Many of us travel locally amd abroad for holidays or business. Whether it’s a weekend away in sunny South Africa or a long-haul trip to somewhere exotic, you’ll need some information about travelling with your vape.  Different countries, various airlines and even some cities or states have laws around vaping that you must be aware of.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know before packing your vape for a flight, from e-liquid restrictions to vaping laws at your destination.

Can I bring my vape on the plane?

Simply put - YES! You can take vapes on board a plane but they must be placed in your hand luggage. Putting them in your check-in luggage is a hazard; if the battery gets damaged or the device gets accidentally turned on, it could cause a fire.

There are some rules you must follow. Most airlines and aviation authorities require that vape devices and any products containing lithium-ion batteries be carried in your hand luggage. 

Always keep your vape device, batteries, and related accessories in your carry-on bag. Never place them in your checked luggage. PS. it's also easier to access them when you reach your destination!

Disposable vapes

Disposable vapes are allowed in your carry-on baggage. However, the number of disposables you are allowed to carry varies by airline:

• Some airlines may permit only 2 devices
• Others may allow more

Always check your airline’s specific policy before traveling. If your airline restricts the number of disposable devices, consider taking a starter kit instead, which allows you to use refillable pods and e-liquids while taking up less space. It's also considerably cheaper!

How much e-liquid can I pack?

You are allowed to carry e-liquids in bottles of 100 ml or less in your hand luggage, in accordance with the general aviation rules for liquids. These must be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag along with your other liquids. 

For bottles over 100ml, it is best to pack them in your checked baggage, provided your destination country permits vape products. Be mindful of air pressure changes, which can cause bottles to leak. Store your e-liquids and extra pods in a plastic zip bag to contain any leaks and prevent messing your luggage.

Getting ready for air travel

Travelling is already a stressful undertaking so to ensure a hassle-free experience when flying with your vape, follow these preparation tips:

• Empty pods or tanks before flying to prevent leaking caused by cabin pressure
• Turn off your vape device or remove the batteries
• Store batteries in protective cases and carry them in your hand luggage
• Seal e-liquids in plastic bags to avoid leakage and facilitate easy inspection at security
• Label your liquids clearly, especially if you are using non-branded containers

Can you vape on a plane?

Absolutely not! Vaping on a plane is strictly prohibited by all commercial airlines and can result in very serious consequences, including fines or legal action. Attempting to use or charge a vape on a flight is considered a violation of airline policy and air safety regulations.

If you are unable to cope with nicotine cravings during a long flight, consider using nicotine replacement products such as:

• Nicotine pouches
• Nicotine gum

Foreign airline-specific vape policies

Airlines have individual policies regarding vaping devices and batteries. Here is a breakdown of common carrier rules.

American Airlines

• Vapes are allowed in carry-on luggage only
• Not allowed in checked bags
• Vaping on board is prohibited

British Airways

• Vapes must be in hand luggage
• Must be packed to avoid accidental activation
• Liquids must comply with general liquid rules
• Vaping on board is prohibited
  

Delta Airlines

• Carry vapes only in hand luggage
• No charging or using vapes on board
• Recommend protective casing and destination checks
• Vaping on board is prohibited

Emirates

• Vapes must be carried in hand luggage
• Devices must be protected from accidental activation
• Vaping on board is prohibited
  

Qatar Airways

• Vapes are allowed in carry-on bags
• Charging on board is not permitted
• Travelers must check import laws at their destination
• Vaping on board is prohibited

International Vaping Laws: Where you can and cannot bring your vape

Know before you go! It's incredibly important to know the local rules regarding vaping at your destination too! Several countries have outright banned the import, sale, or use of e-cigarettes. Bringing your device into these places can lead to confiscation, fines, or even imprisonment.

Countries that have banned vaping

It is illegal to bring vaping products to:

• Argentina: Vaping as a whole has been banned for a long time in this country; you cannot legally sell or import e-cigarettes, and the use of it is heavily frowned upon

• Brunei: Vaping is technically legal in places where smoking is illegal. However, it’s illegal to buy/sell or bring a vape into the country, so vaping is de facto against the law

• Cambodia: Vaping is illegal in Cambodia. You’re unlikely to be arrested for vaping, but the police can and do confiscate vapes when they’re found

• Laos: All vape products, including using and owning them, are completely illegal and are punished by possible fines and prison sentences

• Qatar: Vaping and all vape products are illegal, and those who break the law can face fines of up to US$3000, three months imprisonment, and/or deportation

