Michael Turner
Direct recommendation: Place portable electronic cigarette devices and all spare lithium batteries in cabin baggage only. Devices should be powered off, protectively capped, and packed to prevent accidental activation or liquid leakage during transit.
Battery limits and handling: Lithium‑ion cells installed in a device are normally allowed in the cabin when their capacity is ≤100 Wh. Spare cells must also remain in the cabin with terminals insulated (electrical tape or original packaging). Cells between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval and are typically limited to two spares per passenger; cells >160 Wh are forbidden in both cabin and hold. Power banks are treated as spare batteries and follow the same rules.
Liquid cartridges and packaging: E‑liquid containers are subject to regular cabin liquid restrictions (generally 100 ml per container and placement in a transparent resealable bag). Tanks should be empty or tightly sealed; carry any nicotine liquids in their original labelled containers where possible and declare them if requested by security staff.
Regulatory and airline variation: Policies differ by carrier and destination. Some airlines prohibit electronic cigarette devices entirely; some jurisdictions impose strict import bans and penalties. Confirm airline policy and destination regulations before travel, and keep devices accessible for inspection at security checkpoints.
Operational checklist for travellers: 1) Place devices and all spare batteries in cabin baggage; 2) Power devices off and fit protective caps; 3) Insulate battery terminals; 4) Store e‑liquids within cabin liquid limits; 5) Verify carrier and destination rules in advance.
Airline rules for e-cigarettes in hold baggage
Do not stow e-cigarettes in the aircraft hold; airline and aviation-regulator guidance requires battery-powered smoking devices and spare lithium batteries to travel in cabin baggage only because of fire-risk management.
- TSA / IATA baseline: devices are allowed in carry-on but prohibited in the hold; spare lithium-ion batteries must be carried in cabin and protected against short circuits.
- Battery capacity limits: batteries ≤100 Wh generally allowed in cabin without airline approval; 100–160 Wh require airline approval and are usually limited to two spares; >160 Wh are not permitted in either cabin or hold.
- Device handling: power off completely, remove any removable cells when feasible, isolate terminals with tape or individual plastic sleeves, and place the device in a rigid, protective case to prevent accidental activation or damage.
- Liquid rules for cabin: nicotine-containing liquids count as carry-on liquids – containers typically must meet 100 ml/3.4 oz limits and be presented in a clear resealable bag during security screening; larger quantities may need to be stowed per airline rules or shipped separately where permitted.
- International restrictions: several countries prohibit import or possession of e-cigarettes and nicotine liquids (for example, Singapore enforces substantial penalties). Verify carrier policy and destination/state regulations before travel.
Recommended packing steps for safe transport in the cabin:
- Place device in a padded case and keep it in the carry-on bag; store spare batteries in original packaging or with terminals taped.
- Keep tanks mostly empty to reduce leakage; store liquids upright in sealed plastic bags or leakproof containers.
- Declare oversized batteries or unusual power banks at ticketing if airline approval is required; follow crew instructions at boarding.
Practical gear suggestions: store the protective case inside a small daypack or underseat carry solution – see best backpack for philmont for padded carry options; protect carry items from weather with compact coverage such as best windproof umbrellas for college students.
How do airport security rules treat batteries and e-liquid in checked bags?
Keep spare lithium cells in cabin baggage only; loose or spare lithium batteries are normally prohibited in hold baggage because of fire risk.
Lithium-ion batteries: cells or packs under 100 Wh are generally acceptable in carry-on as either installed or spare units. Batteries rated between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval and are usually limited to two spare units per passenger; batteries above 160 Wh are forbidden on passenger aircraft. Lithium metal (primary) batteries with more than 2 g lithium content similarly require airline approval or are banned.
Terminals must be protected against short circuits: tape exposed ends, keep cells in original packaging or in individual plastic sleeves, and ensure spares are separate from metal objects. Devices with batteries installed should be powered off and protected from accidental activation; many carriers specify that devices with lithium batteries belong in cabin baggage rather than in the hold.
E-liquid containers in hold baggage are not subject to the 100 ml cabin limit, yet rules vary by carrier and country. Nicotine solutions without flammable solvents are normally permitted, but large commercial quantities or formulations containing high concentrations of volatile solvents may be classified as dangerous goods. Store bottles upright, sealed, and cushioned to prevent leaks; place bottles inside a sealed plastic pouch or absorbent material to limit damage from spills.
