Have you booked a well earned holiday abroad and asking yourself “what are the rules for travelling abroad with my vape and e-liquids?” or “can I take my vapes on holiday with me?”. If so, we will answer all your questions, providing you with the most up-to-date information on travelling with vapes, for a stress-free and relaxing journey.
The rules on flying with vape kits, e-liquids and batteries is constantly changing so it’s always best to check before you fly.
General Rules When Travelling on Holiday With Your Vape
If you are travelling on holiday by aeroplane always check with your airline for information regarding travelling with your e-cigarette and e-liquids.
What are the Rules for Travelling With Vapes?
Most airlines follow similar air travel vape rules that state:
- Vape devices and e-liquids must be packed in your carry-on hand luggage when travelling abroad by aeroplane
- E-cigarettes must not be packed in your checked in baggage
- Vaping is completely prohibited on board the aircraft. No vaping on aeroplanes!
- Vaping is not permitted in airport lounges, only allowed in designated smoking areas
- Vaping devices need to be switched off at all times on the flight
- E-cigarettes need to be carried in a protective case at all times during the flight to prevent damage or accidental activation
- Recharging of vape batteries is not permitted on-board the aircraft
- You are allowed to carry between 2-20 lithium batteries on the plane in your hand luggage. (Check with your airline and destination country as this number differs dramatically)
- Before travelling always check the laws of the country you are travelling to for local regulations. Some countries have completely banned the use and import of vapes. There have been reported instances of customs confiscating vapes and even giving hefty fines so always check before you travel.
Can You Take E-Liquids on an Aeroplane?
Yes, you can take e-liquid on an aeroplane as long as you comply with the following e-liquids on flights rules:
- E-liquids must be stored in your carry-on bag with a total capacity of no more than 100ml (3.4oz)
- E-liquids must be stored in a single, transparent and resealable plastic bag no larger than 20 x 20cm (8.8-inch) with a total capacity of 1 litre
- The bag you carrying your e-liquids must completely seal shut, be shown at the airport security point, and fit in your hand baggage
- The bag you are carrying your e-liquids must be removed from your baggage and screened separately at airport security check points. Some UK airports (Birmingham, Bristol, London Luton) have advanced imaging scanning technology that will allow you to leave your e-liquids in your hand luggage bag when passing through airport security but its best to be prepared for all scenarios
- Make sure that your e-liquid bottles are properly sealed when travelling by aeroplane. The changes in cabin pressure can cause e-liquid to escape more easily
Can You Take Vape Kits on an Aeroplane?
Yes, you can take vape kits on an aeroplane as long as you comply with the following vape kits on flight rules:
- Batteries and vape kits must be kept on person and stored in your carry-on hand luggage
- You can carry a maximum of 4 spare batteries per person that are securely stored and protected. They must be stored to ensure they don’t into contact with metal which can cause the batteries to short circuit
- If your cabin bag is removed or checked in at the gate and placed in checked-in baggage you must remove all vape batteries and carry them with you on board the aircraft cabin in your hand luggage. This is due to potential fire hazards
- E-cigarettes must be completely switched off and never used on board a commercial aircraft
- Vape devices must be protected from accidental activation. Turn the devices off or store them in a protective case to ensure they don’t activate unexpectantly
- Check your batteries are in good condition before travelling. Damaged batteries can pose a serious risk during the flight
Can You Take Disposable Vapes on an Aeroplane?