• Singapore: Vaping and all vape products are illegal, and owning or using a vape can lead to fines of up to $2000 per offence

• Thailand: Often considered the most anti-vape country in the world, all vape products and devices are completely illegal. Punishments can include prison sentences of up to five years, fines of up to 30,000 Baht (around US$1000), and deportation

• Oman: Appears to be completely illegal

• Venezuela: Vaping is completely illegal, but the consequences of breaking the law are unclear

• Hong Kong: The manufacture, import and sale of vapes are completely illegal in Hong Kong, and the possession of vape products is planned to be made illegal in 2026

• Macau: Users and distributors of vape products in Macau face fines of around US$500 if caught

• Gambia: All vapes and vape products are illegal in Gambia

• Mexico: Importing and selling vapes is illegal, but the rules around possession and usage are unclear

• Taiwan: Individuals caught vaping can face fines ranging from TWD 2,000 to TWD 10,000 (approximately $66 to $330 USD)

• India: Following bans in individual states, possessing and using vapes is now completely banned across India. However, vapes are still commonly available across the country

• Vietnam: As of 2025, vaping is completely illegal in the country
  

These countries either prohibit vaping entirely or enforce strict penalties.

Countries with vaping restrictions

These countries allow vaping but have tight regulations. Always check official government websites for the latest guidance:

• Australia (requires prescription for nicotine vapes)
• Canada
• Japan (nicotine-containing e-liquids are regulated)
• Norway
• USA (varies by state and airline)

How to choose a travel-friendly vape device

If you are a frequent traveler or planning a holiday abroad, selecting the right vape device can make your journey more convenient. Some vape kits are better suited to travel than others, especially when factoring in battery safety, compactness, leak resistance, and e-liquid capacity. Chat to our freindly staff to get you on the right gear!

Battery safety

Look for vape kits with built-in safety features such as overcharge protection, auto shut-off, and secure battery enclosures. Devices with built-in batteries reduce the hassle of carrying and managing extra lithium-ion cells, which airlines frown upon.

Size & portability

When packing for travel, compact vape kits or pod systems are your best bet. They are lightweight, discreet, and easy to carry in your pocket or bag. Avoid bulky mods or large tanks, which not only take up space but can also draw attention at security checkpoints.

Great options include:

• Pod kits with refillable cartridges
• Slim disposable vapes
• Sleek all-in-one systems with good battery life

Leak resistance

Pressure changes in the cabin can cause tanks and pods to leak. Opt for closed pod systems or disposable vapes with sealed e-liquid chambers. These designs are less prone to leakage compared to refillable tanks or RDAs.

Ease of refilling and maintenance

Traveling often means limited access to vape stores and supplies. Devices that are easy to refill, clean, and maintain on the go can prevent headaches while you’re abroad. Choose a system that requires minimal tools or disassembly. A fantastic travel option are disposable tanks!

Some Important information

Final tips before flying with your vape

We’re lucky in South Africa that we’re allowed to vape freely, with comparatively few restrictions compared to other countries. However, that makes it even more vital that you check the local laws and rules of any country before you travel there with your vape. You’ve also got to consider cultural differences - just because vaping is legal in a country, it doesn’t mean it’s popular. 

We always recommend you vape discreetly and in private, where possible. Be considerate of others around you, and always check for no-smoking signs before you take a puff. Also, fake or low-quality vape products can be found around the world, so if you need to buy anything in a country, make sure it’s from a trusted seller.

These rules can change quickly, as we can see with the disposable vape ban in the UK. So, while this blog post is a useful guide, it may still be outdated by the time you read it. Always do your own research before travelling, and you can always contact us if you have any questions.

Before you fly with your vape, consider the following tips and guidelines to ensure smooth travels: 

• Research airline and destination rules: Do not assume policies are the same everywhere
• Pack vapes and batteries in hand luggage only
• Label e-liquids, keep them under 100 ml, and store them in clear bags
• Use nicotine alternatives during flights
• Do not vape or charge devices on board – it is illegal and dangerous
• Avoid taking vapes to countries with bans – penalties can be severe

Flying with your vape is perfectly legal on most airlines, provided you follow a few key rules: carry devices and batteries in your hand luggage, adhere to liquid restrictions, and never try to vape when on a plane. Make sure to check both your airline’s policy and the vaping laws of your destination country before heading to the airport. With proper planning and a little knowledge, you can travel confidently and vape responsibly.

Take Note: This guide is for information purposes only; we highly recommend that you conduct your own checks with local tourist information services before you depart, as regulations around vaping are changing every day.