Travelling With Vapes (Dos & Don'ts) - Tips and Guidelines

As vaping has become more popular and begins to replace smoking as the best alternative method for consuming nicotine, more and more people are beginning to travel worldwide with their vapes. Due to this, many are left wondering whether they can take their vapes with them when travelling by plane, and if so, what exactly are the rules and regulations regarding flying with vapes across the UK and abroad?

Tracking down the correct information can be unnecessarily stressful with many sources citing different rules and laws. However,  in this blog I’ve put together everything you need to know about flying with vapes, as well as the big dos and don’ts! Keep reading to discover the 5 biggest rules for flying with your vape!

When flying with vapes there are a few things that you should keep in mind, from rules and regulations, to tips and tricks that will make your flight and overall experience that little bit easier. Let’s take a look at the top 5 dos and don'ts to help you plan for the journey ahead!

DO check your airline's policies before traveling?

The first thing you should do, before you even begin to pack your vape, is check the policies of the airline you’re flying with. Some airline companies may have slightly different rules of policies regarding vapes to others and therefore it’s worth checking exactly what the rules are. Things to keep in mind when researching your airline and the airport that you’re flying from - how many vapes are you allowed to take? How many vape batteries are you allowed? Do they need to be declared?
Finding the answers to these simple questions before you travel could save you a lot of time and embarrassment down the road, as it lessens the chances of you being stopped at security or having your vapes confiscated.

DO remove batteries from your vape if possible?

Not all vapes contain an ‘external’ battery that can be removed, as the majority feature built-in batteries - however, if you’re taking a vape with you that DOES have removable batteries, you should take these out of the vape and store them separately and safely in your hand luggage. You should also remember to declare the batteries with any electronic devices and liquids when you’re going through the security checkpoint.

DO research your destination and its rules regarding vaping

Before you jet off on your business trip or to spend some time in the sun, it’s important that you do your research - you might be sensing a theme here - and check whether your destination allows vapes in the country, and what the rules and regulations are in regards to using and carrying them. There are some countries that have outright bans on using vapes or tobacco, which would see your vapes confiscated shortly after landing. If this is the case, check whether they allow other nicotine products such as nicotine pouches, as this would provide you with an alternative source of nicotine whilst you’re away.

DO pack your vape correctly.

Not only can packing your vape properly prevent problems at the airport, it can also prevent you from accidentally damaging your vape during transit! If you’re using a vape kit that features a refillable pod or vape tank - make sure that the pod or tank is empty, as changes in the air pressure can lead to your vape liquid being forced out and leaking, which not only would cause a mess, but could potentially damage your device too if it gets into the circuitry.
As well as emptying your vape tank or pod, you should also try to make sure your vape is stored near the top of your hand luggage, as this will reduce the risk of it becoming damaged during your journey.

DO seal your vape liquids and secure them.

It should come as no surprise that your vape liquids could leak too, and for the same reasons as your vape tak. Fluctuations in air pressure within the plane’s cabin can cause vape juice to leak; because of this it’s important that you make sure your vape liquids are sealed properly.
We’d also recommend keeping your vape liquids within the resealable clear plastic bag that you used to declare them at the airport security checkpoint, as if your e-liquids do leak a little the juice will be contained to the plastic bag instead of making a mess in your luggage.

DON'T vape on the plane

I know it’s tempting, especially when you’re craving nicotine - but do NOT under any circumstances attempt to vape whilst on the plane, even before takeoff or after landing. Using a vape on a plane can have serious consequences, least of all being banned from flying with that airline again. In the worst case scenario the cabin crew may believe there’s a fault with the plane and are forced to make an emergency landing, delaying your journey, as well as everyone else’s on board. It’s a big no and should be avoided at all costs!
If you’re on a long haul flight and don’t think you can go without your nicotine for that long we’d highly recommend opting for one of our brands of nicotine pouches, such as Killa or Velo - these will allow you to curb your cravings until you’re safely back on the ground and in a location where you can vape safely and legally.

DON'T pack your vape in your checked baggage

Whatever you do, do NOT put your vape in your checked baggage, as hold luggage is not allowed to contain ANY batteries or electronic devices - vapes included. Batteries can be extremely sensitive to fluctuations in pressure and temperature, so placing them within your checked baggage can have dire consequences and could be very dangerous. Although it’s not just the danger that doing this poses - if your hold luggage is found to contain electronic devices they may be confiscated, which means you’ll then be without your vapes once you reach your destination!

DON'T adjust or alter your vape on the plane

Do not attempt to alter, adjust or repair your vape in any way whilst you’re on the plane. Whilst it’s against regulations and most airline policies for you to do so, more importantly, it can be very dangerous and could result in severe penalties or fines. It’s best to simply leave your vape in your hand luggage and not mess with it in any way, shape or form whilst you’re on the plane - if you need to alter your vape at all it’s best to wait until you’re back at the airport to do so.

