Can You Bring Vapes on a Plane?

Whether you’re heading abroad for a quick weekend getaway or relocating overseas, one modern travel companion sparks questions at airport security: the vape. As more vapers opt for versatile electronic cigarettes, one pressing concern remains: Can you take vapes on a plane?

In short, yes, you can. But as with most things aviation-related, the devil is in the details. From luggage restrictions to legal grey areas in destination countries, this guide breaks down everything you need to know before flying with a prefilled vape pen. To get an even deeper understanding of puff bars’ ins and outs, check out our detailed guide to vape kits.

The short answer? Yes, vapes are allowed on planes, but not without caveats. Airlines prohibit using e-cigarettes on board but allow passengers to carry them in their hand luggage. That means vape pens should never be packed in your checked baggage. The reason? Lithium-ion batteries in all prefilled pod kits pose a fire risk and are strictly regulated in the cargo hold. Make sure you buy your kits from trusted vape brands to ensure you get reliable, high-quality devices that meet safety standards for travel.

Can I Take Disposable Vape Pens in Hand Luggage?

Absolutely. If you're still unsure, single-use vapes should always be in your hand luggage, not checked bags. You’ll need to carry them through security, and in most cases, place them in a clear plastic bag along with your liquids. That plastic bag should hold no more than a litre and measure approximately 20cm x 20cm.

When packing your vape supplies in hand luggage, you need to be especially careful with spare batteries. If you are carrying extra lithium-ion batteries, they must be protected from short-circuiting. You can achieve this by keeping them in the packaging they came in, or, better still, you can place each battery in a separate plastic case or protective pouch. The key is to never allow loose batteries to roll around in your bag where they can contact keys, coins, or other metal objects.

While vape on plane usage is prohibited, getting your device through security doesn’t have to be stressful. Vape bars typically contain small amounts of e-liquid—usually 2ml or less- so they generally don’t trigger liquid restrictions unless you carry multiples.

Place your kits in a clear plastic bag at security if requested (especially if they contain visible liquid). For refillable vapes, remember the 100ml liquid rule still applies to your e-juices. .

Most UK airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick, have banned the use of vapes inside terminals. Some might have designated smoking areas outside, but it’s best to assume zero tolerance until proven otherwise.

When you are going through security, don't be surprised if the officials ask you to remove your vape device from your bag for separate screening. So, having your vape kit easily accessible can speed up this process.

Even though international guidance is fairly consistent, each airline sets its own policies regarding how many vapes you can bring onboard. British Airways, for example, allows up to 15 battery-powered devices, including smartphones, laptops—and yes—disposable vapes.

If you’re wondering, “How many disposable pod devices can I bring on a plane?” The key is to check your airline's lithium battery limit. In most cases, that’s around 15-20 devices, but always verify. If you’re travelling with multiple vapes, include all electronics in your count.

Avoid carrying more than necessary unless you're bringing extras for a long trip. Border security may view large quantities with suspicion, especially in countries with tight tobacco and vape regulations.

You also need to be aware of watt-hour (Wh) ratings for powerful mods or large power banks you might be carrying. Most airlines have a limit, typically around 100Wh, for individual batteries. Batteries in standard pod systems and disposables are well under this limit, but high-power box mods with large batteries may need to be checked against the airline's policy.

Which Countries Ban Vapes?

When considering “can you take e-cigarettes on a plane?”, it's just as important to think about whether your destination allows vapes. While you can take electronic cigarettes on planes, you might not be able to use them once you land. Local laws vary wildly; in some countries, even possessing a vape can get you fined or worse.

Here are 10 major countries where vaping is either completely banned or heavily restricted.

Before packing your device, do your research. It’s important to ask yourself whether e-cigarettes are allowed at your destination. Confiscation is the best-case scenario; legal consequences can be far worse.

What Happens If You Break The Rules When Flying With Vapes?

Failing to comply with airline or airport rules isn’t just inconvenient. It can lead to:

• Confiscation of your vape at security or boarding gates
• Fines for exceeding battery limits or mislabelled liquids
• Delays or denied boarding

More seriously, if you arrive in a country where vapes are banned, your vaping kits can be seized at customs. Some travellers have faced legal penalties ranging from steep fines to detention.

When you are mid-flight, it is also strictly prohibited to charge your vape or any device with a lithium battery using the USB ports on the aircraft. Airlines explicitly ban this due to the heightened fire risk.

If you’re flying, a good rule of thumb is that the less you need to fuss with e-liquid bottles, tanks, and coils, the better. This is where prefilled pod kits come in. A good prefilled pod kit keeps everything sealed and secure, so cabin pressure won’t squeeze juice into your bag.

The following three prefilled pod kits are regarded highly by travellers for their convenience and staying power:

• Hayati Pro Max Plus 6000
– This kit uses a 10 ml refill container that feeds a 2 ml pod, paired with an 850 mAh battery. You get roughly six thousand puffs of 20 mg nic salt, which is enough for most week-long trips.
• IVG Air 4-in-1
– This vape comes with four prefilled 2 ml pods slotted into one 1,100 mAh device. About 2,400 puffs in total, and you can rotate flavours on the spot, so you don’t need to carry extra juice.
• Vaporesso Dojo Blast 10K
– In this kit, an 8 ml e-liquid container feeds a 2 ml pod. It is powered by a 1,000 mAh battery and produces an impressive ten thousand puffs. Its embedded mesh coil keeps the flavour consistent for long holidays.

Choose a sturdy, sealed pod kit and you’ll spend less time worrying about leaks or charging and more time enjoying the trip.

How Many Vapes Can I Bring On a Plane?

Technically, if your airline allows 15 lithium battery kits and you’re not carrying a laptop or spare phones, you could bring that many puff bars. But practically, that raises red flags with both airlines and customs officials, especially in countries with strict nicotine import laws.

A good rule of thumb? Bring only what you’ll reasonably use, and keep your receipts or packaging to show they’re for personal use.

As mentioned earlier, not every country welcomes disposable e-cigarettes with open arms. Let’s say your destination bans disposables or your airline restricts them. What are your options?

• Check if your destination sells legal alternatives. Many countries regulate vapes but still sell them, though often with different nicotine strengths or ingredients.
• Switch to a nicotine-free vape for travel, if legal.
• Use nicotine pouches or patches for your trip; they are easier to carry and less regulated.

Of course, always have a backup plan. Knowing where to purchase legal alternatives on arrival can save you stress and cravings.

Quick Tips for Travelling With Vaping Devices

• Always pack them in your carry-on bag
• Store them in a transparent bag at security if needed. The bag must not be knotted
• Power off your vape device completely before packing it to prevent accidental activation
• If you are bringing a refillable tank, it is highly recommended to empty it before flying. The reason is that cabin pressure changes can cause even the best tanks to leak
• Avoid using them in terminals or on planes
• Research destination laws before flying
• Check your airline’s battery limit
• Don’t bring more than you need
• Be prepared to explain your devices to customs officers

Final Words

So, are vapes allowed on planes? Yes, but only if you do your homework. Airlines and airports have clear-cut rules, but destination laws can catch you out if you’re unprepared.

By understanding restrictions and planning ahead, you can enjoy the convenience of disposable vapes without the hassle. Because nothing ruins a holiday faster than watching your vape get tossed into a customs bin, or worse.