Travelling With E-Cigarettes – 2025 Guide

Introduction

The rules on flying with e-cigarettes are constantly changing and adapting with certain considerations to take into account. This article is updated regularly with content accurate as of January 2025.

The use of e-cigarettes on commercial airlines and travelling with your vape kits and e-liquids remains the same. Although vaping onboard any airline remains prohibited, the majority of countries still welcome vaping, especially throughout Europe. When it comes to purchasing vape supplies and vaping in public, it’s recommended to check with your destination country for further guidance.

Can you take a vape on a plane?

Vape kits and vaping accessories are allowed to be taken onboard commercial aircraft although for the majority you’ll be required to keep these on your person in your carry-on luggage. E-cigarettes much like laptops and other electronics utilise lithium batteries which cannot be stored in the hold of a plane due to fire hazards.

You can expect to keep your device in the cabin with you (carry-on luggage), not your checked luggage. Your device should be separated from any pods or tanks with them as it will be counted as a battery and has to be stored safely.

Can you take e-liquids on a plane?

Much like other liquids, you are permitted to take onboard e-liquids, although please note that the same regulations apply. Your carry-on-luggage must only contain a limit of 100mls in any variety of liquid, including e-liquids. For this reason, it’s important to highlight that if you’re planning on taking various other toiletries on board with you then you will have little allowance left to take onboard any larger shortfill e-liquids.

If you do take liquids in your hand luggage, gov.uk state the following:

• containers must hold no more than 100ml
• containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm
• contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed
• the bag must not be knotted or tied at the top
• you’re limited to 1 plastic bag per person
• you must show the bag at the airport security point

Do I need to empty my tank before flying?

Before going through security, you should ensure that any component attached to your battery is separated. You do not have to empty your tank, although this will have to be included within your declared liquids. It’s also advisable to empty your tank anyway as air pressure on the plane can cause your tank or pod to leak.

How do you take a disposable vape on a plane?

Travelling with a disposable vape kit has the same restrictions as any other vape kit however there are many benefits to flying with this type of device. Firstly, disposable e-cigarettes are light and compact making them much easier to travel with. With a disposable being a sealed unit, there is no need to separate a tank or battery.

Due to risk of electrical fire you must not take disposable vapes in your checked in luggage, you must only carry disposable vapes in your hand luggage (in a resealable plastic bag).

Can I fly with rebuildables (RDA / RTA)

If you prefer using unregulated mods or rebuildables, it’s strongly advised to switch to something simpler for your trip. Something like a disposable kit is perfect for travelling as they are lightweight, compact and very versatile.

If you’re set on taking your advanced kit and plan on taking onboard pliers, coil wire and other tools, you may be stopped at security with questions asked, especially if you’re travelling to a country where vaping isn’t that accepted.

Ensure that any sharp objects used for your build are placed in your checked in luggage.

Can I vape on a plane?

Unfortunately, vaping is not permitted on any commercial airline. Many airlines now have specific instructions within their pre-flight notices highlighting vaping restrictions. Although there are many lower powered vape devices available such as certain pod kits, don’t think that vaping discreetly will be okay.

Although e-cigarettes are prohibited on aircraft, there is an exception when it comes to the Ryanair. The airline allow the use of the smokeless cigarettes they sell on board, however according to reviews and comments, they are most likely not as good as your current set up, although will provide you with the nicotine you may be craving whilst flying with Ryanair. 

What happens if you vape on a plane?

Even though you may be tempted to vape discreetly onboard an aircraft, airlines such as Qatar Airways have been known to arrest and imprison travellers for vaping on their flights. Even though you will be most likely warned to stop using your e-cigarette device first; vaping, much like smoking is not worth the fines or possible jail time for a quick nicotine fix.

Can you vape in an airport?

Vaping in airports seems to have tightened up over recent years. For the most part, it’s widely accepted to vape within designated smoking areas if the terminal/airport you’re travelling from provides one. These designated areas are mostly signposted and within an outdoor setting although indoor areas are becoming more popular with airports over recent years.

What are airport policies on vaping?

Of the UK’s 23 airports only 11 have a designated vaping/smoking area once you’re through security and your luggage has been scanned.

These airports include:

• Aberdeen, near Gate 5 (£1 fee)
• Bournemouth, follow signs
• Bristol, next to Gate 4
• Cardiff, next to Gate 2
• Doncaster, first floor
• East Midlands, near Castle Rock
• Leeds Bradford, ground floor near Sports Bar
• Liverpool, lower level – signposted
• Manchester Terminal 1, near food court and Manchester Terminal 2, upper level
• Belfast, beside Lagan Bar (£1 fee)
• Newcastle Airport, in Bar 11

Each UK airport has different regulations when it comes to vaping, below is some further guidance on the UK’s major airports:

 

What’s the best vape kit to travel with?