DON'T leave your vape switched on in your luggage

Just as you shouldn’t leave your vape switched on in your pocket or bag, it’s also important that you don’t leave it switched on in your hand luggage. Although you may think that it’s unlikely for your vape to accidentally fire whilst in your bag, it’s still a risk that isn’t worth taking.
Not only could leaving your vape switched on accidentally ruin your coil or pod if the vape misfires, but it could also be dangerous for yourself and those travelling with you on the plane. Vapes can get extremely hot when left to accidentally fire repeatedly - this is a potential fire risk that can be avoided by simply switching your vape off before you board the plane.

DON'T charge your vape on the plane

As we’ve stated previously, your vape should not be altered or modified in any way whilst you’re on the plane - this includes charging. Lithium-ion batteries can pose a serious fire risk if they malfunction, which can be extremely dangerous in the best of circumstances, but could have dire consequences when on a plane. It’s best to either charge your vape before boarding the plane, or to wait until you’re off the plane and in the airport or your accommodation before charging it.

What happens if you put a vape in checked luggage?

If you place your vape or vape batteries in your checked luggage the chances are that security will have to open your luggage and remove the vape for safety reasons - and you won’t get the vape or batteries back. This is due to the fact that the vape or batteries will be confiscated and disposed of safely. You may also find that your luggage is delayed due to this.

How many vapes can you take on a plane?

The majority of airlines will allow you to take up to 20 batteries on the plane, so if you’re using a single battery device, this would be 20 vapes. However, a dual battery vape kit such as an advanced vape or sub ohm style vape would limit you to 10 vapes in total.

Can you take disposable vapes on an airplane?

Most UK airlines will allow you to take disposable vapes on the plane, just as they would with any other type of vape. Although, like with the vape batteries you can expect there to be a limit to the amount of single-use vapes that you’re allowed to board with in your hand luggage. 

Can you take vapes on a plane?

In the UK you’re legally allowed to take your vape kit on the plane, so long as you follow a few simple rules relating to the vape’s battery, the e-liquid you’re carrying with you and getting it checked at security first.

It’s actually a legal requirement that all electronic devices containing batteries are stored in hand luggage - this is due to the fact that many of them contain lithium-ion batteries which can become unstable if exposed to fluctuations in air pressure. So it’s essential that you store your vape and vape batteries in your carry-on luggage rather than your hold luggage, as leaving vapes and batteries in the hold could be dangerous.

How many disposable vapes can you bring on a plane?

15 - 20 disposable vapes is the limit for most airline companies, but it's best to check with the company that you’re flying with first for the exact number and to brush up on any of their policies relating to disposable vapes, and vapes in general.

Can you take vapes abroad?

You can take vapes abroad, but not every country will allow you to bring them into the country. We advise doing a little research on your destination country to find out what their laws or policies are regarding important vapes or using them in general, as there are a few places where vaping has been outright banned and simply possessing one goes against their laws.

Can you take cigarettes on a plane?

There are no laws or policies against taking cigarettes on the plane within the UK, only regarding their usage. So long as your cigarettes fit inside your hand luggage and you don’t attempt to smoke them either on the plane or in the terminal, you shouldn’t face any problems.

How much vape liquid can you take on a plane?

If you’re intending to take your vape juice onboard the plane in your hand luggage you’re limited to a 100ml bottle - bottles larger than this will likely be confiscated. Vape juices should also be stored in a clear plastic sealable bag and declared at security, along with your vapes, batteries and other electronic devices.

However, if you’re storing your e-liquid in your hold luggage you can carry more than 100ml, although you should still store your vape liquid carefully as the change in air pressure can cause some bottles to leak.

One of the most common mistakes that travellers make when setting out with their vape is not doing their research - which can lead to disappointment and delays further down the line. Always make sure you check whether the airline you’re flying with allows vapes, as well as the destination you’re travelling to. It’s also worth checking whether there are designated smoking and vaping shelters at the airports you are travelling from and to - just a little research can go a long way in making your sojourn as safe and stress-free as possible.
Remember to follow our top 5 dos and don’t when you’re planning your plane journey and your adventure should be simple and straightforward, as they’re all about minimising risk to yourself and others, as well as making sure you don;t waste time and money by either having your vapes confiscated or accidentally damaging them.

If you have further questions regarding your vapes you can contact a member of our customer service team who will be happy to help you with any advice or assistance that you may need - we’re also happy to guide you to the most user friendly and convenient vapes for that are travelling abroad, as well as which accessories you may or may not need to take with you.

That’s it from me until next time, happy vaping and safe travels!