Travelling With E Cigarettes: Can You Take Vapes on a Plane?
- This article was written by: Alex Eastland
- Published on: August 17, 2017
- Last updated: October 15, 2026
We all look forward to a well-deserved holiday, but there are one or two things that can turn a relaxing trip into an overwhelming experience. As a vaper, one of those is figuring out the rules for travelling with vape devices and e-liquids. So, can you take vapes on a plane? Yes, but your vape device and spare batteries must be packed in your hand luggage rather than your checked luggage. You can also travel with e-liquids, although you’ll need to consider airport liquid restrictions. With guidance varying between airlines and airports, it’s not always easy to stay up-to-date with the rules. Each airline has its own restrictions and advice for packing your kit. We’ve compiled the ultimate vaping travel guide for all stages of your holiday – at the airport, on your flight, and at your holiday destination – to make your journey straightforward and stress-free.
At the Airport: Preparing to Travel with E-Cigarettes
Can you take vapes in hand luggage?
First things first: batteries. Any vape with a built-in or removable battery must be kept in your hand luggage and turned off. Airlines generally require lithium-ion batteries to be stored in carry-on luggage, not in the hold. We recommend packing spare batteries in a padded case to protect the metal terminals and prevent them from touching other metal objects. Many airlines allow each passenger to carry up to 15 battery-powered portable electronic devices and 20 spare batteries, but others set lower limits. Remember that this allowance isn’t solely for vape batteries – this is your total device battery allowance.
Top Tip: Empty Your Vape Tank Before Flying
Carrying refillable vape kits? Changes in cabin pressure can cause vape tanks and pods to leak, so we recommend emptying your tank before flying. E-cigarettes with pre-filled refills are less likely to leak. But if you want to be cautious, keep them upright where possible and place them in a sealed plastic bag to protect the rest of your hand luggage.
Can You Take Vape Liquid on a Plane?
Now for e-liquids. How much vape liquid you can take on a plane depends on whether it is packed in your hand or hold luggage. Liquid restrictions apply when taking e-liquids through airport security in your hand luggage. At most UK airports, liquids must be in containers holding no more than 100ml but some airports now allow containers of up to two litres. Where a liquids bag is required, your e-liquids must fit inside a single transparent, resealable bag holding no more than one litre and measuring approximately 20cm x 20cm. The hand luggage liquid limit does not apply to e-liquid packed in the hold, but make sure the bottles are tightly sealed to prevent leaks. Check the rules at your departure, connecting and return airports before travelling, as they may all vary.
How many disposable vapes can I bring on a plane?
Next up: disposables. Although single use vapes are no longer legally sold in the UK, you may still be travelling with one you already own or bought in another country. You can take disposable vapes on a plane, but keep in mind that each one counts as a battery-powered portable electronic device, so limits will apply depending on the airline you’re traveling with. As disposable vapes contain both e-liquid and a lithium battery, they must be safely sealed and stored in your hand luggage. Check your airline’s policy before travelling, particularly if you plan to take several devices. 
Can You Vape on a Plane?
Vaping on a plane is prohibited on all aircrafts, and you must not charge your vape device or batteries on board. Vape aerosol may trigger aircraft smoke detectors, and attempting to vape could result in fines or other penalties. Keep your device switched off and stored away throughout the flight. Here’s an example of the limits set by popular airlines operating in the UK. If your airline doesn’t specify a limit, check their latest guidance or get in touch with them before you fly.
