Can You Take Vapes on a Plane? Travelling with E-Cigarettes
This article was written by Rachel Jackson | Published: August 17, 2017 | Last updated: May 6, 2026
We all look forward to a well-deserved holiday, but there’s one or two things that can turn a relaxing trip into an overwhelming experience.
As a vaper, one of those is figuring out the various rules and regulations for travelling with vape devices and e-liquids. With vaping laws constantly changing, it's not always easy to stay up-to-date with the different regulations. Can you take vapes on a plane? Each airline has its own rules 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.
So, without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about travelling with e-cigarettes.
At the Airport: Preparing to Travel with E-Cigarettes
How do I get my vapes on a plane?
First things first: batteries. Any vape with a built-in battery (and any device with a battery installed!) should be kept in your hand luggage and turned off.
Airlines generally require lithium-ion batteries to be stored in carry-on luggage, not in hold baggage. We recommend packing spare batteries in a padded case to protect the metal terminals and prevent them from touching other metal objects.
Most airlines have a limit on the total number of batteries you can carry. While this varies from airline to airline, this is typically between 15 and 20 batteries. Remember that this allowance isn’t solely for vape batteries – this is your total battery allowance.
Top Tip: Empty Your Vape Tank Before Flying
Carrying refillable vape kits? Air pressure in-flight can cause vape tanks and clearomizers to leak, so we recommend you empty your tank before flying.
You don’t need to worry about e-cigarettes with pre-filled refills as these shouldn't leak.
Now for e-liquids. If you plan to take e-liquids on holiday, you have the choice of packing these within your carry-on bag or your hold luggage. Bear in mind there are no airport restrictions on the total number of e-liquids you can take in your hold luggage, but there are liquid limits for hand luggage.
Airports with liquid restrictions for hand luggage typically require you to contain liquids within a transparent, resealable bag measuring approximately 20x20cm and holding no more than 1L.
This applies to all airports across the UK as of June 2024. While some airports had previously scrapped this rule after introducing new 3D scanners, they have since had to revert to the original liquid rule.
Next up: disposables. Disposable vapes need to be packed in carry-on baggage within the same resealable bag that your liquid items are stored in. This is because disposable vapes contain a both a battery and liquid, neither of which can be removed.
How many disposable vapes can I take on an aeroplane?
You can take disposable vapes with you on a plane, but how many you can take depends on the airline's policy regarding travelling with lithium batteries.
Most airlines allow you to take 15 to 20 batteries – this includes disposable devices. Disposables contain both e-liquid and a lithium battery, so must be safely sealed and stored in your hand luggage
Remember: No Vaping on Board
The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited on all aircraft, so keep them in your hand luggage when you board the plane.
Here’s an example of the limits set by popular UK airlines. If the airline doesn’t specify a limit, it's a good idea to give them a call before you fly.
| British Airways | You can take electronic cigarettes in your carry-on luggage. E-cigs form part of your battery allowance of 15 batteries and should be stored within your hand luggage. Disposables and e-liquids must be stored in a clear, sealable bag with a limit of 100ml per bottle. More information available here. |
| Eastern Airways | Electronic cigarettes may be carried on board but must be carried on person, not in your luggage. Unfortunately, their website states that refills are not permitted so it's unlikely you'll be able to take e-liquids or refills with you at all. |
| 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. Further information here. |
| Emirates | Loose/spare batteries must be packed in carry-on luggage only, with a maximum of 20 batteries. They must be turned off or, if your e-cigarette doesn't have this function, protected from activation. Refills and liquids must be packed within your liquid allowance in a sealed, clear plastic bag and kept in your cabin bag. |
| Jet2 | E-cigarette batteries can be carried in hand luggage only, with a maximum of 2 batteries in total. Where the battery is sealed within the device, this can be packed in checked luggage but must be switched off and protected from damage. Refills and liquids in hand luggage must not exceed 100ml per bottle and must be presented at security in a clear plastic bag along with other liquids. Find out more. |
| Qantas | E-cigarette products must be packed in your hand luggage. You can take no more than 20 batteries onboard. Liquids must not exceed 100ml and must be presented along with all other liquids in a clear plastic bag. More information here. |
| Qatar | Vape devices and e-cigarettes should be packed in carry-on luggage only, with a maximum of 20 batteries. Refills and e-liquids must also be kept in hand luggage with a maximum bottle size of 100ml. |
| Ryanair | You can take up to 20 batteries on board. These can be packed in your hand luggage but not in your checked baggage. E-liquids and refills can be included in your carry-on luggage liquid allowance. More information available here. |
| TUI Airways | E-Liquids or refills in hand luggage must be packed in a clear plastic bag as part of your liquid allowance. Bottles must contain no more than 100ml. You can take a larger quantity of e-liquid or bigger bottles if you have checked luggage. Batteries should be kept in your hand luggage. More information is available here. |
| Virgin Atlantic Airways | Batteries can be packed in your hand luggage. Vape juices can also be brought on in your hand luggage but must not exceed 100ml per bottle and must be packed in a clear bag along with any other liquids. Find out more here. |
During Your Journey: E-Cig and Vape Travel Rules
Can you vape at the airport?
