Can you take a vape on a plane? (2024)
So you’ve switched over from normal cigarettes to a vaping device, and now you’re wondering, can you bring a vape on a plane?
Like with normal cigarettes, you are not permitted to use your vape or electronic cigarette while in flight. But that doesn’t mean you can’t bring it with you when you travel.
The quick answer is, it depends on whether you want to pack your vape in carry on or checked bags. There are different guidelines for the device itself and the liquid, so read on to learn about taking a vape on a plane.
Note: This post is written referencing TSA rules for travel from airports in the USA. Some countries may have different rules, so if you’re flying from an airport in another country, please look up the rules for the authority in that country.
So can you take a vape pen on a plane?
There are differences between taking a vape in carry on and bringing a vape in checked luggage. Make sure you know the rules to avoid having your vape pen confiscated.
Can you bring a vape on a plane in carry on luggage?
Yes, you can take vapes and e cigarettes on a plane in your carry on bag!
According to TSA, they actually require you to pack it in your carry on luggage, not your checked bag. So this is probably a good thing for most of you to be able to keep it with you.
But as a reminder, leave it in your bag – no smoking on board the aircraft. You are not allowed to use or even turn on your vape while on the airplane.
Can you bring a lighter on a plane?
Can you bring matches on a plane?
Can you bring cigarettes on a plane?
Are electronic cigarettes allowed on airplanes in checked luggage?
This is a strict no, you can’t pack your vape in checked luggage because of the batteries and the risk of catching fire. This goes for all e-cigarettes, vape pens, or similar devices.
Keep this in mind in case the airline decides to gate check your carry on. In this case, you will need to remove the vape before handing over your bag.
>>Read: Can you take batteries and power banks on a plane?
Can you bring a vape in your personal item?
If you want to put your vape in your personal bag, instead of your carry on bag, that is fine too.
Can you take vaping liquid on a plane?
Since vaping liquid is in fact a liquid, you must follow normal security rules regarding liquids.
This means you can bring vaping liquid in your carry on as long as the container is 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller and fits in your 1 quart clear zip top liquids bag. Larger amounts must be packed in your checked luggage.
>>Read more about how much liquid you can bring on a plane.
Tips for bringing a vape on a plane
Aside from always packing your vape pen in your carry on, not in checked luggage, here are some tips to help you travel with a vape.
Never turn the vape on while in flight. You’re not allowed to use it or charge it while on board the plane. You might even want to disconnect the battery to eliminate the chance of accidentally turning it on.
Always check the airline’s website to understand their rules about flying with a vaping device. The airline could have stricter rules than TSA.
Never fly with marijuana. If you have a weed vape, leave the weed itself at home, and thoroughly clean your vape before you fly. Even if it’s legal in the state where you live, air travel falls under federal jurisdiction, and it’s still illegal under US federal law. This means it is not allowed in checked or carry on luggage.
CBD is a little different, but rules vary greatly depending on what country you’re in or even which state in the US. For more info, check out this guide from FoxNomad on how to travel with CBD.
If you’re traveling internationally, research the rules and laws of that country. Vapes and electronic cigarettes are not treated the same everywhere, and in some countries, they are illegal. You don’t want your expensive vape pen to get confiscated, or worse, for you to end up in trouble with the law. Always research the laws of the country you are traveling to.
What happens if you put a vape in carry on?
Nothing happens if your vape is packed in your carry on bag. This is exactly where TSA wants and requires you to pack the device.
Remember you are not allowed to turn on or use your vape while in flight.
What happens if you put a vape in checked luggage?
Vaping devices are not permitted in checked luggage, so if you pack yours in checked bags, it will get confiscated.
Checked bags go through a security check, and chances are high that they will see it. Since a vape can be a safety hazard, they will open your bag and remove it.
Do checked bags get searched for vapes?
Yes, checked luggage gets searched for anything that could cause a safety issue on a plane. This includes vapes or anything else that could potentially start a fire.
Can you bring disposable vapes on an airplane?
Just like with normal vapes, you can take a disposable vape on a plane in your cabin bag. They are not permitted in checked luggage.
Can we carry a vape in international flights?
Vapes are allowed on an international flight if the destination you’re going to allows them. Vapes are legal in many countries, but in other countries they are illegal.
Research the laws of the country you’re visiting before you travel with your vape.
Can you vape on a plane?
No, you are absolutely not allowed to vape on a plane. Smoking normal cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or using a vape while on the airplane is strictly forbidden.
Hopefully this answers all your questions about taking a vape on a plane!
You might also enjoy:
- What toiletries can you take on a plane?
- What to Pack in Your Carry On Bag
- Carry On Luggage Size Chart with 170+ Airlines Worldwide
- Best Packing Cubes for Travel
Ali Garland is a travel packing expert who loves to explore the world. She has 20 years of experience traveling with only carry on bags. On Travel Made Simple, she shares her best tips for packing less, dealing with layovers, and more tips that will help you have the best vacation. Originally from the US, she now lives in Berlin with her husband and their Yorkie. Read more 
Dar
July 6, 2023 @ 12:47 am
Can you have vape juice on the vape Tank?
