Vapes and e-cigarettes have stricter travel rules than cigarettes, because of their lithium batteries. The rules come in three layers: how you pack the device, what you can do with it on board, and whether you are allowed to bring it into your destination at all. The last one catches out many travellers, because a few countries treat a vape as a prohibited import.
Pack it in the cabin, never in checked baggage
In the US, the TSA allows electronic smoking devices only in carry-on baggage; they are not permitted in checked bags (TSA). The TSA adds two conditions:
You must take effective measures to prevent the heating element switching on by accident, for example by switching the device off, using a lock function or a protective case.
Each lithium-ion battery must not exceed 100 watt-hours. Check with your airline about how many devices you can bring.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority is stricter about where the device goes: battery-powered electronic smoking devices, including e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes and personal vaporizers, must only be carried on your person. They must not be recharged on board, and you must take measures to stop the heating element switching on (UK Civil Aviation Authority).
Spare batteries for your vape follow the same logic as power banks: in the cabin, with the terminals protected, never in checked baggage.
Heated tobacco devices
Devices that heat tobacco sticks run on a lithium battery, like a vape. Pack them the same way: in the cabin, switched off, and never charged on board. If you are unsure about a particular device, ask your airline before you fly.
E-liquid
Bottles of e-liquid count as liquids at security. In your carry-on they follow the airport's liquids rule, so check the limit at your departure airport; larger bottles can go in checked baggage, separately from the device.
No vaping and no charging on board
You cannot vape on a commercial flight. Under US federal rules, the smoking ban on scheduled passenger flights covers electronic cigarettes, whether or not they are a tobacco product, and similar products that produce a smoke, mist, vapour or aerosol (14 CFR Part 252). The rule applies to US and foreign airlines. Charging a vape on board, from a seat socket or a power bank, is also not allowed under both the FAA and CAA rules.
Vaping in the terminal is usually treated like smoking: only in a designated smoking area, if the airport allows it at all. Each airport page on SmokingAirports.com shows the smoking and vaping rules where the airport publishes them.
Countries where you cannot bring a vape
Before you pack a vape, check whether your destination, or a country you transit and enter, allows it at all. Two examples from official sources:
Singapore: the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority lists imitation tobacco products, for example electronic cigarettes, among the prohibited items that are not allowed to be imported (ICA Singapore).
Thailand: Thai Customs states that electronic cigarettes and baraku are prohibited goods for importation into Thailand (Thai Customs).
Other countries have their own restrictions on devices, liquids or nicotine strength, and they change. Check the official customs page of your destination before you travel, not a summary. If vapes are banned at your destination, leave the device at home: penalties can include confiscation and fines.
Checklist for flying with a vape
Device in your carry-on, or on your person in the UK. Never in checked baggage.
Switched off or locked, so it cannot activate in the bag.
Battery no larger than 100 Wh; spare batteries protected and in the cabin.
E-liquid within the liquids rule in your carry-on.
No vaping and no charging on board.
Vapes allowed at your destination? Check before you pack.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take my vape in my checked luggage?
No. In the US the TSA allows vapes and e-cigarettes only in carry-on baggage, and the UK CAA requires them to be carried on your person.
Can I vape on a plane?
No. The smoking ban on flights covers electronic cigarettes and similar products that produce vapour, and charging them on board is not allowed either.
Can I bring a vape to Singapore or Thailand?
No. Singapore lists electronic cigarettes among prohibited imports, and Thai Customs lists electronic cigarettes and baraku as prohibited goods.
Are heated tobacco devices treated like vapes?
They run on lithium batteries like vapes, so pack them the same way: in the cabin, switched off, and never charged on board. Ask your airline if you are unsure about a specific device.