Airline Vaping Policies
| Airline | Policy |
|---|---|
| British Airways | Vapes and e-cigarettes, including disposable devices, must be carried in your hand luggage and protected from accidental activation. British Airways allows up to 15 battery-powered personal devices per passenger. A maximum of four spare batteries is allowed and these must be protected against short circuits and kept in your hand luggage. E-liquids must follow the security rules at each airport you travel through. More information available here. |
| EasyJet | E-cigarettes and a maximum of two spare batteries in your cabin bag, but not in the hold. Refills and vape juices must be packed in a clear plastic bag along with your other liquids. Devices must be completely switched off. Refills and vape juices carried in your cabin bag must follow the liquid restrictions at each airport. Further information here. |
| Emirates | Vapes must be packed in carry-on luggage only and switched off where possible. Loose or spare batteries must also be kept in your carry-on luggage, with a maximum of 20 spare batteries per passenger across all devices. Refills and e-liquids must follow the liquid restrictions at each airport. Emirates states that liquids should be in containers of no more than 100ml and packed in a sealed, transparent bag holding up to one litre. See Emirates’ dangerous goods policy for more details. |
| Jet2 | E-cigarettes must be carried in hand luggage only. Jet2 allows up to 20 spare lithium batteries of no more than 100Wh, covering all spare batteries you are carrying rather than just vape batteries. These must also be kept in your hand luggage and individually protected. E-liquids must follow the security rules at each airport you travel through. Find out more. |
| Qantas | E-cigarettes must be packed in your hand luggage and protected from accidental activation. You can carry up to 15 battery-powered devices, including vapes, laptops and mobile phones. A maximum of 20 spare batteries is permitted across all your devices, and these must also be carried in your hand luggage. E-liquids must follow the liquid restrictions at the airports you travel through. More information here. |
| Qatar Airways | Vape devices and e-cigarettes should be packed in carry-on luggage only, with a maximum of 20 spare batteries across all devices. Refills and e-liquids carried in hand luggage must be in bottles no larger than 100ml and packed with your other liquids. |
| Ryanair | Vapes and e-cigarettes can be carried on board in your hand luggage, but not in checked baggage. You can take up to 20 spare lithium batteries, each no more than 100Wh. This allowance covers all spare batteries you are carrying, not just vape batteries. They must be individually protected and kept on your person or in the cabin bag under your seat, rather than in an overhead locker. E-liquids and refills can be included within your carry-on liquid allowance. More information available here. |
| TUI Airways | E-liquids or refills in hand luggage must be packed in a clear, resealable plastic bag as part of your liquid allowance. E-cigarettes and spare batteries must be carried in your hand luggage. Once on board, vape devices must be stored under the seat in front or in the seat-back pocket, rather than in an overhead locker. More information is available here. |
| Virgin Atlantic Airways | E-cigarettes and spare batteries must be packed in your hand luggage, not checked baggage. Vape devices must be protected from accidental activation and stored somewhere accessible during the flight rather than in an overhead locker. Up to five spare batteries are allowed across all your devices. Vape juices carried in hand luggage must follow the liquid restrictions at each airport, including any bottle-size or clear-bag requirements. Find out more here. |
During Your Journey: E-Cig and Vape Travel Rules
Can You Vape in Airports?
Vaping is generally only permitted in designated smoking areas at UK airports. Some airports have smoking areas after security, while others only provide them outside the terminal. Check your airport’s policy before travelling so you know whether you’ll be able to vape once you’ve passed through security. If you don’t want to leave the airport, you may want to bring a nicotine replacement product.
Where Can I Vape at UK Airports?
The following table outlines the vaping policies at the main UK airports. This information is correct as of August 2026, but facilities can change, so check your airport’s latest guidance before travelling.
UK Airport Vaping Rules and Smoking Areas
| Airline | Policy |
|---|---|
| Aberdeen Airport | Vaping is permitted within the dedicated smoking area which is near to the main departure lounge by gate 5. There is a charge of £2 to access the shelter, with funds supporting the facility’s upkeep. |
| Belfast International Airport | Vaping is only permitted within the designated areas outside the main terminal building before security. There are no smoking or vaping areas available after you pass through security. |
| Birmingham Airport | Birmingham Airport vape rules allow the use of e-cigarettes within designated smoking areas outside of the front of the terminal. Once you have checked in, you will not be allowed to vape until you reach your destination. |
| Bournemouth Airport | Vaping is permitted in the designated smoking area located beyond the World Duty Free store, near the departure gates. |
| Bristol Airport | Vaping is permitted in designated smoking areas outside the terminal. An additional smoking area is available after security, near Gate 22 just off the departure lounge. |
