Can You Take Disposable Vapes on an Airplane?

October 31, 2023

I'm flying abroad with disposable vapes. Can I take my disposable vapes on the plane? How many I can take on board? How do I take disposable vapes through customs and security?

When preparing for a trip, if you use disposable vapes, you may find yourself wondering about the regulations and safety measures in place for transporting these devices by air. This comprehensive guide will shed light on the do’s and don’ts of taking disposable vapes on an airplane.

How Many Disposable Vapes Can I Bring on a Plane?

The number of disposable vapes you can bring on a plane largely depends on the airline’s specific regulations on lithium-ion batteries. For example, British Airways permits passengers to carry a maximum of 15 lithium-ion battery-powered devices.

It’s crucial to note that this quota isn’t exclusive to vapes. Devices like mobile phones, laptops, Apple AirTags, cameras, and tablets also count towards this total.

Therefore, always remember to account for all your gadgets when calculating the number of vapes you can carry.

WANT TO VAPE AT UK AIRPORTS?

See the list of UK airports and
where you can vape

Can I Take Disposable Vapes in Hand Luggage?

Absolutely, you can! In fact, it’s recommended to either store disposable vapes in your hand luggage or keep them on your person. The primary reason for this recommendation is the lithium-ion batteries inside them.

These batteries can potentially pose a fire risk, something which would go unoticed in the cargo hold. Should any complications arise with the batteries, this can then be promptly addressed in the cabin.

As mentioned previously, the number of vapes you can carry in your hand luggage is determined by the airline’s lithium-ion battery allowance.

FLYING WITH VAPE BATTERIES?

Read our guide on travelling with lithium ion batteries

Can You Put Disposable Vapes in Your Suitcase?

No, most airline do not allow this due to the fire risk mentioned above with all li-ion batteires, so storing disposable vapes in checked-in luggage isn’t advisable. To be on the safe side, always keep your vapes either in your carry-on luggage or on your person.

What to Do with Disposable Vapes at Airport Security and Customs?

Different airports and airlines might have varying policies on how to handle disposable vapes during security and customs checks. It’s essential to bear in mind that disposable vapes contain 2.0ml of liquid and a lithium-ion battery. This means they often fall under liquid regulations during these checks.

To simplify the process, it’s advisable to store disposable vapes separately in a transparent bag, similar to the ones provided at airports for carrying liquids. This makes it easier for security personnel to inspect them. Remember, never place them in your checked-in luggage.

So, when taking disposable vapes through airport customs;

Place your disposable vapes in a transparent plastic bag (provided at airports for liquids)
Make sure you have not exceeded your maximum number of lithium-ion battery devices

What to Do if You Can't Take Your Disposable Vapes on Your Flight?

There could be instances when you might not be permitted to carry disposable vapes on board. For instance, if you’re trying to transport an illegal disposable vape that exceeds the e-liquid capacity limit (more than 2.0ml), it stands a chance of being confiscated and subsequently destroyed.

To ensure your vapes meet the necessary requirements, you can use the Vape Click website or the MHRA’s list of compliant e-cigarette devices.

Furthermore, always be cautious about the cumulative count of your lithium-ion battery devices. It’s easy to overlook this when you have a myriad of electronic devices like phones, laptops, tablets, tracking devices, battery chargers, and more. If you exceed the limit because of an excess of disposable vapes, it’s likely the vapes will be the first items you’ll need to leave behind.

Lastly, a good tip for frequent travellers is to research the availability of vapes in their destination country. Most global travel hotspots permit the sale of e-cigarettes, including disposable vapes. If, for some reason, you can’t bring your vapes on the flight, you can often purchase them upon arrival. Many international airports even offer vapes and e-liquids in their departure or arrival lounge shops.