Can You Take Vapes in Hand Luggage? Travel Rules

The Short Answer: Yes, But With Rules

Good news first on Can You Take Vapes in Hand Luggage?—you can take vapes in your hand luggage. They’re not banned items. But, and it’s a big but, you can’t just toss them anywhere you like.

Airlines and airport security are very specific about how and where vapes should be carried. Why? Well, the key issue is the lithium battery inside your vape. Those little power cells don’t mix well with extreme pressure or heat, which is why you can’t check them into the hold.

If a battery overheats mid-flight, it could be dangerous. So vapes belong in your cabin bag, not your suitcase.

What About Disposable Vapes?

Here’s where it gets interesting. Disposable vapes are still classed as electronic devices because of their built-in battery, even though they’re single-use. So yes, they also go in your hand luggage.

But let’s be honest: if you’re travelling somewhere for more than a few days, disposables aren’t exactly the most convenient option. Most countries limit how many you can carry, and nobody wants to risk being pulled aside at customs with a bag full of colourful sticks.

Safer bet? Take one or two for the journey and pick up refillables or e-liquids once you land—assuming it’s legal in your destination.

E-Liquids and Airport Liquid Rules

Ah yes, the dreaded 100ml liquid rule. No matter if it’s perfume, shampoo, or vape juice, the rule applies. That means each bottle of e-liquid has to be 100ml or less, and all your liquids together should fit in the usual clear plastic zip bag you hand over at security.

If you’re used to bigger bottles of juice, don’t risk it. Decant some into smaller bottles or buy travel-size e-liquids before you fly. Nothing worse than security staff binning your favourite flavour right before you board.

Can You Vape On the Plane?

Let’s squash this myth straight away: you absolutely cannot vape on a plane. Not in the bathroom, not sneakily under your jumper, not anywhere. It’s banned across every airline, and if you’re caught, you could face heavy fines—or worse, be refused future flights.

Airplanes use sensitive smoke detectors, even in toilets, and they’re not fooled by vapour. Think of it this way: you wouldn’t light up a cigarette on board, so the same logic applies here.

Rules Once You Land

Here’s where things get really tricky. Every country has its own stance on vaping. For example:

USA: Allowed, but regulations differ by state.
Australia: Very strict; nicotine e-liquids are basically prescription-only.
Thailand: Vaping is outright banned, and travellers have been fined for carrying devices.
UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi): Legal, but with rules on where you can vape.

Moral of the story? Check the rules for your destination before you pack. Just because you can board with your vape doesn’t mean you can freely use it when you land.

How Many Vapes Can You Bring?

There isn’t a universal number, but most airlines expect you to be “reasonable.” Bringing 20 disposables in your carry-on will raise eyebrows. Usually, one or two devices and a couple of small bottles of juice are fine.

Anything beyond that looks like you’re carrying stock to sell—and customs won’t like it. A good rule of thumb? Pack what you’ll actually need for your trip, not your entire collection.

Tips for Travelling Smoothly With Vapes

Keep them visible. Don’t bury your vape at the bottom of your bag. Security might ask you to show it, so make life easier.
Empty the tank if possible. Cabin pressure can cause liquids to leak, and nobody wants sticky juice all over their headphones.
Bring spare coils. If you’re using a refillable, a spare coil takes almost no space and saves you if your current one burns out mid-trip.
Respect local laws. Even if you can legally carry your vape on the plane, it doesn’t mean you can whip it out in public once you land.

What Happens If You Pack It Wrong?

Let’s say you forget and throw your vape in your checked suitcase. Best case, the airline takes it out and hands it back. Worst case, it gets confiscated. Some airlines might even refuse to load the bag if they spot lithium batteries inside.

If you pack e-liquids incorrectly—say, a 200ml bottle in your hand luggage—expect security to bin it. No exceptions, no refunds, just a straight drop into the trash.

The Bigger Picture: Why So Strict?

At the end of the day, these rules aren’t about spoiling your holiday. It’s safety, plain and simple. Batteries can catch fire, liquids can leak, and unregulated use on flights could cause chaos. By keeping everything clear—vapes in hand luggage, liquids under 100ml, no use onboard—everyone stays safe, and you avoid headaches at the gate.

Flying Guide: Can You Take Vapes in Hand Luggage?

You’ve probably been there. Ticket booked, bag half-packed, and then the last-minute thought pops up—Can You Take Vapes in Hand Luggage? Can you actually take it on the plane, or is security going to give you grief?

For something that’s part of so many people’s daily routine, it’s surprisingly easy to get lost in the rules. Don’t worry, we’ll walk through it together—no jargon, no over-complicated stuff.

Why Airlines Care About Vapes So Much

It might seem odd that airlines are picky about vapes when you can take laptops, tablets, and a dozen other gadgets. The real issue is the battery. Vapes use lithium-ion batteries, and those things don’t always behave well in pressurised cargo holds.

There’s a slim chance they can overheat, and airlines don’t take risks when it comes to fire.

That’s why the golden rule is simple: vapes stay with you in hand luggage, never in the checked bag. If something goes wrong, crew members can deal with it quickly in the cabin. In the cargo hold? Not so easy.

Where to Put Your Vape – Cabin Bag or Personal Bag?

Here’s where people overthink. You can toss your vape into your carry-on suitcase or your small personal bag—it doesn’t really matter. What matters is that it’s in the cabin with you.

