Do vapes go in carry on or checked luggage

Place all electronic cigarettes and spare lithium-ion cells in your hand/small bag carried into the cabin; do not stow devices or loose batteries in the aircraft hold.

TSA and FAA guidance permits electronic smoking devices only in in-cabin baggage; many international operators follow IATA recommendations. Spare batteries and power banks must be carried on and protected against short circuits (tape terminals or use original packaging). Devices with built-in batteries should be powered off and insulated from accidental activation.

Battery capacity rules: cells up to 100 Wh are permitted in the cabin without airline approval. Cells between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require written airline approval and are normally limited to two spare units per passenger. Cells above 160 Wh are generally forbidden from both cabin and hold.

E-liquid limits for cabin bags follow liquid rules: containers no larger than 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) and all bottles placed inside a single clear resealable bag. If tanks contain liquid, either carry them partly full or empty and pack extra e-liquid bottles in accordance with the 100 ml limit.

Before travel: check the departure and arrival airline policies and national aviation authority rules; confirm any airline-specific bans on electronic nicotine devices or larger batteries. Expect screening agents to confiscate noncompliant items and possible fines for undeclared prohibited goods.

Practical packing steps: power off devices, remove and individually bag spare cells, tape exposed terminals, keep tanks capped or empty, carry a single clear liquids bag for e-liquids, and do not charge devices onboard. These measures reduce fire risk and likelihood of confiscation.

Do electronic nicotine devices belong in cabin baggage or the aircraft hold?

Place all electronic nicotine delivery devices and spare lithium batteries in your cabin baggage; do not stow them in the aircraft hold.

Regulatory and safety specifics

• US/TSA & FAA policy: devices with lithium-ion cells are permitted only in cabin baggage; spare batteries must also remain in the cabin and have terminals protected against short circuits.
• IATA/ICAO battery limits: lithium‑ion batteries ≤100 Wh allowed without airline approval; 100–160 Wh permitted with airline approval and a maximum of two spare cells; >160 Wh prohibited from passenger transport.
• Lithium‑metal batteries (non‑rechargeable): spare units limited to 2 g lithium content per cell for carriage in the cabin.
• Power banks and external battery packs are treated as spare batteries and must be carried in the cabin, not in the aircraft hold.
• Devices must be prevented from accidental activation – remove tanks/cartridges where possible and switch devices off.

Practical handling and international limits

• Liquids: e‑liquid bottles follow the standard liquid rules for cabin baggage (typically ≤100 ml per container inside a single transparent resealable bag); ensure leakproof caps and place them upright inside a sealed pouch.
• Battery protection: keep spare cells in original packaging or individual plastic covers; tape exposed terminals or use plastic caps; store spare batteries separately from metal objects and the device.
• Device storage: place devices in a hard protective case inside your cabin bag to prevent crushing and accidental activation during screening.
• Airline approval: if any battery exceeds 100 Wh, obtain written airline approval before travel; failure to declare can result in denied boarding or confiscation.
• Destination rules: some countries prohibit nicotine liquids or possession of these devices (examples: Singapore, Australia, Japan have strict restrictions or require prescriptions). Check customs and public‑health regulations for your arrival country before packing.
• Penalties: noncompliance can lead to confiscation, fines, and, in restrictive jurisdictions, criminal charges. Security checkpoints may refuse carriage of improperly packed batteries and devices.

• Quick checklist: device powered off; tank emptied or capped; spare batteries in protective covers; all batteries and the device inside your cabin bag; liquids ≤100 ml in a clear resealable bag; verify airline and destination rules.

Can you bring an e-cigarette in cabin bags on U.S. and international flights?

Keep electronic cigarettes and spare lithium batteries in your cabin bag; stowing them in the aircraft hold is prohibited by U.S. and most international carriers.

