The short answer
- Vape device and spare batteries: cabin bag only. Never in checked luggage — it's a fire risk and airlines refuse it.
- E-liquid bottles: cabin, in the 1-litre clear bag, 100ml max per bottle. Same rule as any other liquid.
- Pods and disposables count as e-liquid too — the liquid inside is what matters, not the container.
- Using, charging, or even switching a vape on during the flight is banned by every major airline.
- Some countries (Thailand, Singapore, India, Qatar and others) ban vapes entirely — bringing one in can mean confiscation, fines, or arrest.
Batteries: cabin only, terminals protected
Lithium-ion batteries in a vape must stay in the cabin so crew can respond if one overheats. Spare batteries have to be individually protected — original packaging, a plastic battery case, or tape over the terminals. Loose 18650s rattling around a pocket with keys and coins is exactly the short-circuit scenario airlines are trying to prevent.
- Device in cabin bag with the tank empty or sealed to prevent leaks at altitude.
- Spare batteries in a hard case or with terminals taped. Never loose.
- Most airlines cap individual battery capacity at 100Wh without approval — well above any vape battery.
- Do not charge the device in flight, including from a seat-back USB port.
E-liquid: standard 100ml rule
E-liquid is a liquid. It goes in the 1-litre clear bag with everything else, and each bottle must be 100ml or under. At the small number of airports running CT scanners with the 2-litre allowance, the higher limit applies to e-liquid too — but if any leg of your trip goes through a 100ml airport, pack for 100ml.
- Bottles up to 100ml in the 1-litre clear bag.
- Disposables and pre-filled pods count — the liquid volume is what security measures.
- Larger bottles (60ml+ shortfill, 120ml) go in checked luggage. Bag them to contain leaks.
- Pressure changes cause tanks to leak. Empty the tank, or store the device upright in a zip-lock.
On the plane: no vaping, no charging
Every major airline bans vaping on board and treats it the same as smoking a cigarette — including in the toilets, where smoke detectors trigger diversions. Some airlines also ban charging vape devices from in-seat USB ports. Keep the device switched off in your bag for the duration of the flight.
Countries where vapes are banned or restricted
A vape that's legal at home can be illegal on arrival. Rules change — check your destination's customs website before you fly.
| Country | Status | What it means for travellers |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Banned | Import and possession illegal. Vapes confiscated at the border; fines and possible jail. |
| Singapore | Banned | Import and use illegal. Fines up to SGD 2,000. Devices seized at the airport. |
| India | Banned | Production, import, sale and use prohibited nationwide since 2019. |
| Qatar | Banned | Import and sale banned. Devices confiscated on arrival. |
| Australia | Prescription only | Nicotine vapes require a valid prescription; disposables largely banned from retail. |
| Japan | Restricted | Nicotine e-liquid is regulated as a medicine and effectively unavailable; non-nicotine vapes are allowed. |
| UAE | Legal, regulated | Allowed for personal use; only TRA-approved devices sold locally. Declare at customs if unsure. |
| Mexico | Banned (import) | Import of vaping devices banned since 2022; personal-use import is a legal grey area with confiscation risk. |
Packing checklist
- Vape device, pods and disposables in the cabin bag.
- Spare batteries in a case or with terminals taped, in the cabin bag.
- E-liquid bottles 100ml or under in the 1-litre clear bag.
- Tank empty or sealed; device in a zip-lock to catch leaks.
- Larger e-liquid bottles in checked luggage, double-bagged.
- Charger stowed — no charging on board.
- Destination legality checked before you fly.
Related rules
- 100ml cabin liquids rule: /guides/100ml-vs-2l-airport-liquid-rules
- TSA 3-1-1 rule: /guides/tsa-3-1-1-liquids-rule
- Liquids you should never pack for a flight: /guides/liquids-you-should-never-pack-for-a-flight