Can You Bring a Vape On a Plane? A Guide to Flying With Vapes

By Devon McPherson | Last Updated:
Fact Checked |

Yes, you can bring a vape on a plane in 2025, but only in your carry-on luggage, never in checked luggage. Vapes aren’t allowed in checked bags because their lithium batteries can pose a fire risk if something goes wrong. 

That’s the rule for every U.S. flight and almost all international routes. Miss that detail, and your prized device could be confiscated — or worse, it could set off alarms at security. 

Whether you vape for anxiety relief or use a vape to quit smoking, the rules around air travel are different in every destination. This guide breaks down TSA policies, airline quirks, and how to pack your gear, so you can breeze through the gate without adding drama to your travel experience.

In This Article: 

TSA Guidelines: How to Travel with a Vape the Right Way

Stewardess speaking to a passenger in a plane cabin.

According to TSA and FAA guidelines, all diffusers and vape accessories must go in your carry-on bag, never in your checked luggage. If a battery malfunctions, flight attendants need to be able to respond quickly — something they can’t do if your vape is buried in the cargo hold. 

At security, you may be asked to remove your vape device from your bag, just like a laptop or electric razor. If you’re carrying a larger mod or something that looks unfamiliar, don’t be surprised if TSA gives it a closer look. That’s totally normal. Just stay polite, and let them do their job.

How To Pack Your Vape Gear the Right Way:

  • Carry-On Only: Always keep your vape in your carry-on. Putting it in your checked bag can result in your luggage being flagged, delayed, or even confiscated.

  • Power Down: Turn off your vape before traveling, and lock it if possible to prevent accidental firing.

  • Battery Safety: If your device has removable batteries, take them out and store them in a protective case. Never pack loose batteries.

  • Juice & Pressure Tips: Cabin pressure can cause vape tanks to leak. Empty the tank or keep it half full. Store it upright and place it in a sealed plastic bag. Vape juice must follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid rule: containers no larger than 100ml, all packed in one quart-sized clear bag.

  • Accessories & Chargers: These go in your carry-on, too. Keep them clean, organized, and clearly labeled to avoid extra inspection.

Keep your electronic smoking device in your carry-on, pack it safely, and follow TSA’s liquid and battery rules. Use the checklist above to help you when you’re packing last-minute essentials. A little prep goes a long way in making sure your vape makes it to your destination with you.

Can You Take Disposable Vapes on a Plane?

Young woman using a disposable vape.

You can take disposable vapes on a plane — again, as long as they’re in your carry-on bag. 

You may be thinking that disposables are less of a threat because they are not chargeable devices. However, just like with reusable vape devices, disposables contain lithium batteries, which means they’re not allowed in checked luggage. Security will treat them the same way they would a phone, tablet, or battery pack.

Make sure your disposable vape is turned off, or cannot be accidentally activated in your bag. Most disposables are draw-activated, so they won’t turn on unless you inhale, but it’s still smart to store them in a secure spot where they won’t get crushed or damaged.

Flying With a Vape Internationally: What to Know

Traveler in an airport, holding a carry-on bag and a boarding pass.

Traveling with a vape internationally can be a little tricky. While vapes are legal in most places, some countries have bans or tight restrictions that could land you in hot water if you don’t do your homework on local regulations. For example, countries like Thailand and Singapore have harsh penalties for vaping, including fines or even jail time. Meanwhile, other countries allow vapes but enforce strict rules on nicotine strength and bottle size.

If you’re traveling to Australia, be aware that as of early 2025, nicotine vapes are only legal with a doctor’s prescription. In Japan, it’s legal to use vapes without nicotine, but importing nicotine-containing e-liquids is considered bringing in medication and comes with volume limits.

Many countries have complete bans on vapes. Some of them include: 

  • Argentina - No sale, import, or use of vapes.

  • Mauritius - Manufacturing and imports of vapes are banned.

  • Singapore - No possession of vapes, possession could result in fines or jail time.