Regulatory essentials

• TSA / FAA (United States): ENDS devices are permitted in the cabin only. Spare lithium-ion batteries and power banks must be carried in the cabin, terminals taped or in individual battery cases. E-liquid containers follow the 100 ml (3.4 oz) per container limit and must fit in a single quart-sized clear bag.
• EASA / EU airlines: Similar rules – devices allowed in cabin, prohibited in the aircraft hold. Airlines may require devices to be protected against accidental activation.
• Battery limits: Batteries under 100 Wh generally allowed without airline approval. Batteries 100–160 Wh require airline approval and are typically limited to two spares. Batteries over 160 Wh are usually forbidden from passenger transport.
• Device state: Built-in batteries should remain installed; removable batteries should be removed and carried in the cabin with terminals insulated. Power banks are treated as spare batteries.
• Use and charging: Use of electronic cigarettes and in-flight charging is banned on nearly all flights; expect confiscation and possible fines if used aboard.

Destination and airline restrictions (examples)

• Singapore: Importation, sale and possession of nicotine-containing electronic cigarette products are prohibited; penalties and seizure apply.
• Thailand: Import and use of most electronic cigarette products are illegal; fines and criminal penalties have been enforced.
• Brunei: Strict prohibition on electronic nicotine devices and liquids.
• Japan & Australia: Nicotine-containing e-liquids face import restrictions – Australia commonly requires a prescription for personal import of nicotine liquids; Japan restricts nicotine importation procedures. Check customs rules before travel.
• Airline variance: Low-cost and regional carriers may prohibit certain disposable pod devices or have stricter battery/quantity limits; always verify the carrier policy before departure.

Pre-flight packing checklist

1. Confirm airline policy and destination laws at least 72 hours before travel.
2. Place devices and spare batteries inside your cabin bag in a protective case to prevent crushing and accidental activation.
3. Insulate spare battery terminals with tape or use dedicated battery sleeves; limit spares to the airline-allowed number and Wh rating.
4. Empty tanks or remove pods if required by the carrier; carry e-liquid bottles no larger than 100 ml and pack them in your single clear liquids bag.
5. Bring prescriptions or medical documentation when transporting nicotine e-liquids to countries that require them; retain purchase receipts when possible.
6. Do not attempt to charge devices on board; power-banked charging is often prohibited during flight phases.
7. Use a rigid protective suitcase or hard case for checked items you don’t want searched – for cabin protection, consider options like best luggage for bali and best luggage hardcases.

Are e-cigarettes permitted in the aircraft cargo hold and why airlines prohibit them

Do not store electronic nicotine devices in the aircraft cargo hold; nearly all major carriers and U.S. regulators require these items to remain with the passenger in the cabin and to follow battery and liquid rules.

TSA/FAA guidance (United States): e-cigarette devices and e-liquids are allowed in passenger cabin baggage only. Containers of e-liquid must follow the 3-1-1 rule (each bottle ≤100 mL / 3.4 fl oz, all bottles together in one quart-sized clear plastic bag). Spare lithium-ion cells and power banks must be kept with the traveller and protected from short circuit (terminals taped or in original retail packaging). Use or charging of devices on board is prohibited.

IATA/ICAO (international air transport): lithium batteries installed in personal devices are allowed in the cabin. Batteries with up to 100 Wh are normally acceptable in devices carried by passengers; batteries 100–160 Wh require airline approval; batteries >160 Wh are forbidden in passenger aircraft. Airlines often adopt a stricter stance, banning device stowage in the cargo hold because a battery fire in the hold is difficult to detect and suppress.

Primary reasons carriers ban storage in the cargo hold:

1) Fire hazard from lithium-ion cells: thermal runaway can start a fire that spreads rapidly; fire detection and firefighting capacity in the cargo area is limited compared with the cabin.

2) Unintentional activation: devices with tanks or coils can leak or short-circuit and ignite if they are not powered off and protected; placed in the hold this risk increases during handling and turbulence.

3) Flammable liquid restrictions: nicotine-containing e-liquids are combustible and, in volumes exceeding permitted limits, violate liquid carriage rules and some national import laws.

4) Regulatory and customs prohibitions: certain destinations prohibit possession or import of nicotine liquids or specific device types – attempting to transport them in checked storage can produce fines, confiscation, or legal trouble on arrival.

5) Modified or high-capacity batteries: aftermarket mods, rebuildable atomizers and packs with >100–160 Wh are treated as dangerous goods and are often banned from both cabin and cargo.

