Travelling by plane with your e-cigarette — mission impossible?

Holidays are coming, and travelling with your e-cigarette isn't always straightforward, especially on a plane and abroad. Vaping is governed by strict rules: on one hand, airlines impose safety guidelines for equipment and e-liquids, and on the other, each country applies its own legislation, sometimes very restrictive when it comes to e-cigarettes.

Where to carry your e-cigarette?

The golden rule for your e-cigarette: always in hand luggage. The lithium-ion batteries in e-cigarettes present a fire risk and are therefore prohibited in the hold by most airlines. Your e-cigarette, mod, pod, or integrated battery must travel with you, switched off, in your bag or hand luggage. Regarding e-cigarettes with removable batteries, these must be stored in a suitable case and kept in the cabin with you.

To summarise:

• Keep the e-cigarette in a pouch or case to prevent accidental activation.

• Remove the battery and carry it in an insulating case, never loose with keys or coins.

• Limit the number of spare batteries in accordance with the airline's rules (often a maximum of 2 batteries, always in the cabin).

Equipment without a battery (atomiser alone, empty clearomiser, box without battery) may be placed in the hold. However, no battery or complete e-cigarette must be placed in checked luggage.

Can e-liquids be transported?

In the cabin, e-liquids are subject to the same rules as all liquids. In 2025, the general rule remains: bottles of 100 ml maximum, stored in a transparent plastic bag for quick identification if needed. In the hold, 1 litre of liquid is permitted per person. This includes your e-liquids, but also shampoos, shower gels, perfumes, etc. It is also recommended to place everything liquid in a sealed, transparent bag.

In practice:

• Maximum 100 ml per bottle in the cabin.

• All liquids (for e-cigarettes and others) must fit in a single sealed transparent bag of approximately 1 litre.

• Close your bottles properly to avoid leaks due to pressure at altitude.

Pressure during flight and leaks

Variations in air pressure on a plane can cause leaks in your atomisers and bottles. Filled tanks and clearomisers tend to seep or partially empty at altitude. To avoid arriving with stained clothing, it is best to:

• Not fill your tanks to the maximum before the flight, or even travel with nearly empty tanks.

• Transport bottles in sealed plastic bags in your hand luggage.

Can you vape on the plane?

Absolutely not: vaping is prohibited on the plane. Vaping is treated as tobacco consumption by airlines and falls under the same prohibitions as traditional cigarettes. This is due to:

• The risk of interference with certain electronic equipment.

• The presence of sensitive smoke detectors.

• The comfort and peace of other passengers.

Some airlines have even tightened their policies following incidents linked to poorly handled batteries. It is best not to attempt to vape discreetly in the toilets or behind your seat: you risk at the very least a warning, and at worst, sanctions.

Vaping, customs, and country legislation

Once you have arrived, the rules change depending on your destination. Each country applies its own policy on e-cigarettes, ranging from simple regulation to outright prohibition.

A few notable examples in 2025:

• Total or near-total ban: India, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, Mexico, Brazil, and certain countries in the Middle East or Africa. Vaping is banned there, sometimes with confiscation of equipment, heavy fines, or even prison sentences.

• Heavily regulated nicotine: in Australia, nicotine is generally subject to a medical prescription, even if personal possession is sometimes tolerated under certain conditions.

• Japan: vaping without nicotine is permitted, but the importation of nicotine e-liquids is heavily regulated, or even prohibited for private individuals.

• Europe, Canada, USA: vaping is broadly permitted but regulated (legal age, advertising restrictions, local rules on where vaping is allowed).

Before travelling, it is essential to check the legislation of your destination country on an official website or a reliable specialist travel/health source, as rules and penalties can change rapidly.

Can you vape at the airport?

In most airports, vaping is prohibited inside terminals, in the same way as tobacco. However:

• Some airports have designated smoking areas where vaping is tolerated, sometimes in enclosed spaces or dedicated lounges.

• Others prohibit all forms of indoor vaping, including in smoking areas.

Abroad, practices vary considerably. The simplest approach is to ask staff on site or to follow the official signage to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Practical tips for stress-free travel

To summarise, a few good habits for a stress-free journey with your e-cigarette:

• Always carry the e-cigarette and batteries in the cabin, never in the hold.

• Protect your equipment: hard case, batteries in suitable boxes, device switched off and locked.

• Strictly observe the rules on liquids in the cabin (100 ml per bottle, 1-litre bag) and properly protect e-liquids in the hold.

• Do not charge your e-cigarette during the flight.

• Opt for a small, discreet setup when travelling.

• Before departure, check the regulations of your destination country regarding vaping and nicotine, as well as the guidelines of your chosen airline.

With these few rules, it is entirely possible to travel by plane with your e-cigarette, stress-free and safely, whilst staying on the right side of the law.

Pascal & Daniel