Ali Garland
July 8, 2023 @ 11:48 am
Hi Dar! As long as the vape only holds 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, that would be fine, but you will also have to put it in your liquids bag. Since that will take up a lot of your liquids bag space, it would be better for you from a space point of view if your vape was empty. That way you wouldn’t have to put it in your liquids bag.
Jason
June 3, 2023 @ 4:56 pm
My question is why can you not pack a vaporizer in your checked luggage if the battery is in your carryon. Makes zero sense.
Ali Garland
June 4, 2023 @ 11:46 am
Maybe it’s just easier for them to make it a more clear rule? I don’t know, I don’t make the rules.
Jackie
June 1, 2023 @ 11:22 pm
Can I bring a vape on a airplane and just keep it in my pocket? I won’t have a carry on or a purse on me. So, just making sure that wouldn’t be a problem keeping it in my pocket
Ali Garland
June 2, 2023 @ 11:53 am
Hi Jackie, that should be fine, as long as you don’t use it or turn it on at all during the flight. Vaping in flight is just like smoking in flight, absolutely forbidden and can get you into a lot of trouble. But yeah, carry on bag, personal item, or in your pocket is all fine.
Jason
June 3, 2023 @ 4:59 pm
Yes you can carry it in your pocket on a flight.
babar cheema
December 12, 2022 @ 5:55 am
Thanks for your information about vaping . i am read your article i am very impressive.
Ali Garland
December 12, 2022 @ 11:54 am
Glad to help!
Raymond Weinstein
January 27, 2022 @ 9:18 pm
Can I bring on the airplane a canister of “Yard Odor Eliminator?”
Ali Garland
February 15, 2022 @ 12:10 pm
That really depends on what is in it. If there are any flammable ingredients, it won’t be allowed. The other thing is to make sure the container is 3.4 ounces or smaller if you’re taking it in your carry on bag.
Raymond Weinstein
January 27, 2022 @ 4:03 pm
Can I bring in my carry-on bag (1) back weeds, (2) blunt ville, (3) Delta 8, and (4) vaporizers?
Ali Garland
February 15, 2022 @ 12:07 pm
Hi Raymond, sorry for the late reply! I’m not sure what some of that stuff is. Blunt ville seems to be cigars…cigars are allowed on a plane, I have some more info in my post about taking a lighter on a plane. Delta 8…you have to see if it’s legal at a federal level (assuming you’re flying in the USA) because federal law is what applies to flights. If a vaporizer is similar to a vape, it should be fine, but I’m not a smoker so I’m not 100% sure. And I can’t find anything about “back weeds” other than weeds that grow in your yard, which I’m assuming isn’t what you’re asking about. But if it has to do with weed as in pot, I’d say no, that’s not legal to fly with in the US.
Ryan
December 18, 2019 @ 12:20 pm
Read through previous Q&A, vapes are allowed on carry-on; but, if not taking a carry on and only a checked bag, can you bring vape with you on plane still on person? ( Like in jacket/pants pocket?). Got flight in few days and was wondering. Thanks for reply in advance.
Ali Garland
December 18, 2019 @ 1:03 pm
Hi Ryan! If you’re not bringing anything as a carry on bag, you can have your vape in your pocket. Just make sure it can’t accidentally turn on. Might be a good idea to disconnect the batteries to be sure. And make sure any vaping liquid you have with you abides by the liquids rule.
Jb
December 10, 2019 @ 8:10 am
I have a 100 ml of liquid and it’s glass can I take it with me in my carry on, and I’ll instead of having it in my bag can I put with my phone when I go the Security
Ali Garland
December 10, 2019 @ 11:31 am
No, that must fit in your liquids bag. Any liquid you’re taking in your carry on bag (with the exception of prescription medicine that’s liquid) must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, and all containers must fit in a 1 quart (1 liter) clear zip top bag. You’re allowed one liquids bag per passenger. So the size of your liquid container is fine, but it has to go in your liquids bag.
Sandra
August 17, 2019 @ 6:20 am
Ok i have a vape with a case. And as well the Liquid that does have small amount of thc. I’m flying out of Sacramento to San Diego. Should i pack it in my suitcase or take it with me as carry on like my purse . I need it to sleep.
Ali Garland
August 17, 2019 @ 11:01 am
Hi Sandra! It comes down to legal issues with THC. If you’re in the US, it’s at a federal level, not state level, so even flying within the state of California, you have to go by federal law. Here’s some info from the TSA website: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/medical-marijuana. And if the liquid you’re asking about has less than the allowable amount of THC and you decide to bring it, the container must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller and fit into your liquids bag to bring it in your carry-on luggage.
William Atkinson
August 13, 2019 @ 7:57 pm
I use CBD oil for pain. Can I bring a small amount with me on my flight.
