Planning to fly with your vape? Good news, yes, you can bring your vape device on a plane, but only in your carry-on or on your person. Never pack it in checked luggage due to the fire risk from lithium batteries. You can also carry nicotine e-liquids under 100ml, as long as they follow TSA’s liquid rules.
However, cannabis or THC products are strictly banned on all U.S. flights and most international routes, even in tiny amounts. Always double-check your airline’s policies and your destination’s laws before flying. At Smoke it Up, we keep our customers guided to help them vape more mindfully.
Can You Carry a Vape on a Plane Safely?
Due to safety concerns about potential fires in the cargo hold, all electronic devices and lithium batteries must be taken onto the plane with you. These items should be packed in your carry-on bag or kept in your pockets. Packing them in checked luggage is strictly prohibited, and this rule is enforced globally without exception.
Vape in Checked Luggage: What Can Go Wrong?
If you accidentally pack your vape device or batteries in checked luggage, airport security is likely to detect them during routine baggage screening using X-ray machines. Since lithium-ion batteries are considered a fire hazard in the cargo hold, this violates aviation safety regulations. As a result, your suitcase may be flagged for manual inspection, leading to possible delays, forced removal of prohibited items, or damage to your luggage during the process.
In many cases, security officers will confiscate vape devices, loose batteries, or e-liquids that exceed liquid limits.
Know TSA Vape Rules Before Flying
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) require travelers to take effective precautions to prevent accidental activation of their vape devices during a flight. In most cases, this means powering off your device completely. If your vape does not have a power switch, it’s recommended to remove the battery or store the device in a protective case that prevents accidental activation.
Can You Vape on the Plane?
Absolutely not. Using or charging your vape device on the plane is strictly prohibited. Airlines treat vaping the same as smoking; it’s banned under federal regulations. Trying to sneak a vape in the lavatory could lead to serious consequences, including:
- Fines up to $5,000
- Permanent flight bans
- Possible diversion of the aircraft
- FAA violation records
Pro tip: Power off your device completely and store it safely before boarding.
Tips for Flying with Vape Devices (Point Form)
- Store spare batteries safely
Always place extra batteries in plastic battery safety cases to prevent short circuits. If you don’t have a case, cover the metal terminals with tape as a temporary solution. - Bring a charger for external batteries
If your vape uses removable batteries, don’t forget to pack a compatible charger, especially for longer trips. - Prevent tank leakage during flights
Cabin pressure can cause vape tanks to leak. To avoid this, fill your tank only partially or keep it empty while flying. You can also place it in a sealed plastic bag for added protection.
Flying with Vape Juice: How Many Bottles and Pods Can You Bring on a Plane?
According to TSA regulations, all liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on must be stored in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 mL) each. These containers must fit within a single, clear 1-quart plastic bag. This rule applies to bottled vape juice as well as pre-filled vape pods.
If you plan to bring more vape juice than can fit in your carry-on’s liquid bag, you are permitted to pack it in your checked luggage.
Know the Rules in Your Destination Country
When traveling internationally, it’s important to understand that your destination country’s laws apply once you arrive, even if your airline allowed you to carry vape devices. Some countries have strict regulations or outright bans on vaping, which could result in your vape gear being confiscated or, in extreme cases, legal trouble.
Before you travel, research the specific vaping laws of the country you’re visiting. In much of Europe, rules are similar to the U.S., but in countries like Qatar and Singapore, vaping is completely banned, and devices may be seized upon entry. Other countries, such as Turkey and Bangladesh, allow use but ban imports, meaning even personal-use vapes could be taken.
Can You Take CBD Oil or Vape Juice on a Plane?
Technically, you can bring CBD oil or vape juice on a plane if it contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC, as allowed by the 2018 Farm Bill. However, traveling with CBD still comes with risks, especially since state laws vary and enforcement can be inconsistent.
While the TSA doesn’t actively search for illegal drugs, it will flag anything suspicious during screening and hand it over to local law enforcement. This means that even legal CBD products could lead to questioning, delays, or confiscation, and in rare cases, even arrest.
Flying with Weed, THC, and Delta 8 Vape Cartridges
Traveling with cannabis products, whether it’s weed, THC oil, or vape cartridges, is risky and not recommended. In the United States, marijuana and delta-9 THC concentrates remain federally illegal, even if they are legal in the state you’re flying from or to. From the moment you pass through TSA security until you exit the airport at your destination, you’re under federal jurisdiction. If TSA agents discover cannabis products, they may report you to airport security or local police, regardless of your state’s laws.
The same caution applies to Delta 8, HHC, and other hemp-derived cannabinoids.
Can You Vape in Airports? Know the Rules Before You Puff
In most cases, vaping inside airports is strictly prohibited, just like smoking. The only exception is if the airport has a designated smoking lounge that explicitly allows vaping, but these are becoming increasingly rare.
If you choose to ignore the rules and vape in unauthorized areas, you risk getting fined, removed from the airport, or even missing your flight, which could mean losing the cost of your ticket entirely.
Your safest legal option is usually to step outside the terminal to vape in a designated outdoor smoking area.
Travel Smart with Smoke It Up
We make it easy for you to fly without the stress. Our store offers:
- Compact pod systems are perfect for travel
- Pre-filled e-liquids under 100ml
- Protective carrying cases for devices and batteries
Vapes are allowed on planes, but there are non-negotiable rules you must follow to stay safe and compliant. Don’t let your vape gear slow you down at the airport. Pack smart, know the laws, and let Smoke It Up help you vape with confidence, before, during, and after your flight.