If you’re one of the millions of former smokers out there who has switched to vaping, you’re probably wondering what the rules are for bringing a vape, batteries, and e-liquid when flying.

According to TSA regulations, you can bring a vape pen on plane, but only if it is packed in your carry on.

You can also bring spare batteries for your vape, as well as any e-liquid and/or nic salt, though restrictions apply.

We go into more detail below.

Can You Bring a Vape on a Plane?

Carry on Bags

The TSA state that electronic smoking devices, including electronic cigarettes, vaping devices (including disposable vapes), puff bars, and vape pens, are only allowed in your carry on bags.

The TSA also state that you “are required to take effective measures for preventing accidental activation of the heating element of the device when transporting the device.”

Additionally, “each lithium-ion battery must not exceed a Watt-hour (Wh) rating of 100 Wh; or for lithium metal batteries, a lithium content of 2 grams”.

Checked Bags

Vape pens and other electronic smoking devices are completely prohibited from being packed in your checked bags.

This is because they can be a fire hazard and put the safety of passengers and cabin crew on the flight in danger.

By Airline

All airlines follow TSA regulations.

In other words, you can bring your vape onto a plane in your carry on or on you, but your vape must not be packed in your checked bag.

Restrictions Apply to Some Countries

Regardless if you’re flying domestically or internationally, the same rules apply.

So, your vape pen should only be packed in your carry on and under no circumstances in your checked bags.

However, it’s important to be aware of the restrictions on vaping products worldwide, with some countries not allowing you to vape in public while others outright banning vaping products altogether.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be able to bring your vape into the country, but finding supplies like batteries and e-liquid could be impossible depending on the legality of vape products in the country.

The following countries have some of the strictest regulations in the world when it comes to vaping.

  • Australia: E-liquid containing nicotine is illegal to sell or import.
  • Argentina: The sale, importation and manufacturing of e-cigarettes is banned in Argentina.
  • Brazil: The sale and importation of e-cigarettes is illegal in Brazil.
  • China: Non-tobacco flavored e-cigarettes are banned from sale in China
  • Hong Kong: The sale or possession of nicotine-based e-cigarettes is illegal in Hong Kong
  • India: There is a ban on the sale and production of e-cigarettes in India.
  • Iran: The sale or distribution of e-cigarettes is illegal in Iran.
  • Japan: E-cigarettes containing nicotine are banned unless the e-cigarette is registered as a medicinal product.
  • Nicaragua: In Nicaragua, vaping products are completely banned.
  • Singapore: It is illegal to possess, purchase and use vaporizers in Singapore.
  • Thailand: Thailand has banned e-cigarettes since 2014.

Pack Your Spare Batteries in Your Carry On

You are allowed to bring spare batteries for your vape on a plane, but only if they are packed in your carry on.

The TSA state that “each lithium-ion battery must not exceed a Watt-hour (Wh) rating of 100 Wh; or for lithium metal batteries, a lithium content of 2 grams”.

How to Pack a Vape for Flying

  • Empty your vape tank before packing to make sure that there will be no leakage in your bag.
  • Buy and use vape battery containers, as some airlines require vape batteries to be stored in a separate case.
  • Make sure that you pack your vape pen and any spare batteries only in your carry on.
  • Make sure that your vape is packed in a way to prevent the device from accidentally turning on during the flight.
  • Stock up on e-liquid and nic salt, as it may be hard to find your favorite brand and flavors at your destination.
  • On long flights, it can be a good idea to bring a nicotine alternative, such as nicotine pouches.

If You’re Under 21, You’ll Still Probably Be Okay

In the U.S., vaping is illegal for anyone who is under 21, so you are technically not legally allowed to bring a vape pen on plane if you are under 21.

However, the TSA are far more concerned with finding security threats that can put the safety of passengers at risk, so it’s very unlikely a TSA agent will care if a minor is carrying a vape pen.

If you check twitter, when someone asks the official TSA account if a minor is allowed to bring a vape on a plane, they simply say that vape pens should be packed in carry-on bags and that travelers should follow local and state laws.

Make Sure the TSA Won’t Confiscate Your Vape

If a vape pen is found in your checked baggage, your bag will be opened and the vape will be confiscated. In most cases, your bag will then be closed and make its way to your destination.

If you’re unlucky, your bag will be kept from flying, and you will arrive at your destination without your bag.

Leave Your Vape Out of Your Pocket

If your vape pen contains metal, then it is very likely that it will set off the metal detector if you leave it on you as you go through airport security.

You Can Bring E-Liquid and Nic Salt

You are allowed to bring vape juice on a plane, including both e-liquid and nic salt, in your carry on and checked bags.

However, if the e-liquid or nic salt is in a bottle that exceeds 3.4oz/100ml, it must only be packed in your checked bag otherwise it will be confiscated.

Don’t Vape At the Airport or on the Plane

You are not allowed to vape at either the airport or on a plane unless there is a designated smoking lounge at the airport where it is allowed.

If you are discovered vaping at the airport or on a plane, you will face a fine or even jail time if you are found to have tampered with a smoke detector, or failed to comply with a crew member’s instruction to stop vaping.

Related: What Happens If You Smoke or Vape on a Plane?

You Can Bring an (Empty) Dab Pen

You are allowed to bring a dab pen on a plane as long as it doesn’t contain any illegal substances.

This is because weed is illegal on a federal level, so it makes no difference if you are flying from or to a state where weed is legal.

Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.

Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.

Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).