Travel regulations for electronic cigarettes and vaping devices involve strict safety protocols due to lithium battery hazards. Compliance is mandatory.
Checked Luggage Rules for E-Cigarettes
- Devices are Prohibited: You must never pack electronic cigarettes, vape pens, e-pipes, e-cigars, personal vaporizers, and similar battery-powered devices in checked luggage.
- Batteries are Absolutely Forbidden: Lithium batteries (including loose batteries, removable batteries installed in devices, or batteries integrated within devices) are strictly banned from checked baggage due to fire risk.
- E-Liquids May Be Permitted: Bottles of e-liquid (vape juice) can typically be packed in checked baggage, subject to airline liquid limits.
Carry-On Luggage Rules
- Devices & Batteries Required: All electronic cigarette devices and spare lithium batteries must be placed in your carry-on bag.
- Battery Safety: Remove batteries from devices if possible. Protect batteries from short circuits by placing them in original retail packaging, battery cases, or taping over terminals. Cover device power buttons.
- Liquids Restriction: E-liquid carried in hand luggage must comply with TSA liquid rules: containers ≤100ml (3.4oz) each, all fitting inside a single 1-quart clear, resealable plastic bag.
- Quantity Limits: Airlines generally restrict passengers to a reasonable personal quantity of devices/batteries. Large quantities might require airline pre-approval.
Critical Security Advice
Ignoring battery rules risks fire in aircraft cargo holds, which is extremely difficult to suppress and catastrophic. Non-compliance will result in confiscation and potential fines or denied boarding. Devices carried in the cabin must not be used or charged onboard.
Preparation Checklist
- Remove batteries from devices (if designed to be removable).
- Pack all devices and batteries in carry-on luggage.
- Secure spare batteries individually against short circuits.
- Pack e-liquids ≤100ml in hand luggage within the liquids bag, larger quantities in checked luggage.
- Confirm requirements with your specific airline and destination country regulations before travel.
