With more than three millions of Brits swapping tobacco products for e-cigarettes, many could be running the risk of having their expensive ‘vaping’ kit confiscated at the airport.
Find out the security rules when flying with e-cigarettes, refill liquid and batteries. Credit: Thinkstock/Librakv
E-cigarettes are not allowed to be used on planes. They must be packed in your hand luggage only. You are not permitted to charge your e-cigarette on the plane. You can take a maximum of two spare rechargeable batteries. Most airlines will allow you to carry refill bottles on the plane, with bottles of less than 100ml in size. You must declare your e-cigarettes and batteries to security when you go through the airport scanner. Make sure you check the rules for the country you are flying to, as some countries have banned e-cigarettes altogether.
Flying with e-cigarettes isn’t as straightforward as many might expect. From where to pack your batteries and liquids to finding countries where the devices are banned, make sure you read this before you travel.
Here’s the essential information you need.
While some establishments allow vaping where smoking is banned, this is not the case on planes. The use of e-cigarettes is illegal on aircraft.
If you’re boarding a plane, you will need to pack your e-cigarettes, e-cigars, personal vaporizers and electronic nicotine delivery systems in your hand luggage only. This is down to the rules surrounding lithium batteries and the risk of fire they could pose if packed in the plane’s hold.
No. Due to the risk of fire and overheating, you are not permitted to charge your device while on-board an aircraft.
You can take a maximum of two spare rechargeable batteries and these must be packed either in their original, unopened packaging, or with their terminals taped over if loose. You must take these with you in your cabin baggage: they must not be stored in your hold baggage under any circumstances.
Most airlines will allow you to carry refill bottles on the plane, with bottles of less than 100ml in carry-on luggage and larger amounts in the hold. Flybe is one exception to the list and does not allow the liquid to be carried on its planes.
Is vaping okay when I get to my destination?
The rules on vaping vary around the globe. Find out the rules in your destination here.
Find more rules on travelling with electrical devices here.