Help & Guidance — Purple Haze MK
Can You Take Vapes in Hand Luggage?
Yes, and hand luggage is the only place vapes are permitted. All vaping devices must travel in your carry-on bag due to lithium battery safety rules. Here is the complete guide for every device type, e-liquid and UK airline.
Yes, you can take vapes in hand luggage and this is the only option. All vaping devices, including pod kits, vape pens, box mods, e-cigarettes and any vaping device containing a lithium-ion battery, must travel in your carry-on hand luggage. They cannot go in checked baggage under any circumstances. This is a mandatory rule set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and IATA and enforced universally by every airline flying from UK airports. E-liquid in bottles up to 100ml also travels in hand luggage inside your clear liquids bag. Larger bottles of e-liquid can go in your checked suitcase.
Rules by Device Type
The core rule is the same for all devices: hand luggage only. However different device types have slightly different packing considerations.
Pod kits and vape pens
- Hand luggage only
- Switch off or engage travel lock
- Pods with liquid go in your liquids bag
- Store near the top of your bag for easy security access
Box mods and advanced kits
- Hand luggage only
- Remove external batteries and store in hard battery case
- Empty the tank before flying to prevent pressure leaks
- Confirm with airline if carrying more than 2 spare batteries
Disposable vapes (pre-ban stock)
- Hand luggage only
- Must go in clear liquids bag at security as they contain e-liquid
- Limit typically 15 to 20 per passenger
- No longer available to buy in UK shops since June 2025
Spare external batteries
- Hand luggage only, never checked baggage
- Must be in a hard protective case or terminals taped
- Maximum 2 batteries per passenger on most airlines
- Each battery must be under 100Wh
E-Liquid Rules at Security
E-liquid is classified as a liquid under aviation security rules. The standard 100ml per container rule applies. All e-liquid bottles must be 100ml or under and must be placed in your clear 1-litre resealable bag at the security checkpoint alongside your other liquids. You are permitted one clear liquids bag per person. Typical 10ml nic salt bottles are already well within the limit. If you need larger quantities of e-liquid for a longer trip, pack the larger bottles in your checked suitcase as e-liquid without a device contains no battery and is permitted in checked baggage. Seal bottles in a separate plastic bag to protect against pressure-related leaks.
A partially filled tank will have air space inside that expands at altitude, pushing liquid out through the airflow holes and making a mess of your hand luggage. Either empty your tank completely before flying or fill it right to the top with no air gap. These are the only two options that prevent leaking.
The only permitted location for any vaping device on a commercial flight
Maximum e-liquid bottle size in hand luggage, placed in a clear 1-litre resealable bag
Maximum spare external batteries most UK airlines allow, each under 100Wh, in a protective case
UK Airline Policies at a Glance
| Airline | Devices in hand luggage | Devices in hold | E-liquid rule | In-flight use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | Permitted | Not permitted | 100ml max in liquids bag | Prohibited |
| easyJet | Permitted | Not permitted | 100ml max in liquids bag | Prohibited |
| Ryanair | Permitted | Not permitted | 100ml max in liquids bag | Prohibited |
| Jet2 | Permitted | Not permitted | 100ml max in liquids bag | Prohibited |
| TUI | Permitted | Not permitted | 100ml max in liquids bag | Prohibited |
| All other UK carriers | Permitted | Not permitted | 100ml max in liquids bag | Always confirm |
What to Expect at Security
Security staff at major UK airports process thousands of vapes every day. Your device will not cause alarm or unusual delay provided it is packed correctly. Place your device in the X-ray tray alongside your phone, laptop and other electronics. Your clear liquids bag, containing any e-liquid bottles or pods with liquid, should also be removed and placed separately in the tray. Security staff are fully trained to identify vape devices on X-ray and will not typically question them. If they do ask about the device, simply confirm what it is and where you have packed the e-liquid.
For compact travel-friendly pod kits and a wide range of e-liquids in travel-suitable sizes, visit Purple Haze MK at Stall 109, Milton Keynes Market before your trip.
A HMRC Vaping Products Duty of £2.20 per 10ml of e-liquid is scheduled to come into force from 1 October 2026. This will apply to e-liquid purchased in the UK. Large quantities of e-liquid purchased abroad and brought back to the UK will be subject to customs limits. Always check the current duty-free allowance for tobacco and nicotine products when returning from abroad.
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 guidance. Browse all topics in the Help and Guidance Centre for clear, practical information.
For more on travelling with vapes, visit the Purple Haze MK Help and Guidance Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do vapes need to go in the liquids bag at security?
The device itself does not need to go in the liquids bag unless it contains e-liquid, such as a prefilled pod or disposable vape. The device body goes in the tray alongside your electronics. Any loose e-liquid bottles and pods with liquid inside go in your clear 1-litre liquids bag at the checkpoint.
Can I take a vape mod with external batteries in hand luggage?
Yes. The mod and its batteries must all travel in hand luggage. Remove spare batteries from the device and store them in a hard protective case. Most airlines cap spare batteries at two per passenger, each under 100Wh. The mod body without batteries is the device and travels with your other electronics.
Can I take more than one vape in hand luggage?
Yes. Most airlines allow between 15 and 20 single-battery devices per passenger, which covers the vast majority of vapers comfortably. If you are carrying a large number of devices, check your specific airline's policy before travelling.
Can I buy vapes at UK airports?
Since the UK disposable vape ban came into force in June 2025, airport retailers can no longer sell single-use disposables. Rechargeable pod kits and vaping products may be available at some airport shops, but availability is limited and prices are higher than high-street stores. Stock up at Purple Haze MK before your trip rather than relying on the airport.
Related Articles
For more on vaping and travel, visit the Purple Haze MK Help and Guidance Centre.
Travel-Ready Vaping
Find Your Perfect Travel Vape at Purple Haze MK
We stock a wide range of compact pod kits ideal for travel, plus e-liquids in 10ml nic salt format that are already perfectly sized for your liquids bag. Visit us at Milton Keynes Market before your next trip.