Practical handling recommendations: keep devices and all spare cells with you in the passenger cabin; place each device powered off, tank drained or sealed, and protected from accidental activation; store spare batteries in individual plastic cases or with taped terminals; limit e-liquid containers to ≤100 mL each and pack them in a single clear quart bag. Check the specific airline and destination rules before travel and declare any unusual battery capacities.

See also: best car wash attachment for pressure washer

How to pack spare lithium batteries and e-cigarette devices for air travel

Store spare lithium batteries and e-cigarette devices in the passenger cabin; do not place spare cells in the aircraft hold. Protect terminals from short circuit, keep devices powered off, and prevent accidental activation.

Specific limits and calculations

Lithium‑ion cells: cells or battery packs with a rated energy up to 100 Wh are allowed in the cabin without airline approval. Packs between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval and are typically limited to two spare packs per passenger. Packs above 160 Wh are prohibited from both the cabin and the hold. Calculate watt‑hours when not printed: Wh = V × Ah (for example, a 3.7 V, 2.5 Ah pack = 9.25 Wh).

Lithium metal (non‑rechargeable): cells must contain no more than 2 g of lithium per cell and batteries no more than 5 g lithium content to be accepted in the cabin as spares. Powerbanks are treated as spare batteries and follow the same Wh and lithium‑metal limits.

Packing and handling best practices

1) Protect terminals: keep each spare cell in its original packaging or in individual plastic battery cases; if neither is available, fully insulate terminals with non‑conductive tape. Do not place loose batteries in pockets or mixed with metal objects.

2) Quantity control: carry only the number of spares needed for personal use. For packs 100–160 Wh, obtain airline approval before travel and carry written confirmation if provided.

3) Device preparation: remove removable batteries from devices and carry them in the cabin. For devices with built‑in batteries, switch them off and use a hard case to prevent pressure on buttons; empty tanks or remove cartridges to avoid leaks and respect liquid container size limits in the cabin.

4) Storage during flight: keep all batteries and devices in the passenger compartment, not in checked containers. If an airline or airport authority requires alternative handling for a specific item, contact the airline for written instructions before departure.

5) Emergency mitigation: carry a small fire‑resistant bag or pouch designed for batteries when transporting multiple spares, and never wrap batteries together or tape them to devices in ways that could permit shorting.

6) Documentation and labeling: if Wh is not marked, calculate and label packs; retain manufacturer documentation for high‑capacity batteries and present it at check‑in if requested.

Transporting e-liquid: TSA liquids rule, nicotine limits, and leak-prevention tips

Recommendation: Keep every e-liquid container ≤3.4 fl oz (100 mL) and place all such containers together inside one clear, resealable quart-sized (≈0.95 L) plastic bag for airport security screening (TSA 3-1-1 rule).

Medically necessary liquids larger than 3.4 fl oz can be permitted but must be declared at security checkpoints and presented for inspection. Keep prescriptions or medical letters with you when applicable.

TSA rule and international nicotine limits

TSA screening enforces the 3-1-1 liquids rule for cabin screening: containers no larger than 100 mL, all containers fitting in a single quart-sized clear bag. Bottled e-liquid counts toward that allowance. Different countries impose additional limits on nicotine concentration and bottle size: the EU/UK Tobacco Products Directive caps nicotine at 20 mg/mL (2%) and commonly restricts retail bottle volume to 10 mL. Several jurisdictions either require a prescription for nicotine-containing liquids or ban them outright (examples include Australia and Japan). Check destination customs and health authority rules before travel and carry purchase receipts or product labels showing nicotine strength for inspection requests.

Leak-prevention and packing steps

1. Use small, approved bottles: Transfer e-liquid into leakproof plastic or glass bottles ≤100 mL with child-resistant caps and tamper-evident seals.

2. Create positive seals: Apply a short wrap of PTFE (Teflon) tape on cap threads, then tighten fully. Add a drop of clear silicone or use a heat-shrink tamper band for extra protection.

3. Double containment: Individually bag each bottle in small zip-top plastic bags with most air expelled, then place all bagged bottles inside a single quart-sized clear bag or hard-sided toiletry case.

