Can you take disposable vapes on a plane?
We're happy to report, you can bring a disposable vape bar on a plane in your carry-on luggage or pocket. But (and it's a big but) you cannot pack a disposable vape pen in your checked luggage.
As with all vaping devices, the lithium battery may constitute a fire risk, so airlines specifically look for them in checked baggage.
Also, your vape e-liquid can count towards your 100ml liquid allowance (which includes anything liquid - from deodorant, water - even honey!), so plan for this by keeping the amount low.
What are the vaping regulations for UK airlines?
While it's fine to bring your disposable vape onto the plane, we couldn't find any airline that will allow you to vape either on board your flight or vaping in the air. Here are the policies for each of the large airlines operating out of the UK:
British Airways: "Electronic cigarettes may be carried in hand luggage but can not be used while onboard."
Easy Jet: "All electronic cigarettes and a maximum of two spare batteries can be taken in a carry-on and kept on one's person."
Emirates: "All Emirates flights are non-smoking – this also includes the use of e-cigarettes. No e-cigarettes can be used onboard Emirates flights."
Jet2: "Equipment containing lithium batteries must be carried in the cabin. This includes electric cigarettes, the use of which is not permitted onboard the aircraft."
Qantas: "The use and charging of all e-cigarettes and other personal vaporisers are not permitted on board an aircraft. They must be carried in hand luggage."
Ryanair: "You may carry electronic cigarettes onboard your flight but are strictly forbidden to use electronic cigarettes or any other type of cigarette on board the aircraft."
TUI: "You're not allowed to use electronic cigarettes or any other portable smoking devices on the plane - this includes charging."
Virgin Atlantic: "Electronic cigarettes are a device that looks like a cigarette and works by creating a vapour, which contains nicotine. Electronic cigarettes are not permitted to be used onboard our aircraft."
Where can I vape at UK airports?
Our airport detectives have scoured the internet to find out exactly where you can use your disposable vape in the airports across the UK. Here's the skinny:
Belfast International Airport: E-cigarettes can only be used in designated smoking areas outside the main terminal.
Birmingham Airport: Disposable vapes and other vaping devices can only be smoked in the outside smoking facility.
Bristol Airport: E-cigarettes and vapes can only be used in designated smoking areas.
Cardiff Airport: No use of electronic cigarettes is permitted inside the terminal. There are designated smoking areas just outside the terminal next to Gate 2.
East Midlands Airport: While there's no smoking anywhere inside the terminal building (or past security), there are spaces outside the terminal for smoking and vaping.
Exeter Airport: Using vape devices or e-cigarettes is not permitted inside the terminal, but there's a smoking and vaping lounge in the VIP area.
Gatwick Airport: Smoking e-cigarettes is not permitted anywhere inside both North and South Terminals but there are areas outside both buildings.
Heathrow Airport: Use of e-cigarettes is strictly prohibited inside the terminal buildings. However, there are dedicated areas for smoking/vaping outside the terminal buildings.
Humberside Airport: E-cigarettes cannot be used within the terminal or outside the terminal entrance. They can only be used in the smoking area.
Leeds Bradford Airport: Multiple spots outside for smoking and vaping, and there's one vaping spot past security.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport: E-cigarettes and vape devices can only be used in outdoor smoking areas.
London City Airport: E-cigarettes cannot be used in the terminal or once you pass through security.
Luton Airport: E-cigarettes cannot be used anywhere apart from the smoking area outside the terminal, located outside the front entrance.
Manchester Airport: Vaping and e-cigarettes are not allowed inside the terminal, but there are three curbside spots outside the three terminals.
Newcastle Airport: Use of e-cigarettes is only permitted in smoking shelters at the front of the terminal building and in two more designated areas after passing through security.
Stansted Airport: E-cigarettes, vape pens and bars can only be used in the designated areas outside of the main terminal building's landside areas.
Southampton Airport: E-cigarettes are not permitted inside the terminal building or when walking to or from the aeroplanes. They can only be used outside the terminal building and before passing security.
Other Airports: Edinburgh, Durham Tees Valley, Glasgow Prestwick, Leeds and Robin Hood airports don't provide any info and didn't get back to us when we asked!
Travelling with disposable vapes
As far as travelling with vapes is concerned, you have several essential things to consider. First, even though vaping devices are popular and legal in the UK, different countries have very different rules on their importation and use. So we'd recommend always checking with your destination country and any stopovers you might have.
What countries have banned disposable vapes? The List.
To help you work out whether to take your vape pen or not on your travels, we've composed a long list of countries where vaping is illegal or where the legality of bringing your vape into the country is unclear. Many now require a prescription from your doctor to bring vaping products into the country.
We recommend staying on the safe side of the law with each of these countries listed and not bringing your disposable vape pen or bar into the country. If you're having trouble finding your destination, try using the search bar to find the country's name. This list has been updated for 2022 but it's always worth checking to confirm any changes in the country's law.
Antigua and Barbuda - While the sale of disposable vapes is banned, it's legal to vape.
Argentina
Australia - prescription from doctor required to bring vaping products into the country.
Bangladesh - Proposed ban but has yet to become policy.
Bahrain
Barbados
Bhutan
Brazil
Brunei
Cambodia
Colombia
Costa Rica
East Timor
Egypt
Ethiopia
The Gambia
Hong Kong
India
Iran
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
North Korea
Kuwait
Lao
Lebanon
Macao
Malaysia
Mauritius
Mexico
Nepal
Nicaragua
Oman
Palestine
Panama
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Seychelles
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Suriname
Syria
Taiwan
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Uganda
Uruguay
Vatican City
Venezuela
Tips for flying with vape pens
If you're taking a vape pen that isn't disposable - the e-liquid in some vape bars has been known to expand with cabin pressure - with this in mind, make sure you have enough space. Plus, you'll need a charger and adapter!
If your trip is short, disposable vapes might be your best bet. They're easy to carry, they don't need a charger, and you don't have to worry about messy liquids expanding in your pocket or case!
Alternatives to disposable vapes nicotine products for travelling
While your vape is likely your preferred way of enjoying nicotine, there are other nicotine products that can make your journey much easier - especially when you're travelling long distances and have no option to vape.
Using alternative products, like nicotine pouches or nicotine gum, are a great way to get through a red-eye flight without being distracted all the way by nicotine cravings. Still unsure? Check out our range of flavours and strengths to see what might work for you.