Whilst a disposable vape may be a good choice when travelling, our best recommendation for 2025 would be the Joyetech Widewick and VLTZ bundle; due to the wicking technology used it’s much less likely to leak in hot weather and when travelling by air, it also includes enough e-liquid to last most people well over 7 days of vaping (the equivalent of up to 15 disposables).

Countries who have banned vaping

When travelling aboard it’s important to first check on vaping restrictions within your destination country. Vaping is unfortunately banned in numerous countries around the world, mostly within the Middle East and Southeast Asia where the highest risks of punishment can be found if caught vaping.

Vaping is banned with possible imprisonment in the following countries:
India, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand

Vaping is banned (including zero nicotine) in the following countries:
Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Germany (only in the State of Hessen), East Timor, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Laos, Lebanon, Mexico, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Palau, Qatar, Seychelles, Syria, Uganda, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam

Vaping is banned (except zero nicotine) in the following countries:
Australia, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, South Africa

Disposable vapes are banned in the following countries:
Antigua and Barbuda, Bhutan

Vaping is legal but cannot be imported or purchased in the following countries:
Argentina, East Timor, Iraq, Mauritius, Nepal, Suriname, Turkey

Non-tobacco flavoured e-liquids are banned in the following countries:
Bulgaria, China, Estonia, Netherlands, Poland, Russia (as of March 1st, 2024)

Vaping is banned in enclosed public places in the following countries:
Barbados, Bermuda, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guyana, Honduras, Iceland, Jamaica, Luxembourg, Moldova, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, United Arab Emirates (Including Dubai), Uruguay

The following countries have banned vaping in all public places with extra restrictions in selected outdoor recreational areas such as parks and beaches:
Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Ibiza, Spain 

Reviewed and updated: January 10th, 2025

How do I buy vape kits and e-liquids abroad?

To ensure that you continue vaping whilst your travelling, it’s important to make sure you have enough e-liquid. Always check with destination regulations on vaping to understand if you’re able to buy or carry e-liquids to the destination country. If you’re not able to buy them, ensure to pack enough e-cigarette refills or e-liquid in your luggage as highlighted above.

When travelling through Europe and international countries it’s advised to look for licensed tobacconist stores for your e-liquid refills. It’s also important to note that countries may have different limits on nicotine strengths when compared to the UK, for this reason be wary of using e-liquids which have nicotine strengths higher than what you are used to. 

Bringing e-liquids back to the UK

When returning back to the UK with any e-liquids you may have purchased abroad, it’s advisable to to check their nicotine strength. If they are stronger than what you are able to purchase in the UK then they are most likely a violation of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). We recommend purchasing enough to get you through your travels so you don’t have the hassle or worry brining any back to the UK.

What are airlines policies on vaping?

Each airline has their own rules and regulations when it comes to travelling with e-cigarettes. Below we highlight a few popular airlines and their policies on vaping.

In general, the information provided above stands for the majority of airlines with the essential rule to follow of not vaping whilst on board their aircrafts. Also remember that any rechargeable batteries cannot be packed within your hold luggage and you must take them within your carry-on luggage.

• British Airways: “Electronic cigarettes may be carried in hand luggage but must not be used on board.”
• Easy Jet: “All electronic cigarettes and a maximum of two spare batteries in a carry-on and on one’s person.”
• Emirates: “All Emirates flights are non-smoking – this also includes the use of e-cigarettes. No e-cigarettes can be used on board Emirates flights.”
• Quantas Airlines: “The use and charging of all e-cigarettes and other personal vaporisers are not permitted on board an aircraft. They must be carried in hand luggage.”
• Ryanair: “You may carry electronic cigarettes on board but are strictly forbidden to use electronic cigarettes or any other type of cigarette on board the aircraft.”
• Virgin Atlantic: “Electronic cigarettes are a device that looks like a cigarette and works by creating a vapor, which contains nicotine. Electronic cigarettes are NOT permitted to be used onboard our aircraft”

If you’re travelling with an airline not listed above, you can find any information regarding their policies either on their website or contacting them directly.

Displayed policies reviewed and updated: January 10th, 2025

Planning on travelling with a vape this year?

If you’re planning on a break away this year let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear about your adventures! If you have any further questions or concerns about travelling with your vape kit be sure to drop a comment and we’ll advise wherever possible! 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

 

Disclaimer: The content on www.royalflushvape.co.uk offers general insights about vaping and vape related products. Please be aware that this information is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice and should only be relied upon when explicitly referenced. We make no guarantees regarding the accuracy, reliability, or health-related advantages of the content displayed across all pages of our website, including blog posts, product pages and social media content.

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