Can You Take a Vape on a Plane? A Vaping and Travel Guide

Are you contemplating a getaway this year but feel apprehensive about bringing your cherished vape along? Should your journey include air travel, LiQuid has put together an insightful guide detailing the regulations relating to air travel with e-cigarettes.

Photo: Renz Macorol

Is it possible to bring my vape on a plane?

Indeed, it is. As a matter of fact, you must store your e-cigarette in your hand luggage when travelling by air. E-cigarettes are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which pose a fire risk if damaged, hence they are required to be carried within the plane cabin.

E-liquid refills can be packed in either checked or hand luggage, although specific policies may vary amongst different airlines, so it’s advisable to verify before embarking on your journey. E-liquids placed in hand luggage are currently still subject to liquid restrictions, meaning they must be under 100ml and stored in a transparent plastic bag alongside other liquids.

Regardless of whether they’re stored in hand or checked luggage, e-liquids should be placed in plastic bags since alterations in cabin pressure might occasionally trigger leakage. For this same reason, it’s recommended to entirely empty your e-cigarette tank prior to flying.

Can I bring my disposable vape on the plane?

Several individuals opt for the increasingly popular devices as travel vaping solutions due to their portable and user-friendly design. A disposable e-cig can be brought onto the plane, provided that the rules applicable to other vaping products are adhered to. This implies that they must be brought on as hand luggage because batteries are not legally permitted in the cargo hold due to safety considerations.

Given that they contain e-liquid that cannot be separated as they are integrated sealed units, you’re required to place your disposable vapes in the customary transparent plastic bag designated for toiletries and other liquids. This naturally means you must ensure that the total amount of e-liquid you’re carrying doesn’t exceed 100ml. However, considering that most disposables contain a maximum of 2ml each, you should be able to bring sufficient single-use devices for the duration of your trip.

Am I allowed to vape on the plane?

No airlines permit vaping on planes, and anyone found vaping on an aircraft is subject to severe penalties and fines.

Am I allowed to use my vape in the airport?

Several UK airports impose restrictions on vaping. At Gatwick, Heathrow, and Manchester airports, travellers are permitted to vape in the assigned smoking areas outside the airports but are prohibited from doing so inside the terminals. This is the most common airport vaping policy, although it’s worth checking specific airports prior to your journey.

What are the specific airline policies on vaping?

Vaping is prohibited on planes, and e-cigarettes should be carried in hand luggage. Specific airlines phrase their policies in slightly different manners, so we’ve provided a brief overview of several airline policies for clarity. If you have concerns about travelling with an e-cig, it’s crucial to review the specific airline policy prior to travelling.

British Airways

E-cigarettes should be stored in your hand luggage (not in checked baggage) and safeguarded from accidental activation. If there are liquid components, you need to adhere to the safety requirements for liquids. E-cigarettes or similar items are not allowed to be used on board.

EasyJet

You’re allowed to bring e-cigarettes and a maximum of two spare batteries in your cabin bag – they are not allowed in the cargo hold. Smoking any type of cigarette on the plane is prohibited.

Emirates

E-cigarettes are not permitted in checked luggage. Batteries should be safeguarded to prevent accidental activation. All Emirates flights are non-smoking, and this extends to the use of e-cigarettes.

Jet2

As per safety regulations, passengers are required to carry e-cigarettes in the cabin/hand luggage and not in their checked baggage. Use of e-cigarettes during the flight is strictly forbidden.

Virgin Atlantic

Electronic cigarettes can be brought onboard; however, their usage is prohibited.

What is the vaping etiquette globally?

The norms for vaping vary across different countries and regulations relating to the use of e-cigarettes are frequently updated. It’s always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the laws at your destination when travelling with an e-cigarette. In certain countries, such as Thailand and Singapore, vaping is entirely prohibited. In others, like Malaysia and South Africa, vaping is permitted only with nicotine-free e-liquids.

It’s crucial to research the regulations about vaping permissions, locations where it is allowed and the rules for importing and selling e-cigarettes. Local laws on e-cigarette usage often undergo changes, which is why it’s essential to stay updated with the policies before travelling.

Contrary to the UK, vaping isn’t as prevalent in certain other countries. If you’re visiting a place where vaping is a novelty, be ready to field questions and make sure to respect local traditions.

Owing to various reasons ranging from health to taxation, a considerable number of countries have either restricted or banned vaping products outright.

Countries where vaping is banned or restricted:

Banned: Argentina, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Panama, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Vietnam.

Restricted: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Norway, Japan, and USA.

How do I purchase e-liquids and refills abroad?

To maintain your vaping routine during your holiday, it’s vital to have sufficient e-liquid. Checking local regulations on vaping will inform you whether you can purchase or carry e-liquids into your destination country. If purchases are not allowed, ensure you pack enough e-cigarette refills for your trip in either your checked or hand luggage.

In European countries, you’re likely to find e-liquid refills at licensed tobacconists. It’s important to remember that not all countries share the UK’s limits on nicotine strength. Exercise caution with e-liquids having nicotine strengths higher than you’re accustomed to and never bring them back into the UK, as this constitutes a breach of the Tobacco Products Directive.

Remember to pack your e-cigarette in your hand luggage, stay informed about liquid restrictions concerning refills and abstain from using an e-cigarette on flights. Don’t forget to cross-check that your destination doesn’t have any unforeseen laws or surprises for unsuspecting vapers upon arrival – and ensure you have enough liquid to last if procuring it at your destination is not a possibility.