Travelling With E-Liquids & Vape Kits
Published 6 February 2021, Updated 9 April 2024
So you’ve booked your flights, you have sorted your accommodation. Luggage, packed, tickets printed and you are ready to fly. But now you’re probably wondering if you can take your vape device and eliquid. You’ve come to the correct place.
In this blog, we will be taking you through some of the most commonly asked questions and queries regarding travelling with vape device and liquids.
Check the vaping laws for your destination
Travelling with vape gear can be scary, but it shouldn’t be if you know what you can take and how to pack it. Rules and regulations vary from airport to airport, and country to country. For those travelling by plane, it’s important know how to safely transport your vape. The worry for most vapers is having, kits and liquids confiscated and receiving heavy fines. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, millions of vapers take to the airports every day so it’s good to be in the know.
We would strongly advise you to check the rules and regulations regarding vaping in your holiday destination. Some major countries where vaping is restricted include the US, Canada, Norway, Japan and Australia. Countries where vaping is banned outright include Thailand, Argentina, Jordan, Egypt, Singapore, Brazil, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Uruguay, Vietnam, Venezuela, Qatar, Philippines, Panama, Turkey and Lebanon. This is not an exhaustive list and we strongly advise you check the rules at your holiday destination before you leave the UK.
There are also a number of countries where only nicotine free e-liquids are allowed. These countries include, Australia, Japan, and South Africa, and some parts of Indonesia. These laws are constantly changing, so make sure you check before travelling.
Travelling with E-liquids
E-liquid works in the same way as any other liquids; you cannot exceed 100ml volume vape fluid in your hand luggage. Treat them as any other liquid when going through security checks, making sure they are in a clear plastic bag. This is certainly the case for small 10ml e-cigarette liquid. Make sure you store anything over 100ml in your checked baggage.
Clearomizers, atomisers, pods etc must all be put into a clear plastic bag whilst going through security. As these still contain liquid, they must be treated like any other liquids.
Due to the pressure changes in a plane, plastic bottles expand. Use leak proof bottles, filling up only halfway, ensuring the seal is air tight. To be extra cautious, you may want to make sure your liquid bottle always has a TPD compliant manufacturer label on it just in case your bag gets searched.
Cabin pressure inside a plane may cause your e-liquid to leak out of your tank or pod. Ensure that these are empty before boarding your flight to prevent any juice from leaking into your bag and possibly ruining whatever is in there. If you find that you have a little liquid left in your tank or pod, then make sure you separate these from your device and maybe wrap some tissue paper around them to soak up any leakages.
Travelling with 18650 Vape Batteries
18650 batteries are not allowed to be stored in your hold luggage. This is the case for lithium-ion batteries. Lithium batteries, like the 18650 batteries used in vape devices, can produce dangerous heat levels, cause ignition, short circuit very easily and cause inextinguishable fires.
You must always carry batteries in your carry on luggage, this is a worldwide rule with no exceptions.
Your vape batteries should also be disconnected from the device. It is recommended that your batteries are stored in a battery case. You are not allowed to charge your batteries on a plane. You must also check how many spare batteries you can take on board with you with the airline you are flying with. This can vary from airline to airline, some may allow only two, however some many have a larger limit.
Travelling with Vape Mods
If your mod is separated from all its connected parts then it is allowed in checked baggage. However, we recommend that you keep your Mod on you at all times to prevent any unpleasant surprises.
There are bound to be a few bumpy rides, especially when your suitcase is being transported from one area to another. If you have a large mod in your hold baggage, we recommend that you wrap it in bubble wrap, or a towel like cloth.
Travelling with Vape Pods and Cartridges
As long as vaping is allowed at your destination, there is no limit to how many pods/cartridges you can take with you. It may be a good idea to stock up as the last thing you want to happen is to run out on holiday and end up spending your holiday time trying to find a local vape shop.
Vaping at the airport
This is all dependent on the airport and the country you are in. If vaping is legal in that country, then you are most likely able to vape in the designated smoking areas or lounges. However, if in doubt, always ask.
Enjoy your Trip!
Depending on your country of origin and your destination, every case of flying with a vape will be different. Make sure you do your research before taking a flight to avoid any unnecessary questioning and difficulties at customs.
All airline sites will have their own necessary information and policies you need on vaping. Government websites are also helpful in getting all the information you need on their policies on vaping in that specific country. We recommend you take all the required precautions to make your travels as easy and as stress-free as possible!