  • Taiwan - All vaping items are banned, with steep fines if you’re caught vaping.

  • Thailand - Possession can result in fines or imprisonment up to 10 years.

  • Venezuela - Import and sales banned.

Look for your destination here for quick info on flying with a vape:

Airport

Carry-On Use 

Checked Baggage

Vaping in the terminal

Vaping onboard 

Los Angeles (LAX) 

Allowed 

Prohibited 

Only allowed in outdoor smoking areas.

Not allowed.

New York JFK 

Allowed 

Prohibited 

Only allowed in designated smoking lounges.

Not allowed.

London Heathrow Airport  (LHR)

Allowed 

Prohibited 

Only allowed in outdoor designated smoking areas.

Not allowed.

Dubai (DXB)

Allowed 

Prohibited 

Only allowed in designated smoking rooms.

Not allowed.

Frankfurt (FRA)

Allowed 

Prohibited 

Only allowed in smoking areas outside the terminal.

Not allowed.

Sydney (SYD) 

Allowed 

Prohibited 

Only allowed in designated outdoor areas.

Not allowed.

Singapore Changi (SIN)

Allowed (but strict) 

Prohibited 

Only in smoking areas, vaping elsewhere can result in heavy fines.

Strictly banned.

Toronto Pearson (YYZ)

Allowed

Prohibited

Only allowed in smoking areas outside the terminal.

Not allowed.

It’s a good idea to search for your destination’s current vaping laws at least a few days before your flight. Rules change often, and what was legal last year may not be legal now. 

If you're unsure, contact the airline or check the destination country's customs website. When in doubt, it's safer to leave your vape gear at home than risk fines or confiscation.

Can You Use or Charge a Vape on a Plane?

No, you cannot use a vape on a plane. Vaping on board is treated the same way as smoking a cigarette. It is strictly prohibited, and getting caught can have serious consequences. That includes fines, getting removed from the flight, or even federal charges, depending on where you are. 

And yes, bathroom vaping sets off smoke detectors just like traditional cigarettes do, and the entire crew will know you were trying to sneak a puff, so abstain until you’re off the flight.

As for charging your vape during the flight, most airlines don’t allow it. Even if you find a USB port at your seat, charging lithium-powered devices like vapes is often restricted due to the risk of overheating or battery failure. 

Your best option is to wait until you’re back on the ground or use a portable power bank once you’re off the plane.

How Many Vapes Can You Bring on a Plane?

A collection of vapes in different colours.

The issue with vapes on planes is the lithium-ion batteries that power them because they are fire hazards. The TSA rules for travelling with lithium batteries are: you can’t travel with more than 20 lithium-ion batteries in your carry-on. That equates to up to 160 watt-hours in spare batteries. So, because of this rule, and because vapes aren’t taxed the same as cigarettes, technically, you can travel with up to 20 spare vape diffusers in your carry-on baggage. 

The thing is, even if there’s no official TSA rule that limits how many vapes you can bring, airlines and foreign customs officials might raise an eyebrow if you’re carrying a dozen devices or a suitcase full of juice. 

As a general guideline, bringing one or two personal devices and a few spare disposables or bottles of e-liquid should be no problem. If you’re carrying more than that, especially for a long trip or for friends, you’ll need to be ready to explain that it’s for personal use and not resale. 

When in doubt, travel light and keep things organized so you don’t look like you're smuggling.

Conclusion: Yes, You Can Bring a Vape on a Plane — Just Follow the Rules

Woman standing in an airport terminal carrying a backpack.So when you’re packing last-minute essentials and the question pops up: Can I bring a vape on a plane? The short answer is yes, but only in your carry-on bag. It also needs to be turned off and packed properly. 

The bottom line is: if you want to travel with a vape, don’t stash your reusable or disposable vape in checked luggage, stick to the liquid restriction rule, and never, ever use it mid-flight. 

If you follow these tips and do a bit of research about the country you’re travelling to, flying with a vape will be hassle-free.

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