Flying with vapes: Can you take a vape on a plane?

Flying with a vape should be a simple matter not a source of anxiety. This guide explains where your device and batteries should go, how to pack eliquids, what airports and airlines allow, and how nicotine pouches fit in, with practical tips and links to official rules. 

Travelling can feel busy enough. If you vape, there are a few extra questions to settle before you set off: where your kit belongs on the plane, how liquids are screened, and when you can and cannot use your device. This guide keeps things simple and points you to the official pages you can check for your journey.

In 2025 most UK airports still apply the 100ml liquids limit at security, while some have updated procedures as new scanner technology rolls out. The essentials of carry-on rules stay the same, but details vary by airport and airline, so take a moment to check your departure airport’s liquids guidance and your carrier’s battery policy before you travel.

Key takeaways 
Put your vape and any spare lithium batteries in your cabin bag. Keep devices switched off and protected 
Most UK airports still apply the 100ml liquids limit. Check your airport before you travel 
You cannot vape or charge devices on a plane. Follow crew instructions 
Nicotine pouches are usually acceptable for discreet personal use. Follow airline guidance and local laws 
Always check your airline’s dangerous goods or battery policy page before you fly

What goes where: vape kits, pods and batteries 
Carry your vape device in your hand luggage, never in checked baggage. Keep it switched off and consider a case or sleeve to prevent accidental firing. Spare cells belong in carryon only and should be protected in proper battery cases. See the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s guidance on lithium batteries for passengers. If you are upgrading before you travel, explore Pod Vape Kits, Prefilled Pod Kits, Replacement Pods, Tanks and Coils. For safe handling, read our Battery Safety guide.

Practical tips 
Turn the device off before you set out for the airport 
Use button lock if your kit supports it 
Carry spare batteries in insulated cases, never loose in a pocket or bag 
Keep pods upright in a small zip bag to reduce leaks

Eliquids at airport security in 2025 
Most UK airports still apply the 100ml per container rulefor liquids at security. Some airports have updated procedures, so always check your departure airport’s current instructions. If possible, pack bottles upright in a clear bag and keep caps tightly sealed.

Antileak tips 
Leave a little headspace in tanks and bottles for pressure changes 
Close caps firmly and keep bottles upright in a clear bag 
Carry tissues and a spare pod or coil if your device is sensitive to changes in air pressure

Can you vape in airports or on planes? 
Airports: indoor vaping is usually restricted in line with smoking rules. Use signed outdoor areas where provided and follow local signage and staff directions. 

On planes: do not use or charge vapes during the flight. Keep devices switched off from boarding to landing and follow crew instructions.

Nicotine pouches on a plane 
Nicotine pouches are commonly accepted for discreet personal use, but you should still follow airline guidance and crew instructions. Pack pouches in hand luggage and dispose of used pouches hygienically.

Before you leave: A Quick Packing Checklist 
Before you depart for travel, check: 

Device switched off, carried in your cabin bag 
Spare batteries in purpose made insulated cases 
Pods and cartridges sealed and upright; tanks partly emptied if your device is prone to leaks 
Eliquids in 100ml containers and in a clear liquids bag if required by your airport 
Charger and cable in hand luggage. Do not charge in flight 
Small cloth or tissues; consider a spare coil or pod 
Proof of age and any purchase receipts if you expect questions abroad

Airline policies: why details differ 
The core safety principles are consistent across carriers: devices and spare cells in cabin baggage, no use or charging on board. The precise limits and packaging requirements can differ, and some airlines set caps on the number of batteries or quote watthour limits. Check your airline’s dangerous goods or battery policy and follow that guidance.

Travelling internationally: laws differ by country 
Rules vary widely and can change. In some countries devices are legal but nicotine eliquid sales are restricted. Elsewhere vaping is prohibited with penalties for possession or use. Check official government or embassy pages for your destination and any connections before you fly.

Choosing a travel friendly setup: prefilled pods or refillable? 
For a low maintenance flight day, prefilled pods are a simple and tidy way to take vapes on a plane. Sealed pods tend to leak less during pressure changes and pack neatly in a clear liquids bag. Prefer a refillable setup? Leave a little headspace in your tank, keep bottles upright, and carry tissues. If you need spares, see our Prefilled Pod Kits, Replacement Pods, Tanks and Coils.

Connections, duty free and transfers 
Some itineraries require you to pass security again at a connection. If you do, liquids may be screened a second time, so keep eliquids in 100ml containers inside a clear bag where required. Duty free liquids should remain sealed in their tamper evident bag until your journey ends. Where airports on your route apply different rules, follow the stricter set to avoid delays.

How many devices and batteries can I bring?
A personal vaping device in your cabin bag with spare cells carried in protective cases is commonly acceptable, but airlines publish their own limits and packaging rules. Some specify a maximum number of batteries or quote watthour thresholds for power banks. Keep devices powered off, do not charge in flight and never place vapes or spare lithium cells in checked baggage. Check your airline’s policy before you pack.

If your destination bans vaping 
If possession or use is banned where you are going, do not travel with vape devices or eliquids. Consider smokeless alternatives for travel days, Always follow local laws when you arrive. Where sales are restricted but personal use is allowed, carry enough for your trip within airline liquid rules and pack items correctly.

Conclusion
Flying with a vape on a plane is manageable with a little preparation. Pack correctly, check your airport and airline before you fly, and you should be set for a smooth trip.