Help & Guidance — Purple Haze MK
Can You Put Vapes in Your Suitcase?
Vaping devices of any kind must never go in a checked suitcase. E-liquid without a device can. Here is the complete, up-to-date guide for travelling with every type of vape kit safely and legally.
No vaping device of any kind can go in a checked suitcase. This applies to pod kits, mods, vape pens, disposables, e-cigarettes and any other device with a lithium-ion battery. All devices must travel in your hand luggage only. E-liquid bottles, which contain no battery, can go in a checked suitcase provided they are sealed and packed carefully. This is a mandatory CAA and IATA regulation enforced by every airline flying from UK airports.
What Goes Where: The Complete Breakdown
Understanding exactly what can and cannot travel in each type of luggage will save you a stressful bag search at the airport.
Pod kits and vape pens
Hand luggage only. Switch off before packing and store in a protective pouch to prevent accidental activation.
Vape mods and box mods
Hand luggage only. Remove batteries and store in a hard battery case if the mod has removable cells.
Spare batteries (external)
Hand luggage only, in a hard protective case. Maximum two batteries under 100Wh per passenger on most airlines.
Prefilled pods and cartridges
Hand luggage only. These contain liquid so they must also go in the clear 100ml liquids bag at security screening.
E-liquid in bottles up to 100ml
Can travel in either hand luggage (in clear liquids bag) or checked suitcase. If in hand luggage, 100ml per bottle maximum.
E-liquid in bottles over 100ml
Cannot go in hand luggage. Can go in a checked suitcase. Seal tightly in a plastic bag to prevent pressure-related leaks.
Vaping while in flight
Strictly prohibited on all airlines worldwide. Can result in fines or being banned from flying with that carrier.
Charging cables and adapters
Can travel in either bag. Best kept in hand luggage with your device for convenience.
The only permitted location for any vaping device on any commercial flight
Maximum e-liquid bottle size in hand luggage, in a clear 1-litre resealable bag
Maximum spare external batteries per passenger on most UK airlines, under 100Wh each
Why Vaping Devices Cannot Go in Checked Luggage
Every vaping device contains a lithium-ion battery. These batteries are highly energy-dense and, under the wrong conditions, can enter thermal runaway: a self-sustaining reaction that generates extreme heat and can cause fire. In the aircraft cabin, a crew member can identify and respond to a battery incident within seconds using fire suppression equipment. In the cargo hold, the same fire may go undetected until it poses a far more serious threat to the aircraft.
This is not a vaping-specific rule. The same requirement applies to laptops, power banks, cameras and any other consumer device with a lithium-ion battery. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have mandated cabin-only travel for all such devices globally.
If you pack a vaping device in your checked luggage, airport scanning equipment will detect the battery. Your bag will be pulled from the baggage belt, the item confiscated and you are unlikely to get it back. Your suitcase may be delayed and in some cases will not be loaded onto your flight.
Step-by-Step: How to Pack for Your Flight
Before you pack
Confirm your airline's specific quantity limits for devices and spare batteries. Most allow up to 20 single-battery devices or 10 dual-battery devices. When in doubt, carry fewer rather than more.
Devices
Place all vaping devices, pods and spare batteries in your hand luggage. Switch off devices where possible. Store external batteries in a hard battery case to prevent short circuits.
E-liquid in your carry-on
Bottles must be 100ml or under. Place in a clear, resealable 1-litre plastic bag along with your other liquids. You are allowed one such bag per person at UK airport security.
E-liquid in checked bags
Larger bottles can go in your checked suitcase. Seal each bottle in a separate plastic bag as cabin pressure changes can cause leaks even in tightly closed bottles.
Refillable tanks
Empty your tank completely before flying, or fill it right to the top. A partially filled tank will have air space that expands at altitude, forcing liquid out through the airflow holes.
At security
Place your vape device in the security tray alongside your phone and other electronics. Remove your liquids bag as normal. Do not attempt to conceal the device; this creates delays and draws more attention.
Before your next trip, visit Purple Haze MK in Milton Keynes Market for compact travel-friendly pod kits, nicotine pouches and everything you need for a smooth journey.
Always research the vaping laws of your destination before you travel. Several countries including Japan, Thailand, Australia, UAE, Singapore and India have strict laws ranging from heavy fines to confiscation and imprisonment for possession of vaping devices. Travelling with your usual kit to a country where it is illegal can have serious consequences.
Part of Our Guide
Help & Guidance Centre
This article is part of the Purple Haze MK Help and Guidance Centre, our resource covering vaping, travel and UK regulations. Browse all topics in the Help and Guidance Centre for clear, practical guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my vape mod in my checked suitcase?
No. Vape mods, like all battery-powered vaping devices, must go in your hand luggage. If the mod uses removable external batteries, remove them and store them in a hard protective case in your carry-on. The mod body without batteries can potentially travel in checked luggage but always confirm with your airline.
Can I put e-liquid in my checked suitcase?
Yes. E-liquid without a device contains no battery and can go in your checked suitcase. Seal bottles in individual plastic bags to guard against pressure-related leaks. Bottles over 100ml that cannot fit in your hand luggage liquids bag should be packed this way.
What happens if I accidentally put my vape in checked luggage?
Airport baggage scanners will detect the battery inside the device. Your suitcase will be pulled from the system, the device removed and confiscated. You are unlikely to get the device back. Your suitcase may be delayed or in some circumstances held from your flight.
Can I charge my vape at the airport?
Technically yes at most airport USB charging points before boarding, though some airports restrict this. Never charge a vaping device on the aircraft itself. Wait until you are at your destination to charge.
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For more on vaping and travel, visit the Purple Haze MK Help and Guidance Centre.
Travel-Ready Products
Pod Kits and Nicotine Pouches at Purple Haze MK
We stock compact rechargeable pod kits and nicotine pouches perfect for travel at our store in Milton Keynes Market. Our team can help you find the right kit before your trip.