Pro tip though: don’t bury it under snacks, jumpers, and tangled headphones. Security might ask you to pull it out. Keep it somewhere you can reach without emptying half your bag on the conveyor belt while people behind you start sighing.

The Sticky Question of Disposables

Disposables are a whole different story. One or two? Fine. Ten or twenty? That’ll raise eyebrows. Customs officers aren’t mind readers—they’ll assume you’re carrying them to sell. And that could end badly.

If you’re travelling often, it makes way more sense to bring a refillable vape with a couple of small e-liquid bottles. Saves money, takes up less space, and doesn’t scream “reseller” when your bag goes through the scanner.

The Liquid Limit—No Escaping It

We all know the drill: no liquids over 100ml in hand luggage. Sadly, that includes vape juice. Doesn’t matter if it’s a fruity 50/50 mix or a high-strength nicotine liquid—it still counts.

So if you’re planning to carry your favourite 200ml bottle, security won’t even blink before dropping it in the confiscation bin. The smarter move? Refill smaller bottles before you fly. Also remember, even a half-empty 150ml doesn’t pass—size of the container is what matters, not the amount inside.

Vaping at Airports – Can You Sneak a Puff?

Short answer: don’t. Airports treat vaping just like smoking, which means it’s banned indoors almost everywhere. You’ll find designated smoking areas outside or tucked away in specific lounges, and that’s the only safe place to vape.

Think about it: getting fined, or worse, missing your flight just for a few puffs? Not worth it. Hold out until you’re in the right spot—it’ll save you a lot of stress.

Vaping on the Plane? Big No

Every so often you hear about people trying to sneak a quick puff in the plane bathroom. They think the vapour is too light to set off detectors. Spoiler: it’s not. Modern smoke alarms are ridiculously sensitive.

Get caught and you’re looking at fines, bans, and sometimes even meeting the police when you land. Doesn’t matter if it’s just one puff. On a plane, the rule is non-negotiable: no vaping, ever.

Charging Vapes Mid-Flight

Another common question—can I charge my vape while flying? The answer is a big fat no on most airlines. Same reason as before: batteries are risky, and plugging in only makes it riskier. Your best bet is to fully charge your device before leaving home and maybe keep a power bank handy for after landing.

Country Rules That Can Catch You Out

Here’s the tricky bit. Even if your airline allows vapes, the country you’re flying into might not. A few quick examples:

Thailand – total ban. People have been fined heavily just for carrying one.
Australia – patchy rules depending on the state; nicotine liquids may even need a prescription.
USA – legal overall, but state laws vary on where you can use them.
UK – vaping is allowed, but with strict regulations on nicotine limits and advertising.

Moral of the story? Always check local rules before you fly. What’s fine in one place could get you in serious trouble in another.

Mistakes People Still Make

Even though these rules aren’t new, travellers slip up all the time. Some toss their vapes into checked luggage and then panic when their bag doesn’t show up on arrival. Others forget the 100ml liquid rule and lose expensive bottles at security.

And of course, there are the risk-takers who think they can sneak a quick puff mid-flight. Spoiler alert: they can’t, and they usually regret it.

Quick Checklist Before You Head Out

Let’s keep it simple. Before leaving for the airport, ask yourself:

Is my vape in hand luggage, not the checked suitcase?
Are all my e-liquid bottles 100ml or less, packed in the clear plastic bag?
Do I know the rules of the country I’m landing in?
Did I empty or tighten my tank so it won’t leak mid-flight?

If you can tick those off, you’re sorted.

What If Security Asks Questions?

Sometimes, even if you’re following the rules, an officer might stop you and ask about your vape. Don’t panic—it happens more than you think. They’re usually just checking you’re not carrying huge amounts of liquids or spare batteries.

Keep calm, explain it’s for personal use, and you’ll be waved through in minutes. A smile goes a long way too; no one likes a grumpy traveller.

Small Things That Make Travel Easier

Here’s a trick many seasoned vapers use regarding “Can You Take Vapes in Hand Luggage?”: carry a tiny zip pouch for your device, pods, and liquids. That way, instead of rummaging through your bag at security, you just pull out one neat pack and you’re done.

Less stress, fewer delays, and nothing gets lost in the shuffle. It’s a small habit, but it makes travelling with a vape way less of a headache.

A Note from Heat Vapes

At Heat Vapes, we know travelling with your vape can be confusing at first. That’s why we break down the rules clearly—so you don’t get caught off guard at security. Based in Manchester, we’ve built our name around making vaping easier, whether you’re at home or on the move.

We don’t just stock products—we keep an eye on the bigger picture too. As airlines and countries update their rules, we’ll keep sharing the info you need, in plain English, so you can travel without second-guessing yourself.

Safe travels, and may your journey be as smooth as your next vape.

The Bottom Line

So, can you take vapes in hand luggage? Yes—you can, as long as you play by the rules. Keep it with you, stick to small liquid bottles, don’t overpack disposables, and definitely don’t try to use it during the flight.

It’s not about airlines being difficult; it’s about safety. Once you get the hang of it, travelling with your vape is straightforward.

Conclusion

So, can you take vapes in hand luggage? Yes, you can. Just remember: hand luggage only, liquids under 100ml, and never use them on board. The rest comes down to respecting local laws wherever you land.

If you’re smart about it, travelling with your vape is no big drama. A little planning goes a long way. Think ahead, pack sensibly, and you’ll be fine.

September 12 2025 Paramveer Singh