Know the latest rules for flying with vape devices and e-liquids in the UK. Stay compliant and enjoy hassle-free travel!
Flying with Vapes in 2025: UK Airline Rules & Airport Smoking Zones
Can you take vapes on a plane in 2025?
It is, but under very authoritative regulations. Travelling with your vape device and e-liquids is permitted without a doubt, yet each stages of your trip has its own dos and don ts. This is a guide on what you should pack, check and know before flying to the airport.
Overview
- Airport & Airline Vaping Rules
- Packing Your Vape
- Choosing the Right Vape
- After You Land: Local Vaping Laws
1. Airport & Airline Vaping Rules
Airline Vaping Policies
| Airline |
Carry Vape? |
Use Onboard? |
Policy Notes |
Community Insight |
| British Airways |
Yes |
No |
Must be off and carried in cabin (lithium battery rules) |
Strict about carry-on only, no charging |
| Jet2 |
Yes |
No |
Devices and batteries must be in hand luggage; spares in battery cases |
Thorough checks on battery storage |
| Ryanair |
Yes |
No |
E-liquids <100 ml; no use or charging; carry-on only |
Mixed reports — sometimes checked at gate |
| TUI |
Yes |
No |
Must remain packed and switched off during flight |
Cabin crew intervene if charging seen |
| EasyJet |
Yes |
No |
Batteries in cabin only; e-liquid limits enforced |
Pod devices allowed |
| Wizz Air |
Yes |
No |
Devices must not leak or activate; cabin storage only |
Some confusion on e-liquid packaging |
| Virgin Atlantic |
Yes |
No |
No charging; carry in hand luggage only |
No issues if devices off |
| Emirates |
Yes |
No |
Must declare at check-in; prohibited onboard |
Manual inspection, extra scrutiny expected |
Airport Vaping Zones & Policies
| Airport / Terminal |
Pre Security |
Post Security |
Airport Policy |
Community Insight |
| Heathrow (T2 & T4) |
Yes |
Yes |
Airside smoking/vaping zones exist |
“Caged zones” reported |
| Heathrow (T1, T3, T5) |
Yes |
No |
No airside zones |
Confirmed by travellers |
| Gatwick |
Yes |
No |
Only outdoor areas before security |
Can be crowded |
| Manchester (T1 & T2) |
Yes |
Yes |
Airside zones available |
Confirmed by travellers |
| Manchester (T3) |
Yes |
No |
No post-security zones |
Community confirms |
| Birmingham (BHX) |
Yes |
No |
Outdoor only |
Strict enforcement reported |
| Bristol (BRS) |
Yes |
Yes |
Airside terrace at Gate 4 |
Traveller photos confirm |
| Glasgow (GLA) |
Yes |
No |
Outdoor-only shelters |
Confirmed by community |
| Edinburgh (EDI) |
Yes |
No |
Outdoor-only zone near entrance |
Traveller reports confirm |
| Newcastle (NCL) |
Yes |
Yes |
Airside shelter available |
Limited access |
| Cardiff (CWL) |
Yes |
Yes |
Post-security zone near Gate 2 |
Confirmed |
| East Midlands (EMA) |
Yes |
Yes |
Airside terrace & pre-security area |
Confirmed by travellers |
| Southampton (SOU) |
Yes |
No |
Only outside terminal |
No post-security zone |
| Exeter (EXT) |
Yes |
No |
Outdoor-only zone |
Traveller reviews confirm |
| Leeds Bradford (LBA) |
Yes |
Yes |
Pre- and post-security areas |
Confirmed by travellers |
| Liverpool (LPL) |
Yes |
Yes |
Airside vaping in hut |
Positive feedback |
| London City (LCY) |
Yes |
No |
Outside only |
Confirmed by flyers |
Tip: Exiting the terminal to vape and re-clearing security is risky unless you’re early or flying from a quiet terminal.
Consequences of Breaking the Rules
- Confiscation of device or batteries
- Permanent bans for repeated violations
- Police involvement in strict countries
2. Packing Your Vape
Hand Luggage vs Checked Baggage
| Item |
Hand Luggage |
Checked Baggage |
| Vape devices |
Required |
Not allowed |
| Spare batteries |
In battery case |
Not allowed |
| E-liquids (max 100 ml) |
In clear bag |
Sealed in bag |
| Chargers |
Recommended |
Allowed |
| Mods/tanks |
Emptied |
Well sealed |
Packing Tips
- Keep devices and batteries in hand luggage only
- Insulate spare batteries in a case or tape terminals
- Turn off or remove battery to avoid activation
- Use a padded or hard-sided vape case
- Empty tanks or use sealed pods to prevent leaks
Security Checkpoint Tips
- Remove devices, batteries, and liquids for inspection
- Pack near the top of your carry-on for easy access
3. Choosing the Right Vape
Device Types
- Pod Kits: Compact, rechargeable, leak-resistant — ideal for travel
- Disposables: Legal to carry in the UK but banned from sale; more likely to leak
- Refillables/Mods: Powerful but bulky; tanks must be emptied, batteries secured
- Accessories: Coils, cotton, tools — pack clean and sealed
Friendly Travel Tips
- Stick with rechargeable pod devices
- Pack one primary device plus one backup
- Pre-fill pods under 100 ml and check for leaks
- Bring USB-C chargers in a hard case
IVG Recommended Travel Vapes
- 2400 Kit: Pre-filled, pocket-sized, rechargeable, leak-resistant
- Smart Max: Refillable pod kit with large battery, USB-C, adjustable settings
- Intense Salts: Nicotine salt pod device, 10mg & 20mg, 30 flavours
4. After You Land: Local Vaping Laws
Country Vape Laws
| Status |
Countries |
Notes |
| Banned |
Thailand, Singapore, India, Brazil |
Possession/use/import illegal; fines or arrest |
| Strict Rules |
Australia, Germany, UAE, Japan |
Legal under prescription, non-nicotine only, or private use |
| Generally Allowed |
France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, USA |
Legal but with local restrictions, age checks, and smoke-free zones |
Travel Advice
- Avoid the vaping in airports and taxis, or crowded areas in abroad
- Always check local laws and they can change quickly
Travel Prep Checklist
Before You Go
- Check legal vaping age
- Research vape laws
- Look into customs rules
- Choose a compact device (disposables banned in UK from June 2025)
- Pack nicotine pouches if needed
Packing Your Vape Gear
- Hand luggage for devices, batteries, chargers, tanks/pods
- Optional checked luggage for sealed e-liquids
- Spare batteries insulated
- E-liquids in 100 ml bottles in 1 L zip-lock bag
- Use a hard case
- Empty tanks or seal pods
- Bring charging cable
- Pack near top of carry-on
When You Land
- Double-check local vape laws
- Be discreet in public
- Avoid indoor vaping near kids
- Breaking rules could lead to fines or confiscation
- Keep embassy contacts handy
- Recheck rules before returning home
