If you’re planning a trip away, what should you do with your vape device? Should you put it in your hold luggage, or can you take disposable vapes on a plane?
Under the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) laws, disposables are considered portable electronic devices (PEDs), and understanding your responsibilities when travelling with one helps you stay within the law and have a worry-free journey.
In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about travelling safely with disposable vapes.
Can you take a disposable vape on a plane?
As mentioned above, under CAA guidelines, disposable vapes are considered a PED. Which means, like power banks and laptops, disposable vapes must be put in your carry-on bag rather than your checked luggage. That’s because airlines view certain everyday items as dangerous.
But what’s dangerous about a small vape device?
The potential dangers associated with batteries
Disposable vapes are frequently powered by lithium-ion batteries because they last a long time and are lighter than traditional lead-acid batteries. However, while lithium batteries have their benefits, they can also be dangerous when incorrectly handled.
When a lithium battery is exposed to heat, it can catch fire and explode (Komo News). That’s why you’re not allowed to pack PEDs which contain them, in a suitcase.
What happens if you put a disposable vape in checked luggage?
The CAA rules clearly state that vape devices aren’t allowed in checked luggage, and airport security has advanced scanners. So, if you ignore the rules and security staff spot electronic cigarettes in your luggage, there will be consequences.
If you put the device into hold luggage and the airline finds it, they’ll confiscate it. Some might even issue fines.
So why are airlines so stringent about where you can pack a disposable vape?
Pressure changes
Travelling in cargo often means your luggage is subjected to various pressure changes during the flight. Not only can this cause damage and leakage to your disposable vape, but it can also result in short circuits.
Pressure changes can also cause fires, which will be challenging to manage as the cargo hold isn’t easily accessible. Having your devices in the cabin ensures airline employees can quickly deal with any issues and protect other passengers.
Loss or damage
Vaping devices can be sensitive to damage, and putting them in checked luggage can mean they get thrown around a lot. Of course, there’s also a risk of loss and theft, but these risks are minimised when your vape devices are with your carry-on luggage.
As long as you store them correctly, you won’t need to worry about any damage and can enjoy your nicotine fix in a designated smoking area, once you land.
How many disposable vapes can I take on a plane?
How many disposable vapes can you carry in your bag? That depends on your airline, but in most cases, you can take between 15 and 20 disposable vapes onboard. For example, British Airways allows a maximum of 15 disposables, while some airlines – including EasyJet have stricter rules.
If you’re flying with EasyJet, you can only take two disposable vapes in your carry-on luggage. However, the rules can vary depending on where you’re travelling to.
Know your destination’s laws
Some countries, for instance, have made vaping illegal, so taking them on a plane could cause issues when you land.
These countries include:
- Cambodia
- Singapore
- Qatar
- Thailand
- Laos
In Singapore, the fine for carrying vapes is $2000, while Qatar might issue a fine or sentence you to three months in prison. Vaping is also strictly forbidden in Thailand, with the maximum sentence being up to five years.
How do I pack my vape for air travel?
Packing your vape for air travel correctly means you reduce the risk of fires and can avoid any problems at the airport. Here’s how to pack your vape safely for air travel:
- Make sure you turn your vape off. If you have a traditional vape kit, you can store this in your checked luggage, as long as it’s empty and you take the battery in your carry-on luggage.
- If you’re carrying spare batteries, make sure they don’t touch metal objects. You can do this by getting a padded carrier. Carry the spare batteries in carry on luggage.
- Your disposables should be safely stored in the same zip compartment you use to carry liquids onto the plane. The main reason is to prevent leaks, as you can’t empty a disposable.
Can I bring e-liquid on a plane?
Yes, in most cases, you can take vape juice onto the plane, but there are guidelines to follow. It again depends on your chosen airline, but all have clear restrictions on travelling with gels or liquids.
E-liquids fall under the same rules as perfume, soap, toothpaste and shampoo and must be sealed in a liquids bag, which security will inspect before you board the plane.