Yes, you can take disposable vapes on aeroplanes as long as you comply with the following disposable vape on flight rules:
- Disposable vapes on planes fall under the same restrictions as vape kits
- Disposable vapes must be packed in your carry-on hand luggage
- Disposable vapes must placed in a transparent resealable plastic bag with your liquids when passing through airport security
- Do not use your disposable vape on the aircraft, only use within designated smoking areas clearly signposted at the airport
- If your disposable vape has an on/off function, always switch it off when flying
- Do not charge your disposable vape on the aeroplane
- Check with your specific airline as to how many disposable vapes you are allowed to travel with as this number varies considerably between airlines. 5-10 devices should be completely fine, but if you want to take in excess of 20 disposables it is advised to check with your airline before flying
Vape-Friendly Travel Tips:
We have complied a list of tips of best practices for flying with vapes:
- We recommend to empty your vape tanks and vape pods of all e-liquid before flying as the changes in air pressure will cause the liquid to escape. Prefilled and disposable vapes are closed systems and shouldn’t leak
- Always take at least one spare vape kit with you in case you lose your device, your vape kit gets wet by the swimming pool or your vape kit gets damaged
- Take a high quality charger with a UK travel adapter with you
- If you are travelling to somewhere with no vape shops its important to pack everything you need to last the duration of your trip including; coils, e-liquids, spare tanks and pods
- Don’t leave your e-liquid or vape kit exposed to extreme temperatures in the sun
- Nicotine pouches, nicotine strips and nicotine gum are an excellent nicotine delivery option for times you can’t vape like on the aeroplane, at the airport or in your hotel room
- Vape lanyards may not be the coolest accessory, but can come in handy when travelling abroad with your vape. Alternatively use a protective carry case to store all your vape parts and keep them safe
- It’s safe to assume you can’t vape in a place you can’t smoke. This applies at the airport and on holiday. Always check country-specific vape travel rules.
- Some countries have specific age restrictions on purchasing and possessing vape products, so always check before travelling
- Check with your hotel regarding their vaping policy in the rooms and on the premises
Can I Vape at UK Airports?
Airport vaping policies in the UK treat vaping the same as traditional smoking. Vaping rules at UK airports permit vaping only in designated smoking/vaping areas. These areas are typically located outside the main terminal entrance or in clearly marked outdoor locations within the terminal.
Vaping at UK Airports:
Can I Vape at Aberdeen Airport? Yes, Airside smoking facility, after security, adjacent to the main departure lounge, near Gate 5. £1 charge. Smoking shelters outside the main terminal building within the Granite City Beer Garden facility.
Can I Vape at Belfast International Airport? Yes, Airside smoking facility, after security, beside the Lagan Bar. £1 charge. Smoking shelters outside the main terminal building.
Can I Vape at Birmingham Airport? No, not after you have entered the airport terminal building. Designated smoking areas outside the front terminal building. You are unable to smoke/vape anywhere within the terminal building.
Can I Vape at Bournemouth Airport? Yes, Smoking facility, once you have passed through World Duty Free store near the Departure gates.
Can I Vape at Bristol Airport? Yes, Ground floor: Smoking area near to the exit for Arrivals and the Costa Coffee stall, past “Out of size baggage”. Mezzanine floor: Designated smoking area in the bar, near the seating area. First floor: Smoking bar near Starbucks and Accessorize.
Can I Vape at Cardiff Airport? Yes, Airside smoking facility in the Departure lounge. Designated smoking areas outside the front terminal building.
Can I Vape at East Midlands Airport? Yes, Airside smoking facility, after security, located at Castle Rock Bar. Smoking area outside the main terminal building.
Can I Vape at Edinburgh Airport? No, not after you have entered the airport terminal building. Designated smoking areas outside the front terminal building. You are unable to smoke/vape anywhere within the terminal building.
Can I Vape at Exeter Airport? No, not after you have entered the airport terminal building. Smoking or vaping is not permitted in any part of the airport.
Can I Vape at Gatwick Airport? Yes, South Terminal: My Lounge airport lounge features an outdoor terrace with smoking/vaping area. Designated smoking zones outside the terminal buildings.
Can I Vape at Heathrow Airport? No, not after you have entered the airport terminal building. Outdoor designated smoking areas outside the terminal buildings. No smoking/vaping areas past security control.
Can I Vape at Humberside Airport? No, not after you have entered the airport terminal building. Designated smoking area is available a short distance from the terminal entrance. You are unable to smoke/vape anywhere within the terminal building.
