Can You Take Vapes in Hand Luggage? The Complete UK Travel Guide

Planning a holiday or business trip often brings up a common worry for vapers: can you take vapes in hand luggage without facing issues at airport security? The straightforward answer is yes, you are generally permitted to carry your vaping device on board, but it must be kept in your cabin bag rather than your checked suitcase. Airlines and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) strictly enforce this rule to ensure passenger safety, primarily due to the fire risks associated with lithium batteries. Before you head to the departure gate, it is essential to understand exactly how to pack your device and e-liquids to ensure a seamless journey through security.

Can You Take Vapes in Hand Luggage or Checked Bags?

The most critical rule to remember is that can you take vapes in hand luggage is not just a question of permission, but a mandatory requirement for safety. You are strictly prohibited from packing e-cigarettes, vape pens, or any device containing a lithium-ion battery in your hold luggage (the large suitcase you check in at the desk). If airport security scanners detect a vape kit in your checked bag, it will likely be removed, and you may face delays or be called back to the security area.

Travel regulations dictate that all battery-powered portable electronic devices must remain in the cabin with you. This ensures that in the unlikely event of a battery malfunction or overheating, the cabin crew can identify and manage the situation immediately. The cargo hold is unmonitored during the flight, making it a dangerous place for volatile electronics. Always double-check your pockets and bags before checking in your main suitcase to ensure no loose batteries or devices have been accidentally left inside.

Why Are Vapes Restricted to Cabin Bags?

The restriction on where you can store your vape comes down to the chemistry of the power source. Most modern vaping devices are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are highly efficient but can be sensitive to pressure changes and physical damage. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and individual airlines have developed these guidelines to minimise fire risks at 30,000 feet.

When you are packing, you should pay special attention to your Vape Batteries and how they are stored. If you are carrying spare batteries, they must be individually protected to prevent short circuits. You can do this by keeping them in their original retail packaging or by taping over the terminals. Ideally, invest in a dedicated plastic battery case, which is the safest way to transport them. Loose batteries rolling around in a bag with keys or coins can spark and cause significant safety hazards.

Understanding the 100ml Liquid Rule for E-Liquids

While your device must stay in your hand luggage, your e-liquids fall under a different set of security rules. Because e-liquid is a fluid, it is subject to the standard aviation security liquid restrictions. This means any bottle of vape juice you wish to take into the cabin must be 100ml or less. These bottles must fit comfortably inside a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which typically measures 20cm by 20cm.

If you carry large bottles that exceed 100ml, they will be confiscated at the security checkpoint regardless of how much liquid is actually left inside them. For longer trips where you need a significant supply, you can pack larger bottles of e-liquid in your checked hold luggage, as the liquid itself does not pose a fire risk. However, for your carry-on, it is often easier to visit a Vape Shop before you travel to purchase specific travel-sized bottles or 10ml multi-packs that easily comply with airport regulations.

Best Practices for Packing Your Vape Kit

Packing your vape correctly protects your gear from damage and prevents leaks caused by cabin pressure. The air pressure inside an aircraft cabin drops as the plane ascends, which can cause the air trapped inside a vape tank to expand and force liquid out through the airflow holes. To avoid arriving with e-liquid soaked into your passport or clothes, it is highly recommended to empty your tank completely before you board.

For those who are new to vaping or travelling with a device, knowing How to Vape for the First Time while abroad involves some preparation. Simple pod systems or disposable vapes are often easier to travel with than complex box mods because they have fewer moving parts and are less prone to leaking. If you are taking a refillable device, separate the tank from the battery mod if possible and turn the device off completely. Do not leave it in "standby" or "sleep" mode, as accidental activation in a tightly packed bag could burn out your coil or cause overheating.

Quick Reference: Where to Pack Your Vape Gear

Navigating Airport Security with Vapes

When you reach the security conveyor belt, you need to treat your vape gear like any other electronic device. You will likely be asked to remove your vape from your bag and place it in a tray for screening, just as you would for a laptop or tablet. If you are carrying spare batteries, these should also be visible. Your clear plastic bag containing your e-liquids (and any disposable vapes, as they contain liquid) should be taken out of your hand luggage and placed separately in the tray.

Security staff deal with thousands of vapers every day, so there is no need to worry if you are following the rules. However, clarity is key. Keeping your vaping equipment organised in a specific pouch (which you can open and empty quickly) can save you time and stress. If you leave liquids or electronics buried at the bottom of your bag, it will almost certainly trigger a manual bag search, delaying you and other passengers.

Vaping Etiquette: Airports and Airplanes

Once you are past security, you might be tempted to have a quick puff, but you must be extremely careful. Using e-cigarettes is strictly prohibited inside UK airport terminals, except in designated smoking areas. These areas are becoming rarer once you pass security (airside), so you may not be able to vape until you land at your destination.

It is absolutely vital to remember that vaping on the plane itself is illegal. Airlines have zero tolerance for this, and smoke detectors in aircraft toilets are sensitive enough to detect vapour. Being caught vaping on board can result in severe fines, confiscation of your device, and even being banned from future flights. Respect the rules and wait until you have cleared customs at your destination before using your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many disposable vapes can I take on a plane?

There is no specific fixed limit on the number of disposable vapes you can carry, provided they fit within your hand luggage allowance and liquid restrictions. However, most airlines have a policy regarding lithium batteries which usually allows for around 15 to 20 small devices. It is always best to check with your specific airline if you plan to take a large quantity.

Can I charge my vape on the plane?

No, you are not allowed to charge your vape on the plane. While you can bring power banks and charging cables in your hand luggage, using them to charge a vaping device is prohibited on board. This is a safety precaution to prevent the battery from overheating while the device is unattended or in use.

Do disposable vapes count towards my liquid allowance?

Yes, disposable vapes contain e-liquid, so they technically count towards your liquid allowance. Security staff at some UK airports may ask you to place them inside your clear plastic liquids bag. Since the liquid is sealed inside the device, enforcement of this varies, but you should always have space in your liquids bag just in case.

What happens if I accidentally leave a vape in my checked luggage?

If airport security scanners detect a vape in your checked suitcase, they are authorised to open your bag and remove the item. You will often find a note inside your suitcase when you arrive stating that a prohibited item was removed. In some cases, if the bag cannot be easily searched, it may not be loaded onto the plane at all, causing you significant inconvenience.

Should I take my vape tools and building kit?

You can take simple maintenance tools like cotton and coils in your hand luggage. However, be careful with tools such as wire cutters, screwdrivers, or sharp scissors. If these tools exceed a certain length (usually 6cm for blades), they will be considered dangerous items and confiscated. It is safer to pack sharp building tools in your checked hold luggage.

Conclusion

Travelling with your vape is entirely possible as long as you follow the rules. To recap, can you take vapes in hand luggage? Yes, and in fact, you must. Keeping your device and batteries in the cabin ensures you comply with safety regulations, while your larger liquids can be safely stowed in the hold. By preparing ahead—emptying your tank, protecting your batteries, and organising your liquids—you can breeze through security and enjoy your trip. At Grey Haze, we want your travel experience to be as smooth as your vape, so pack smart and have a safe flight.