If bulk quantities of batteries or e-liquid are planned, seek explicit airline approval before travel and carry manufacturer labels and safety data sheets when available. For unrelated storage solutions and solid containment ideas, see best acrylic fish tanks.
How to pack an electronic cigarette for hold baggage: battery removal, sealing, and protection
Remove all removable lithium cells from the device and place them in carry-on; if cells cannot be removed, empty the liquid reservoir, power down, lock the fire control and immobilize the actuator before stowing the unit in hold baggage.
Battery removal and packing
Use a screwdriver or the device’s access cap to extract cylindrical cells (common sizes: 18650, 20700, 21700, 16340). Cover each cell’s terminals with Kapton or electrical tape, then insert each cell into an individual rigid plastic battery case. Do not tape cells together or allow contact with loose metal objects (coins, keys). Keep spare cells separated from bottles and electronics and label cells with nominal voltage and capacity if original packaging is unavailable.
Sealing tanks and physical protection
Empty tanks and cartridges fully; rinse and air-dry removable atomizers. Fit silicone or rubber stoppers into mouthpiece and fill openings, apply a layer of shrink-wrap or wrap thread with Teflon tape to prevent cap loosening. Place the device and any e-liquid bottles inside a sealed zip-top bag with an absorbent pad (paper towel or microfiber) to catch leaks. Pad the bag with two to three layers of bubble wrap or foam, then enclose everything in a hard-sided case or a dedicated electronics pouch. Position the case in the center of hold baggage, surrounded by soft clothing; avoid placing beneath heavy items or adjacent to sharp objects.
For devices with non-removable batteries: remove coil/atomizer to eliminate conductivity, activate the device lock (five-click or manufacturer method), tape over firing button with non-conductive tape, and place inside a padded, rigid container with silica gel for moisture control. Retain original packaging when possible and keep manufacturer documentation or battery specification sheet accessible at hand for inspections.
Which countries and airlines prohibit placing e-cigarette devices in hold baggage?
Recommendation: keep electronic nicotine-delivery devices in cabin baggage only; many major carriers forbid stowage in the aircraft hold and several countries prohibit import, possession or use.
Airlines that prohibit stowage in the aircraft hold
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Qantas, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways all require e-cigarette devices to be carried in the cabin rather than placed in the hold. Regional and low-cost operators commonly follow the same rule; check the specific carrier policy before travel.
Countries with import, possession or use prohibitions
India: nationwide ban on manufacture, import, sale and advertising of electronic nicotine-delivery devices; seizures and penalties enforced. Singapore: import, sale and possession prohibited under national law; fines and criminal penalties possible. Thailand: import and possession illegal; devices are frequently seized at ports of entry. Japan: nicotine-containing e-liquids are regulated as pharmaceuticals and importing them without a prescription is restricted. Australia: nicotine e-liquids generally require a prescription for personal import; customs may detain unauthorized products. Other jurisdictions impose significant restrictions or outright bans; verify destination regulations before travel.
Verify carrier and destination rules prior to departure; noncompliance may lead to seizure, fines, denied boarding or criminal charges. If uncertainty persists, leave devices at home or arrange shipment through a licensed courier that handles regulated hazardous goods.
When only cabin carriage permitted: carry-on guidance for e-cigarette
Power off the device, remove any removable battery cells and place them inside the carry-on in a dedicated protective case or individual insulating sleeves; tape battery terminals with non-conductive tape to prevent short circuits.
Spare lithium‑ion batteries must remain in cabin baggage. Batteries up to 100 Wh require no airline approval; batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh need prior airline authorization and are typically limited to two spares per passenger; batteries above 160 Wh are forbidden on passenger aircraft. Convert capacity: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × nominal voltage (example: 3000 mAh × 3.7 V = 11.1 Wh).
Carry e‑liquid bottles in containers of 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) or less and place them in a single transparent resealable bag not exceeding 1 litre (quart). Larger bottles should be transferred to smaller containers or shipped separately by parcel if needed.
Fit the unit into a hard-sided case or padded compartment to prevent crushing and accidental activation; cap mouthpieces and close valves or remove tanks/cartridges when feasible. If tanks are removable, store them upright and sealed to reduce leakage risk.
Keep the item readily accessible during security screening; staff may request removal from the carry-on for inspection and will expect the device powered off and batteries isolated. Operation onboard aircraft is prohibited by most carriers and may result in fines or confiscation.
Retain manufacturer documentation or labels showing watt‑hour rating when travelling with batteries near the 100–160 Wh range; present that information during airline approval requests or at the gate if asked by crew or security.