Most airlines state that the e-liquid bottle mustn’t exceed 30 ml, but you can take up to 100 ml. For example, most disposable vapes have 2 ml of e-liquid, which is where the limit of 20 comes from.
Again, some airlines are stricter, so it’s essential to check before you travel. You can also take your e-liquids in your suitcase, as recommended by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Remember to put them in a plastic bag or other secure container to prevent them from leaking onto your belongings.
Can I vape on the plane?
No, you can’t. Vaping on a plane is strictly prohibited – as with smoking. While vaping is estimated to be 95% safer than smoking, you can’t vape on a plane because it still exposes people to nicotine and can disturb other passengers.
Also, airplanes have highly sensitive smoke detectors, so sneaking away for a cheeky vape in the toilet could cause distress to passengers and cabin crew.
If you’re worried about making it through the flight, you can always use nicotine gum, patches or inhalers to satisfy your cravings.
Can I charge my vape on a plane?
Charging your vape devices on the plane is also disallowed, as it can constitute usage. If a member of the cabin crew sees you with it or another passenger, you could get in trouble, so it’s best to keep it stored away.
Making sure your device is fully charged before boarding can avoid any issues, but to avoid this, you could travel with disposable vapes as they don’t need charging and are ready to use until they reach empty.
At Vape Juice, we have plenty of delicious disposable vapes to choose between, including the new range of flavours from Nasty Bar, which is currently on multibuy offer. You can get four unique flavours for just £13.95.
UK airport e-cigarette regulations
Before travelling, check the airport’s and airline’s regulations. Flying out of the UK gives you access to a range of airports. Here’s what each one says about vaping.
Vaping inside terminals
Most airports don’t let you vape inside terminal buildings, instead they have designated smoking areas outside, which vapers can also use. These include:
- Heathrow
- Gatwick
- London City
- Bristol
- Humberside
- Birmingham
- Liverpool (John Lennon Airport)
Some airports have stricter rules, including Cardiff Airport, which only allows you to vape in a designated area outside Gate 2.
Newcastle Airport also lists two areas for vapers once they go through security, and Southampton Airport clearly states that people cannot vape when they’re walking to and from planes.
UK airline vape rules
Each airline has different rules on taking vapes on a plane, and knowing what you’re allowed to do with the carrier you’re travelling with can prevent hassle when trying to get to your destination country. While some airlines lack clear guidance, others outline protocols when travelling with disposables or vape devices:
- British Airways: No vaping on the plane. If you carry vape devices with you, make sure they’re adequately packaged to avoid leaks (Restricted and Prohibited Items).
- Jet2: Any equipment with lithium batteries must be carried in the cabin and not packed away. No vaping while on the plane (Jet2 Conduct Guide).
- Easy Jet: You can take electronic cigarettes and a maximum of two spare batteries on the plane (Restricted Items).
- Emirates: There’s no smoking or vaping allowed on board Emirates flights. All vape devices should be protected while flying to avoid activation (Dangerous Goods Policy).
- Ryanair: You can take disposables, vapes and e-cigarettes onboard but can’t use them during the flight (Ryanair).
- Virgin Atlantic: All vape devices must be packed correctly to avoid activation on the plane (Virgin Baggage Guide).
The bottom line
Going away on holiday doesn’t mean sacrificing your vape device, but knowing your responsibilities can help you prepare for the trip.
Remember to check the airport and airline guidelines, as well as your destination country’s laws before packing, and you’ll have peace of mind that you’re making the right decisions.
Even if you normally vape with mod devices or traditional vape pens, taking disposable vapes on a plane can make it easier to prepare for your trip.
We have a range of delicious disposables from the UK’s most reputable brands, including Crystal Bar, Lost Mary, Elfbar, and YOLO.
With great deals and speedy delivery, Vape Juice helps you enjoy the most convenient way of vaping.