4. Tank and device handling: Drain tanks and remove refillable cartridges before packing; store e-liquid only in sealed bottles. If transporting assembled cartridges, use silicone mouthpiece plugs and store upright inside a rigid case.

5. Fill level and temperature: Leave a small air gap in bottles (do not overfill). Avoid exposing bottles to high heat; rapid temperature or pressure changes increase leak risk during flight.

6. Documentation: Keep original labels and a printed receipt or manufacturer specification showing nicotine concentration and bottle volume to resolve questions at security or customs.

Final note: Regulations and enforcement vary by country; verify both departure and arrival rules for nicotine-containing liquids and bring supporting documentation when in doubt.

What to do at security: removal, declaration, confiscation risk, and fines

Keep electronic cigarette devices and spare lithium cells in cabin baggage and remove them from cases for separate screening at the checkpoint.

At the security checkpoint

Power devices off, empty any tanks that are removable if requested, and place the device in a separate bin. Remove spare lithium-ion batteries from pockets and cases; tape exposed terminals or keep each battery in its original retail packaging or individual plastic sleeves. Follow watt‑hour rules: ≤100 Wh – allowed in cabin without airline approval; 100–160 Wh – airline approval required and commonly limited to two spares; >160 Wh – prohibited. Place e-liquid containers of 100 mL (3.4 oz) or less in a single clear resealable bag for liquids screening; larger volumes should be declared to the carrier before departure if passenger transport of higher volumes is permitted by the destination.

Declaration, seizure procedures and fines

Declare devices or nicotine-containing liquid when customs or the checkpoint officer asks, or when entering a jurisdiction with import restrictions. If an item is prohibited or found stored in the aircraft hold, it will typically be seized on the spot. If a seizure occurs, request a written seizure receipt, note the seizing agency’s contact details, photograph the item and packing, and retain purchase receipts to support a personal-use claim. Administrative penalties differ by country and operator: expect confiscation as the most common outcome, with possible civil fines ranging from hundreds to multiple thousands of local currency units or more for import violations, unapproved battery transport, or repeat offences; in serious smuggling cases criminal charges can apply. To reduce risk, get airline approval in advance for high‑capacity batteries, carry documentation for quantities above personal use, and comply with screening instructions exactly.

FAQ:

Can I pack my vape device and cartridges in checked luggage when flying?

Most major aviation authorities and carriers require that vaping devices and spare lithium batteries travel in your carry‑on bag. In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration states e‑cigarettes and similar devices are allowed only in cabin baggage and must not be placed in checked suitcases. Spare lithium batteries are also restricted to the cabin because of fire risk. You must prevent accidental activation by powering devices off and covering any buttons; removing batteries where possible helps. For liquids, the usual cabin liquid limits apply (typically 100 ml / 3.4 oz per container), so large bottles of e‑juice will need to go in checked baggage or be split into compliant containers. Before you fly, check your airline’s rules and the regulations at your departure and arrival countries since some carriers or jurisdictions ban certain devices or nicotine liquids entirely.

How should I pack spare vape batteries and e‑liquid for an international trip?

Pack the device itself in your carry‑on and keep spare batteries with you rather than in checked luggage. Protect battery terminals with tape, place cells in original packaging or individual plastic sleeves, and avoid loose metal objects that could short them. Under IATA guidance, most consumer lithium‑ion cells used in vapes are allowed in carry‑on if they are within the rated capacity: up to 100 Wh per cell generally requires no airline approval; cells between 100 and 160 Wh may be carried only with airline permission and are often limited to two spares; cells above 160 Wh are typically forbidden for passenger aircraft. Check the watt‑hour rating printed on the battery or calculate Wh by multiplying voltage by ampere‑hours (V × Ah). For e‑liquids, adhere to the cabin liquid limit (usually 100 ml / 3.4 oz per container inside a single resealable clear bag) if you want them in carry‑on; larger bottles belong in checked baggage but be aware some countries restrict or prohibit nicotine liquids, or require documentation. Finally, do not use devices on board and follow crew instructions; confirm specific carrier and destination rules before you travel to avoid confiscation or fines.