |
Passengers are able to take up to a maximum of 15 electronic devices with them in their hand luggage and up to 20 lithium batteries. E-cigarettes can be placed in hand luggage but cannot be used onboard. Ryanair accepts “smart bags,” which is a bag that contains lithium batteries that are charged via USB ports. You can bring this as part of your carry-on bag. You must keep the batteries with you at all times. |
| Qantas | You cannot use your e-cigarette onboard a Qantas flight; you must ensure your device is protected to prevent accidental activation, and you cannot charge your device onboard the aircraft. |
| TUI | E-cigarettes must be placed within your hand luggage and cannot be used or charged while onboard the plane. |
| Virgin Atlantic | Passengers may carry e-cigarettes in their hand luggage. All devices must be individually protected to prevent accidental activation during the flight. |
Can I vape on a plane?
Under no circumstances should you attempt to vape onboard a plane. If you do vape on board, you run the risk of receiving a hefty fine and an airline ban.
ALWAYS CHECK YOUR AIRPORT AND AIRPLANE VAPING POLICY BEFORE TRAVELING
Are vapes allowed in airports?
Like smoking rules, you cannot vape in any indoor spaces at any UK airport.
When you’re at the airport, you will need to locate the designated areas where you will be able to vape - however, these are usually located outside or away from the departure terminals. Rules vary with each airport - therefore, it’s important to check the regulations of each airport before you travel.
UK Airport Vaping Policies
All airports have their own vaping policies, and you will be required to use your vapes within the designated areas provided. The policies for each major UK airport can be found below.
| Airport |
Guidelines |
| Aberdeen Airport | There is an airside smoking area where you’re able to vape; this facility costs £1 for entry and use. |
| Belfast International Airport | There is a permitted vaping area after you check in, which costs £1 to use. |
| Birmingham Airport | Vaping is permitted within the designated smoking areas; these can be found outside the terminal buildings. However, once you pass check-in, you won’t be able to vape until you reach your destination, as there are no permitted smoking areas after the check-in section of the airport. |
| Bristol Airport |
You can vape within any of the designated smoking areas of the airport. |
| Cardiff Airport | Vaping is permitted within the marked areas - there are designated smoking areas outside of the terminal, both before and after check-in. |
| East Midlands Airport | There are spaces outside the terminal for vaping. However, they are before the security check-in. Once you’re checked in, there are no designated spaces for smoking. |
| Exeter Airport | Vaping is permitted in the smoking area, which is located before check-in. |
| Glasgow Airport | There is a designated smoking area before check-in - passengers cannot smoke or vape after checking in and passing through security. |
| London City Airport | You cannot vape or smoke after you have passed security; there is a designated smoking area before check-in. |
| London Gatwick Airport | You will find designated smoking zones outside of the terminal buildings where you are permitted to vape. |
| London Heathrow Airport | There are no smoking facilities after security check-in. Passengers may use the smoking areas outside the departures terminal before checking in. |
| London Stansted Airport | Vaping is permitted in the designated smoking areas outside the terminal - however, there are no smoking areas available once you’ve been through security. |
| Leeds Bradford Airport | There is a designated smoking area before security, and passengers can also find a permitted vaping area after check-in. |
| Liverpool John Lennon Airport | This airport has a permitted smoking area outdoors before and after check-in. |
| Luton Airport | E-cigarettes are not permitted for use except at the designated terminal before check-in. |
| Manchester Airport | Terminals 1 and 2 both have designated smoking areas where vaping is permitted after check-in. Terminal 3 does not have a designated smoking area after check-in. |
| Newcastle Airport | Vaping can be conducted in the smoking shelters, which are located outside the terminal building; there is another designated area where vaping is permitted after passing through security. |
| Southampton Airport | There is a designated smoking area outside the terminal building before check-in; there are no permitted areas once passengers are checked in. |
Do they sell vapes in airports?
It's possible to buy vapes and their related products at some airport shops in the UK, which can be convenient for travellers who want to have them before their flights. However, it's important to know the regulations regarding carrying vapes onto aeroplanes, including how they should be stored in your carry-on luggage.
Depending on where you are in the world will depend on whether or not you can buy a vape at the airport. Whilst the UK permits the use of vapes, some countries do not sell or have not legalised the use of e-cigarettes - so you may not be able to purchase vaping products at an international airport outside of the UK.
Where can I vape abroad?
Each country has their own rules when it comes to vaping. Before you travel, it’s important to understand the local restrictions of where you’re travelling to, as some countries have severe fines and punishments around the activity of vaping. Discover more in our Travel do’s and don’t vape guide
Can I buy vape kits and e-liquid abroad?
If you are travelling for a longer period of time, it’s important to check the regulations of your destination to ensure you can continue to top up your e-cigarette or buy new disposable vapes. If they are unable to be purchased, but you’re able to use them where you’re travelling to, pack what you need for your trip’s length.
Every country has different limits on nicotine strengths when compared to the UK; for this reason, be mindful when you’re purchasing outside of the UK, as the strengths may be higher than what you usually consume.
The rules around e-cigarettes and e-liquids are constantly changing worldwide - ensure you keep up to date with the latest policies and requirements whenever you travel outside of the UK to avoid any penalisations or fines.