Ali Garland
August 14, 2019 @ 11:44 am
Hi William! You can only bring it if it’s legal where you are flying from and to. If you’re in the US, it’s at a federal level, not state level, and here’s some info from the TSA website: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/medical-marijuana
Anonymous
August 7, 2019 @ 8:26 pm
What if my vape is brand new still unopened in box? Can I put it in my checked luggage then?
Ali Garland
August 8, 2019 @ 11:29 am
I’m not sure I’d take that chance. Someone in the comments said they packed a vape in their checked luggage after removing the batteries (which seems to be the main safety concern) and it was still confiscated. I’m not sure if a new vape comes with batteries or not, but the people screening the checked bags might not know if your vape has batteries or not, and if the rule states that vapes aren’t allowed in checked bags, I’d be afraid they’d confiscate it no matter what. To be safe, you should only pack it in your carry on bag.
James
June 17, 2019 @ 12:43 pm
If you have a vape in your hand luggage will it beep at all when they x-ray?
Ali Garland
June 18, 2019 @ 11:33 am
Hi James! When your luggage goes through the x-ray, the officers are looking at a screen to see what’s in your bag. If the vape looks like a weapon, they will pull your bag aside. But you’re allowed to have it, so as long as there’s nothing suspicious about it, it should be fine.
Shelby
June 12, 2019 @ 10:30 am
I have a smok nord, it I take the top and the battery separate can I put in my check luggage, Ik in some stats vaping has different age limits. Would I be stopped at tea in California since I am under 21?.
Ali Garland
June 13, 2019 @ 10:55 am
Hi Shelby! If Calfornia’s age limit for vaping is 21 and you’re younger, it wouldn’t be legal for you to use your vape there. That probably means it’s also illegal for you to have it in your possession. As for packing it, since the batteries are the issue, taking them out should make it ok to pack the vape itself in your checked bag, but the TSA officers who screen checked baggage will most likely see it in the x-ray and go through your bag, so there’s always a chance they just decide “vapes aren’t allowed in checked bags” and confiscate it. They’re not big, so I’m not sure why you wouldn’t just pack it in your carry-on to be sure. But also, if it’s not legal for you to have a vape in CA, you might want to reconsider bringing it with you.
Felicia
June 7, 2019 @ 4:09 am
What about cbd oil gummies,vape or oil goes under the tounge??
Ali Garland
June 10, 2019 @ 3:23 pm
Hi Felicia! I think CBD oil is still a gray area in some places. Marijuana is still illegal at a federal level in the US, so in most cases, you can’t fly with it, even within a state where it’s legal. Here’s what TSA says about medical marijuana: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/medical-marijuana. I don’t feel comfortable giving a definitive answer on this one, but if it was me, I don’t think I’d take the chance.
Justin
June 12, 2019 @ 5:10 am
I have a vape device that is used for THC concentrate. I’m flying from New York To Las Vegas. I wanna take the device because Vegas is a legal state. I only desire to bring the device itself, no narcotics at all. Just a vaping device that is used for THC concentrate. Any suggestions?
Ali Garland
June 13, 2019 @ 10:49 am
Hi Justin, I don’t know the ins and outs of the legal issues with vaping and THC. But there are websites out there focused just on vaping, so you’re better off looking for one of those to get your answers.
Nathan
June 5, 2019 @ 7:11 am
So what if I take the batteries out of the vape, is it ok to bring it? Like as long as there aren’t any batteries inside it it should be fine? It is battery charged but there are no batteries in it
Ali Garland
June 5, 2019 @ 3:02 pm
Hi Nathan! You ARE allowed to have a vape with batteries in your carry-on bag. You are NOT allowed to pack it with its batteries in checked luggage. So you’re probably fine to pack it without batteries in checked luggage, but vapes are small, and it might just be better to pack it in your carry-on. Plus then you can bring the batteries for it.
Yoseph Abrem
July 4, 2019 @ 8:16 pm
I REMOVED MY BATTERIES FROM MY VAPE AND CHECKED IT IN. THE LUGGAGE. THEY CONFISCATED IT, ICELANDSIRLINES, I TOLD THEM IT WAS INERT BUT THEY DESTROYED IT, AND HELD ALL MY LUGGGAE IN SECURITY.
DONT CHECK IT IN!
Ali Garland
July 5, 2019 @ 1:19 pm
I’m sorry this happened to you, but TSA is pretty clear that vapes are not allowed in checked luggage. Always pack it in your carry on.
BARB
February 8, 2019 @ 5:25 pm
WHAT ABOUT A C-PAP ? WE’D LIKE TO HAVE IT WITH US ON THE PLANE. SO IT DON’T GET BROKE!! WILL THAT BE CONSIDERED A CARRY ON.? I HAVE TO HAVE IT
Ali Garland
February 8, 2019 @ 8:33 pm
Hi Barb! Yes, you can pack your CPAP in your carry-on, but TSA does have some notes about it you should read here: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/nebulizers-cpaps-bipaps-and-apaps