Travelling With E Cigarettes
As a vaper, you're most likely going to want to make sure that you can take your e-cigarettes and vaping supplies with you when you head abroad. Whether you're taking a flight for a holiday or a business trip, we recommend you check the following before you pack your vape supplies.
What to Consider When Travelling With E-Cigarettes
Checked or Carry-On? Packing Your Vape Gear For a Flight
You probably already know that using your e cig or vape on an airplane is a big no-no, but you might be wondering how to pack your e cigs and e liquids in your luggage. Airlines tend to require lithium-ion batteries to be carried in hand luggage, so you'll most likely find you'll need to keep your vape batteries in there. You'll also find that you are limited to carrying no more than two batteries.
If you're taking larger hold or checked luggage you can pack your liquids in here. It's a good idea to pack them in a plastic bag and protect them to make sure they don't leak on your clothes.
If you're flying with hand luggage only, don't forget that you'll need to pack your vape juices in a clear bag with your other liquids.
Empty Your Vape Tank Before Flying
The air pressure in-flight can cause vape tanks and clearomizers to leak, so we recommend emptying your tank before flying.
If you use an e-cigarette with refills, you don't need to worry as these shouldn't leak.
Check Your Airline's Travelling With E-Cigs Policies
Whether you're off on holiday or taking a business trip, always check your airline's e cig policy before travelling with e cigarettes.
You should also check out the specific vaping and e cigarette laws for the country you're travelling to. You can find out more about vaping laws in different countries in our guide to vaping abroad.
Major Airline E-Cig Policies
We've put together the following list of the main UK flight providers and the specific airline ecig polices of each for you to refer to for more information.
| Flight Operator | Policy (correct as of September 2021) |
|---|---|
| British Airways | You can take electronic cigarettes in your carry-on luggage but are advised to seal e-liquids in a clear bag with a limit of 100ml per bottle. You can take a maximum of 15 batteries (including other devices), packed either in hand or checked luggage provided they are installed within a device. Loose lithium ion batteries must be kept in hand luggage only. 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 | You can carry 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. |
Check Your Airport's Vaping Policies
We have also put together the following table showing the main UK airports and their e cigarette policies. Refer to this list to quickly & easily check the vaping rules at your departure airport.
UK Airport Vaping Policies
| Flight Operator | Policy |
|---|---|
| Birmingham Airport | You can only vape in the designated smoking areas. You can find these outside the terminal building but once you have passed check-in you won't be able to vape until you reach your destination. |
| Bristol Airport | You can vape in the designated smoking areas which can be found by the arrivals exit, through the bar on the mezzanine floor and by Starbucks on the first floor. |
| Exeter Airport | You cannot smoke or use e-cigarettes in any part of the airport. If you are flying from Exeter airport, you can vape in the smoking area through the bar in the departures lounge. |
| London Gatwick | Vaping is only permitted outside the terminal buildings in the designated smoking zones. |
| London Heathrow | Passengers are not permitted to use electronic cigarettes within the premises. E cigarettes can only be used in the smoking areas outside the terminal. There are no smoking areas after security. |
| London Stanstead | You can vape in the designated smoking areas outside the terminal. There are no smoking areas after you have been through security. |
| Manchester Airport | You can vape in the smoking areas available outside all three terminal buildings before check-in and after arrivals. |
Check Vaping Laws For The Country You're Travelling to
Different countries have different rules on vaping so always check local laws before you travel.
Visit our guide to taking your e cigarette abroad for a comprehensive list of countries and their specific vaping laws.
Vaping in the UK
You will find information about UK vaping policies in our guide to where can you vape in the UK. This includes policies for public transport, sports stadiums, concert venues and restaurants.
