In a nutshell, yes, you are allowed to bring your vape when you are flying from or within the UK. But there are a few caveats to this simple answer. The device must be in your hand luggage and you have to switch it off before coming on board. And turning to the question, can you vape on a plane? Vaping mid-flight is treated the same as smoking, so you should avoid charging your vape on the aircraft as well.
Apart from that, you have to adhere to the strict rules about spare batteries you might want to bring with you. The same applies to e-liquids, as there are limits to how much and in what container you can bring vape juice. This practical guide will tell you everything you need to know about flying with vapes, and how to do it legally and safely.
The Rules You Need in One Sentence
One critical point to keep in mind after you buy vapes online and then fly with them is that you cannot carry them in your hold luggage. They only go in your hand-carry. And you cannot take more than 100ml of e-liquid on a flight.
Ignore any of these rules, and you are risking confiscation of your much-loved vape(s), fines, and even being refused travel. So, it is worth considering only taking the best vape pens with you and being mindful of where you store them.
Why the Rules Exist
Lithium batteries can overheat and, in rare cases, ignite. In the cabin, a crew can respond quickly if something goes wrong. That is why regulators and airlines insist devices live in your hand luggage, and why some carriers limit spare batteries. The UK regulator has repeatedly warned passengers to keep vapes and spare batteries in their cabin baggage.
What to Pack and How to Pack it (Practical)
- Put every device in your carry-on pouch. Do not put any vape in checked luggage. Airport security and airlines will enforce this.
- Switch devices off completely. A device in “sleep” mode can still activate. Use a travel case or remove the pod or coil/coil if possible, to reduce the risk of accidental activation.
- Spare batteries: carry them in your hand luggage and protect the terminals. The most convenient way is to use some tape to cover the contacts or, better still, use a separate plastic case for each battery. Now, you can only carry the number of spare batteries that your particular airline allows. So, always check before you travel. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) recommends that any spare batteries be carried in cabin baggage only (so as to avoid fire hazard in the cargo hold).
- E-liquids: Your e-liquid bottles must not exceed 100 ml and should be carried in a clear liquid bag. Now, even if you are travelling with multiple vape juice bottles, the same rule still applies. If you travel with multiple bottles, remember the liquids rule still applies. You can avoid leaks in bottles by carefully pre-sealing them.
Airline differences you should check now
Most UK and international carriers follow the same base rules, but details vary. For example, easyJet states devices must be carried in the cabin, be switched off, and recharging on board is banned.
British Airways requires devices to be protected against accidental activation and notes vaping on board is prohibited. Always check your airline’s dangerous goods page before you pack. Reputable brands of high-quality, safe vaping products, such as Voopoo vapes, are known for their attention to detail and built-in safety features.
Flying with Disposable Vapes
Disposable vapes have been banned from sale in the UK since June 1, 2025. But if you still have some disposable vapes, you might find that tightened rules around these throwaway devices are in place. The reason is fire incidents caused by non-replaceable batteries, which can lead to shorts.
However, all the same rules apply to disposables as to any other vape. So, carry them in your hand luggage, all turned off, and you should be ready for inspection. Now check the laws on disposables in your country of arrival, as well as those that may be banned for sale or import (also, if you are taking many disposables for resale, that triggers different rules altogether).
Can You Fly With a Vape, and How Many Can You Bring?
There is no single UK limit on the number of personal vaping devices you can carry, but airlines can and do set limits on the number of batteries or devices per person. Don’t show up with a suitcase full of devices and expect smooth security. For typical personal needs (one or two devices plus a couple of spare batteries), you will be fine if everything is properly packed. Check the airline if you have more than a handful.
Can You Vape on a Plane?
No. Vaping is prohibited on UK airlines and on most international flights. That includes lavatories and using devices while boarding or disembarking. If cabin crew see you vaping, they can impose penalties, report you to the airline and local authorities, or refuse future carriage. The rule exists to keep the cabin environment safe and to prevent nuisance to other passengers.
If Security Questions Your Device
Security staff sometimes lack training on vapes and may ask you to remove or demonstrate a device. Remain calm. Explain it is an e-cigarette, show it powered off, and hand over batteries if requested. If a device is confiscated, ask for a written receipt if possible.
If you have documentation from the manufacturer showing battery specs, keep it in your phone, it can help if security wants to know watt-hours. The FAA and other regulators give guidance on battery watt-hours for international flights; if your device uses high-capacity batteries, check with the airline first.
Destination Rules Matter
Some countries ban vaping outright or restrict nicotine products. Even if the UK allows you to bring a device on the plane, you can still face fines or arrests on arrival if your destination forbids vaping. Research the local laws for your destination before you leave.
Final Checklist Before You Go
- Device(s) in hand luggage, powered off.
- Spare batteries taped or in cases, carried in the cabin only.
- E-liquids in 100 ml bottles inside a clear bag.
- No charging or vaping on board.
- Check airline policy and destination law.
Travel Smart, Vape Smart!
Before you pack your vape, make sure you know the airline’s rules on carrying e-cigarettes and e-liquids. Always keep your vape device in your hand luggage and avoid using it onboard. Stay informed, travel responsibly, and enjoy a stress-free flight with your favourite vape waiting for you when you land.
