UAE
As the world opens back up we go over what you need to know about vaping and taking your E-Cigarettes aboard planes, and overseas.
Travelling with E-Cigarettes and E-Liquid
Is it legal to travel with E-Liquid?
With the world beginning to open back up after dealing with the pandemic, travelling abroad is something we’re all excited to get back to. Whether it’s just for a quick jaunt abroad or a month-long getaway, we’re all in need of some R&R away. So, it’s quite likely that you might be looking to get back on a plane sometime soon (if you haven’t already!). If you’re looking to travel on a plane with your E-Cigarette, we take a look at what you need to know.
Important things to consider when you travel with E-Cigarettes
Probably most importantly, make sure to check what the regulations for vaping are, where you are headed. Some countries have outright banned E-Cigarettes so you could be breaking the law by entering the country with one. For example, in Thailand, E-Cigarettes have been banned since 2014 so it would not be advised to take your vape on a holiday to Thailand.
You also need to check the regulations for vaping at the airports you will be visiting – of course you already know vaping on the plane is not a possibility. Airlines often require you to carry lithium-battery items in your hand luggage. You can also only carry two batteries with you. You won’t be able to charge it whilst on the plane so make sure your device is fully charged beforehand.
Due to the air pressure during flight, it can cause vape tanks and clearomisers/atomisers to leak. If you are taking your vape kit with you, it’s recommended to empty your tank before flying. If you’re using an E-Cigarette with refills like a pod kit then you shouldn’t need to worry about this. In general, before you go through security you will want to separate your tank or clearomiser/atomiser from the battery to avoid delays. If you use a more complicated vape mod that requires tools for building and dissembling, it would be easier for you to switch to a simpler device for your trip that requires little to no maintenance. Disposables and pod kits work especially well if you’re on short trips.
Can E-Liquid go in checked luggage?
If you are taking a larger hold or checked luggage you can pack your E-Liquids in there but it’s a good idea to make sure they’re properly protected. The last thing you want is for them to leak on your clothes! Seal them in a clear bag with any other liquids you may be taking. Just make sure to declare all liquids that you are carrying. For specific airline regulations you can find the most popular ones below:
• British Airways – E-Cigarettes must be in hand luggage with a limit of 100ml per bottle of E-Liquid. You can take a maximum of 15 batteries (including devices) either in hand or checked luggage provided the batteries are pre-installed within a device. Loose lithium batteries are hand luggage only.
• Eastern Airways – E-Cigarettes must be carried onboard on your person, not in your luggage. Refills are not permitted so you may not be able to take E-Liquid onboard. You also cannot recharge your E-Cigarette in their lounges.
• EasyJet – this airline permits you to carry a maximum of 2 spare batteries in your hand luggage, and your E-Liquids and refills must be in a clear plastic bag along with any other liquids.
• Emirates – batteries must be kept in hand luggage with a maximum of 20 batteries allowed. Your E-Cigarette must be turned off or protected from activation (i.e. removing the battery/mod). Refills and liquids must be sealed in a clear plastic bag and kept in your hand-held.
• Jet2 – batteries must be kept in hand luggage with a maximum of 20 batteries. For devices where the battery is sealed in the device, these can be packed in checked luggage but must be switched off and protected from damage. Refills and liquids must be in hand-held luggage and not exceed 100ml per bottle, kept in a clear plastic bag.
• Qantas – batteries and E-Cigarettes must be kept in hand luggage, with a maximum of 20 batteries. E-Liquids and refills are also to be kept in hand luggage with bottles no more than 100ml each.
• Qatar – batteries and E-Cigarettes must be kept in hand luggage, with a maximum of 20 batteries. E-Liquids and refills are also to be kept in hand luggage with bottles no more than 100ml each.
• Ryanair – batteries and E-Cigarettes must be kept in hand luggage, with a maximum of 20 batteries. E-Liquids and refills are also to be kept in hand luggage with bottles no more than 100ml each.
• TUI Airways – E-Liquids and refills must be kept in hand luggage in a clear plastic bag, with bottles containing no more than 100ml each. You can take larger quantities of E-Liquid or bigger bottles if you have checked luggage. Batteries must be kept in hand luggage.
• Virgin Atlantic Airways – batteries are to be kept in your hand luggage along with E-Liquids that do not exceed 100ml per bottle. These must be packed in a clear bag along with any other liquids.
How much vape juice can I bring on a plane?
You can bring along small 10ml bottles of vape juice in your carry-on bag or checked luggage, but it’s advised to bring enough to see you through your trip. E-Liquid bought abroad may be of lesser quality and not the same safety standards as UK vape juice. Make sure as well that some airports don’t allow you to travel with vape juice that contains nicotine (such as Hong Kong), so make sure to double-check beforehand.
How to carry vape juice on a plane
You can take your 10ml bottles of vape juice in your carry-on luggage, but you must make sure to declare it along with any other liquids. Any extra you take must be securely kept in your checked luggage. You will not be able to vape on the plane. Double-check this procedure with your airline as some require you to carry it in-hand onto the plane.
Are E-Cigarettes banned on planes?
Yes, much like smoking, vaping is banned on planes. You may take your E-Cigarette in your hand luggage (it cannot go in checked luggage due to the lithium battery), but you won’t be able to use it during your time on the plane. If you’re worried about nicotine cravings hitting whilst you’re on a flight, especially if it’s a long journey, you could alternatively take nicotine gum or patches.
Can I take my E-Cigarette everywhere?
It’s important to double-check the country’s regulations before travelling as they frequently are subject to change. As of August 2021, these countries allow vaping but many have restrictions in place (this could be nicotine strength, tank size, flavours etc).
Can I take my E-Cigarette everywhere?
There are many countries where vaping is outright banned which include usage, importation and selling of E-Cigarettes and E-Liquid. Some of these can even incur harsh repercussions such as jail time so it’s always better to be safe than sorry. These countries include:
Can I vape at an airport?
Some airports have designated areas for vaping but others may have completely banned them from terminals. It’s advised to double-check with the airport beforehand otherwise assume that you are not able to vape at the terminal!
It’s important to remember that as the regulations change for vaping, some of these things may differ over time. Make sure that you research beforehand if you decide to take your vape anywhere abroad, to avoid getting into trouble.