| Cardiff Airport | Vaping is permitted in designated smoking areas which are located outside the terminal and airside in the departure lounge. |
| City of Derry Airport | Vaping is permitted in designated areas outside of the terminals. Once you have checked in, you will not be allowed to vape until you reach your destination. |
| East Midlands Airport | Vaping is permitted in the outdoor airside smoking area which is located near Castle Rock. |
| Edinburgh Airport | Vaping is only permitted in designated areas outside Edinburgh’s terminal building. Once you have cleared security, you will not be allowed to vape until you reach your destination. |
| Exeter Airport | Vaping is not permitted in any part of the airport. |
| Glasgow Airport | Vaping is only permitted in the designated smoking areas outside the terminal. E-cigarettes must not be used inside the terminal or after you have passed through security. |
| Guernsey Airport | Vaping is permitted within designated smoking areas situated outside of the terminal. Once you have passed security, you will not be allowed to vape until you reach your destination. |
| Inverness Airport | Vaping is permitted in the dedicated smoking shelter situated near the terminal entrance, towards the direction of the Courtyard Hotel. |
| Isle of Man Airport | Vaping is permitted in designated areas located outside of the terminals. Once you have passed security, you will not be allowed to vape until you reach your destination. |
| Jersey Airport | Vaping is permitted in designated areas outside the buildings. Once you have passed through security, you will not be allowed to vape until you reach your destination. |
| Leeds Bradford Airport | Vaping is permitted in the designated smoking area outside of the terminal. There are no smoking areas available once you’ve passed through security. |
| Liverpool John Lennon Airport | Vaping is allowed in the designated smoking area after security, located next to Gate 12. |
| London City Airport | Vaping is permitted in the designated smoking area outside the main building. Once you have passed security, you will not be allowed to vape until you reach your destination. |
| Gatwick Airport | Vaping is permitted in designated areas outside the terminal buildings and on the outdoor terrace at My Lounge in the South Terminal, which can be accessed after security. |
| Heathrow Airport | Heathrow Airport vape rules only permit smoking or vaping in designated areas outside the terminal building. Once you have passed security, you will not be allowed to vape again until you reach your destination. |
| Luton Airport | Vaping is permitted within designated smoking shelters located outside the front of the terminal. Once you have checked in, you will not be allowed to vape until you reach your destination. |
| London Stansted | Vaping is permitted in designated smoking areas outside of the terminal building. Once you have passed security, you will not be allowed to vape until you reach your destination. |
| Manchester Airport | Manchester Airport vape rules permit the use of e-cigarettes in designated smoking areas outside the terminal buildings. Terminal 2 also has an outdoor smoking area after security, located on the upper level of the departure lounge. There are no smoking or vaping facilities after security in Terminal 3, so you will not be able to vape again until you reach your destination. |
| Newcastle International Airport | Vaping is permitted in designated smoking shelters at the front of the terminal building. After security, Bar 11 also has an outside smoking area towards the back of the venue. |
| Newquay Airport | Vaping is permitted in the designated smoking area next to the arrivals building. There are no smoking or vaping facilities after security, so you will not be able to vape again until you reach your destination. |
| Southampton Airport | Vaping is permitted outside of the terminal building. Once you have cleared security, you will not be allowed to vape until you reach your destination. |
Travelling With Vapes: Once You’ve Reached Your Destination
Can I vape in my hotel room?
Most hotels don’t allow vaping in bedrooms or other indoor areas. Using an e-cigarette in your room could trigger a smoke detector so always check their policies first. Vaping is usually permitted in designated smoking areas.
Stay in the shade
The combination of heat, sunlight, and air can alter the flavour of your e-liquids. Always keep your vape juice in a cool, shaded spot away from direct sunlight. You should also keep your vape device and batteries out of the sunlight and extreme temperatures too. Read our guide to storing vapes safely in hot weather for more advice.
Top Tip: Remember Your Charger!
If your vape device is rechargeable, remember to pack a charging cable and travel adaptor for your holiday. Use the cable supplied with your device or one recommended by the manufacturer.
Check Local Vaping Laws
Different countries have varying rules on vaping so always check local laws before you travel. Our guide to taking vapes abroad covers vaping laws in destinations around the world, including where vaping is banned or restricted. Also keep in mind that attitudes to vaping can differ significantly in other countries. Enjoy your holiday and use your e-cigarette as permitted but be considerate of the people around you. 
Staying in the UK?
We love a staycation! Check out our Vaping in the UK Guide. It includes policies for public transport, sports stadiums, concert venues and restaurants. Please note that the rules on travelling with e-cigarettes change frequently. This article is updated regularly, and its content is accurate as of August 2026.
