Can you take a vape on a plane from the UK? Yes, but only in your hand luggage. The Civil Aviation Authority says vapes must travel in the cabin and never in checked luggage, because lithium batteries can overheat. You cannot vape or charge your vape on board. E-liquid bottles go through security with your other liquids, and your airline's own rules also apply.
The rules at a glance
| Item | Hand luggage | Hold luggage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vape or pod kit | Yes | No | Keep it with you in the cabin |
| Spare batteries | Yes | No | Protect them from damage, e.g. in a case |
| Power banks | Yes, two per person | No | Do not charge them on the flight |
| E-liquid bottles | Yes, under the liquids rules | Yes | Check your airport's liquid limits |
Source: the CAA's Pack Right guidance and GOV.UK's liquids rules. Your airline can add its own limits, so check before you fly.
Why vapes cannot go in the hold
Vapes run on lithium-ion batteries. If one overheats in a suitcase in the hold, nobody can see it or deal with it. In the cabin, crew can. That is the reason behind the CAA rule, and it applies to every battery-powered vape, from a small pod kit to a larger mod. If your cabin bag is taken at the gate to go in the hold, take your vape and any spare batteries out first.
Using and charging on board
You cannot vape on the aircraft, and you cannot charge your vape on the flight. Keep it switched off or locked if your device has that option, so it cannot fire by accident in your bag. If a device gets hot or starts to smoke, tell the cabin crew straight away.
Taking e-liquid through security
E-liquid counts as a liquid at airport security. At most UK airports, containers in hand luggage must be 100ml or less, which a 10ml nic salt bottle easily meets. Some airports have scanners that allow larger containers, so the GOV.UK advice is to check the rules for your departure airport, any transit airport, and your return flight. You can also pack e-liquid in your hold bag.
- Pack bottles upright in a sealed bag. Changes in cabin pressure can make them leak.
- Do not overfill your pod before flying, for the same reason.
- Keep the bottles' original labels on, so security can see what they are.
Batteries: care and size limits
Spare batteries must go in your hand luggage, protected from damage. A plastic battery case stops loose cells touching keys or coins. The CAA says batteries under 100Wh are generally fine in the cabin, those between 100Wh and 160Wh need airline approval, and anything over 160Wh is not allowed in passenger baggage. Vape batteries are far below 100Wh. Never carry a battery that is damaged, swollen or overheating. Our battery safety guide covers day-to-day care.
Coming home
The same rules apply on the return flight: vape and spare batteries in the cabin, e-liquid within the liquid limits for the airport you fly back from, which may differ from the UK. If you buy e-liquid abroad, bear in mind it may not meet UK rules on strength and bottle size. UK nicotine e-liquid is capped at 20mg/ml in bottles of up to 10ml; our UK vape rules guide explains the limits.
Vaping at your destination
Rules abroad differ a lot. Some countries restrict or ban vapes and e-liquid entirely, and penalties can be serious. Check the official travel advice for your destination on GOV.UK before you go. Vaping inside UK airport terminals is generally not allowed outside designated areas.
Pod kits and larger devices at security
Security staff see vapes every day, and a small pod kit rarely draws attention. Keep it somewhere easy to reach in case you are asked to take it out, as you would with a phone. Larger devices with removable batteries are treated the same way: device in the cabin, spare cells in a case. If you use a refillable kit, it helps to refill the pod before you leave home, filled only to the line, so you are not opening bottles in the terminal.
How much e-liquid to take
Work out what you need for the trip before you pack. Our guide to how long a 10ml nic salt lasts helps you estimate. A few 10ml bottles fit easily within most hand-luggage liquid allowances. Pick the strength you already use, such as 20mg nic salts, rather than experimenting on holiday.
Packing checklist
- Vape in your hand luggage, switched off or locked.
- Spare batteries in a case, in your hand luggage.
- E-liquid upright in a sealed bag, within your airport's liquid limits.
- Check your airline's rules and your destination's laws.
- Pick up bottles for the trip ahead of time; our range reviews list strengths and stock.
Questions readers ask
Will my vape go through airport security?
Yes. Carry it in your hand luggage. Security may ask to see it, and e-liquid goes through with your other liquids.
What happens if I put a vape in my suitcase?
It breaks CAA rules. Vapes must travel in the cabin, and a vape found in checked luggage can be removed.
Where do I put my vape liquid when flying?
In your hand luggage within the liquid limits for your airport, or in your hold bag.
Can I vape on a plane?
No. You cannot use or charge a vape on board.
How many vapes can I take on a plane?
The CAA does not set a number for vapes, but they must all be in the cabin. Your airline may set limits, so check with them.