Travelling With E-Cigarettes - 2023 Guide

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.

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 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. 

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.

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.

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