Vaping is permitted in designated smoking areas at most airports. Some airports only have smoking areas outside the terminals. If you don't want to leave the airport, bring a nicotine replacement product.
The use of any electronic cigarettes (including disposables) is prohibited on a plane. The vapour contains particles that can be detected by some smoke detectors, so it’s not worth the risk of being fined or missing out on your trip.
Where can I vape in UK Airports?
The following table outlines the vaping policies of the main UK airports. This information is correct as of June 2024.
| Aberdeen Airport | Vaping is permitted within the dedicated smoking area which is adjacent to the main departure lounge near gate 5. There is a charge of £1 to access the shelter, with funds supporting the facility’s upkeep. |
| Belfast Airport | Vaping is permitted in the airside smoking facility, situated after security beside the Lagan Bar. There is a charge of £1 to access the facility. |
| 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 | Bristol Airport vape rules permit the use of e-cigarettes in the designated smoking area situated on the ground floor to the right of the Starbucks near Gate 4. |
| 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 | Unfortunately, Glasgow Airport vape rules forbid the use of e-cigarettes at Glasgow Airport. Vaping products cannot be taken past security nor onto an aircraft. |
| 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 checked in, you will not be allowed to vape until you reach your destination. |
| Leeds Bradford Airport | Vaping is permitted in the designated smoking area within the departures area. It can be accessed from the first or the ground floor. |
| Liverpool John Lennon Airport | Vaping is permitted in the designated smoking area which can be accessed from the lower level, past the Kissing Gate Bar & Restaurant. |
| 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 within the outdoor terrace of the My Lounge airport lounge. There are no smoking facilities once you have passed through security, and vaping is not permitted in the building. |
| Heathrow Airport | Heathrow Airport vape rules allow the use of e-cigarettes in designated smoking areas in Terminal 2 and Terminal 5. Once checked in to Terminal 3 or 4, you will not be allowed to vape 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 Stanstead | 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, located near the food court in Terminal 1 and opposite World Duty Free in Terminal 2. Unfortunately, there are no designated areas within Terminal 3, and you will not be allowed to vape after clearing security. |
| Newcastle International Airport | Vaping is permitted in designated smoking shelters at the front of the terminal building. 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. |
| 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. |
Once You’ve Reached Your Destination
Can I vape in my hotel room?
Unfortunately, most hotels don’t allow it 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 keep your vape batteries out of sunlight and extreme temperatures too. Learn more in our Vape Battery Safety Guide.
Top Tip: Remember Your Charger!
Unless you use disposables, you’re going to need to charge your e-cigarette. We recommend taking a high-quality charging cable and travel adapter with you.
Differing attitudes
Different countries have different rules on vaping so always check local laws before you travel. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of countries and their specific vaping laws in our guide: Taking E-cigarettes Abroad.
No Data
Legal
Restricted
Illegal
Also keep in mind that attitudes to vaping vary significantly in different countries. Enjoy your holiday and use your e-cigarette as permitted but have consideration for 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 June 2024.