Can I Vape at Leeds Bradford Airport? No, not after you have entered the airport terminal building. Designated smoking areas outside the front terminal building before security. Smoking area past security is closed during regeneration of terminal facilities.
Can I Vape at Liverpool John Lennon Airport? Yes, Outdoor smoking facility in the Departure lounge. Lower level, past Kissing Gate Bar and restaurant. Anyone with restricted mobility can access the smoking area from Gate 17. Designated smoking areas outside the front terminal building.
Can I Vape at London City Airport? No, not after you have entered the airport terminal building. Designated smoking areas outside the front terminal building before security. Smoking and vaping are not allowed inside the terminal building or after you pass through security.
Can I Vape at Luton Airport? No, not after you have entered the airport terminal building. Designated sheltered smoking areas outside the front of the terminal building, before Departures.
Can I Vape at Manchester Airport? Yes, Terminal 1: Once you’ve checked-in, outdoor airside smoking area located near the food court. Terminal 2: Smoking area located on the upper level of the departure lounge, access via the escalators or lifts in the central area opposite World Duty Free. Terminal 3: No smoking areas in the airside section. Designated smoking areas outside the front terminal building.
Can I Vape at Newcastle Airport? Yes, Designated outdoor smoking area at Bar 11 at the back of the venue. Designated smoking shelters available outside the terminal building.
Can I Vape at Southampton Airport? No, not after you have entered the airport terminal building. Designated smoking area outside the front terminal building before security on the central forecourt. No smoking or vaping once you have passed through security control into the departure lounge.
Can I Vape at Stansted Airport? No, not after you have entered the airport terminal building. Designated smoking areas outside the terminal building’s landside areas. No smoking once you’re in the airside portion of the building.
Airline Policies on Vaping
We have compiled the vaping policies of major airlines flying out of the UK and included links to their specific guidelines for your reference.
Air France (What can I transport?) https://wwws.airfrance.co.uk/information/bagages/produits-interdits-et-reglementes
British Airways (Restricted and prohibited items) https://www.britishairways.com/content/information/baggage-essentials/liquids-and-restrictions
Cathay Pacific (Controlled and banned items) https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_GB/baggage/controlled-and-banned-items/controlled-items.html
EasyJet (Restricted and unusual items) https://www.easyjet.com/en/help/baggage/restricted-and-unusual-items
Emirates (Dangerous goods policy) https://www.emirates.com/uk/english/before-you-fly/travel/dangerous-goods-policy/
Etihad Airways (Prohibited items) https://www.etihad.com/en-gb/fly-etihad/baggage/prohibited-item
Finnair (Travelling with restricted items) https://www.finnair.com/gb-en/baggage-on-finnair-flights/travelling-with-restricted-items
Lufthansa (Electronic devices and batteries) https://www.lufthansa.com/am/en/prepare-for-your-trip/baggage/electronic-devices-and-batteries
Qatar Airways (Restricted baggage items) https://www.qatarairways.com/en-gb/baggage/restricted.html
Ryanair (General terms and conditions of carriage) https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/help-centre/terms-and-conditions
Singapore Airlines (General restrictions) https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/travel-info/baggage/baggage-restrictions/
Tap Portugal (Electronic devices) https://www.flytap.com/en-gb/on-board/electronic-devices
TUI Airways (Flight conditions of carriage) https://www.tui.co.uk/destinations/info/flight-conditions-of-carriage
Virgin Atlantic (Dangerous or restricted items) https://help.virginatlantic.com/cn/en/baggage/dangerous-items.html
Wizz Air UK (FAQs) https://wizzair.com/en-gb/information-and-services/travel-information/electronic-devices-on-board
Summary
In conclusion, travelling with your vape and flying with e-cigarettes requires careful planning and adherence to both airline regulations and local laws at your destination. By understanding the specific rules for carrying vape devices, e-liquids, and batteries, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. Always check with your airline and destination country for the most up-to-date information, and take extra precautions to protect your vape equipment during transit.
Safe travels!
