Can You Put Vapes in Your Suitcase

Can You Put Vapes in a Suitcase?

Travelling with a vape raises common questions—especially about where you're allowed to pack it. Can you put vapes in your suitcase? The answer depends on the type of suitcase: hand luggage or checked luggage. In general, most airlines and airports do not allow vape devices or batteries in checked suitcases due to fire risk. Instead, vapes must be carried in your hand luggage and kept with you during the flight.

However, e-liquids can go in either bag, provided you follow the rules on liquid limits for carry-on luggage. Knowing the regulations before you fly will help you avoid delays, confiscations, or fines.

Vape Devices and Lithium Batteries

The key reason vapes aren't allowed in checked suitcases is because they contain lithium-ion batteries. These batteries, if damaged or short-circuited in the hold, pose a serious fire hazard. For safety, aviation authorities including the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organization require all battery-powered vape devices to be transported in your carry-on luggage.

This includes disposables, vape pens, pod systems, and mods. Even if the device is switched off, it must not be packed into hold baggage. You’re expected to take reasonable steps to prevent the device from turning on accidentally—this may involve removing the batteries (if possible), locking the fire button, or using a travel case.

Where E-Liquids Can Go

Unlike vape devices, e-liquids do not contain batteries and are treated like any other liquid under airport security rules. If you’re carrying bottles in your hand luggage, they must be under 100ml each, placed in a clear resealable plastic bag, and limited to a total of one litre across all your liquids. This applies to shortfills, nicotine shots, or pre-filled pods.

If you’re travelling with larger bottles or want to avoid hassle, you can pack e-liquids in your checked suitcase, where there are fewer restrictions on liquid size. Just make sure the bottles are sealed tightly and stored upright to prevent leaks—ideally in a plastic bag or toiletry pouch.

International Differences and Destination Rules

While the UK allows you to travel with vape devices and e-liquids for personal use, not every country has the same approach. Some destinations ban vapes entirely, while others have strict limits on nicotine strength, device types, or even possession. Packing your vape legally in your suitcase won’t help if you’re flying into a country where vaping is illegal or heavily regulated.

Before you travel, check the vaping laws for your destination. In some places, your device may be confiscated at customs, and in rare cases, fines or legal consequences can follow. It’s always best to research ahead of time and travel only with what’s legally allowed in the country you’re visiting.

Airport Security and Vape Screening

When passing through airport security, vape devices may be flagged during bag scans, especially if they resemble other electronics or have removable parts. You may be asked to remove your vape from your hand luggage and place it in a separate tray—just like a laptop or power bank. Keeping your vape in a visible, accessible spot in your carry-on can speed up the screening process and prevent delays.

If your vape is not separated when required, security staff may pull your bag for a manual inspection. This doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong—it’s simply part of routine checks for electronic items containing batteries.

What Happens If You Pack It Incorrectly

If you pack your vape in checked luggage by mistake, airport security may intercept it during screening. Depending on the airport, this could result in your bag being opened, delayed, or held back. In some cases, the vape may be removed and discarded without notice.

At best, this results in the loss of your device. At worst, it could delay your checked bag or even cause you to be questioned if the device triggers a security concern. To avoid this, always double-check where you've packed your kit before checking in your suitcase.

Travelling with Disposable Vapes

Disposable vapes also contain lithium batteries, so the same rules apply: they must go in hand luggage, not checked baggage. Many travellers assume disposables are exempt because they’re small or non-rechargeable, but they’re still treated as electronic devices with internal power sources.

If you’re travelling with multiple disposables, make sure they are securely stored and not loose in your bag. Too many disposables packed together may raise questions at security, particularly if you're carrying more than what's reasonable for personal use.

How to Pack Vapes Safely for Air Travel

When packing your vape for a flight, make sure it’s turned off, locked, or stored in a case that prevents the fire button from being pressed accidentally. Most modern vape devices include a five-click lock feature—use it before heading to the airport. If your vape has removable batteries, store them separately in a plastic battery case to prevent short-circuiting.

For e-liquids in checked bags, keep them in leakproof containers and pack them away from clothing or electronics. Pressure changes during the flight can make bottles expand slightly, so sealing them in a plastic bag helps prevent mess.

Final Word

You cannot pack vape devices in your suitcase if that suitcase is going in the hold. All battery-powered vapes must be carried in your hand luggage to comply with airline safety rules. E-liquids, however, can go in either hand or checked baggage, depending on size and quantity. To avoid trouble at the airport or abroad, always check the latest airline policies and local vaping laws before you fly. A few minutes of planning can save you from unnecessary stress or the loss of your kit at the gate.