Roberta Aguirre
Vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking, but travelling with a vape comes with its own set of rules and regulations. While vaping devices and e-liquids are allowed on most international flights, there are strict guidelines that must be followed to avoid confiscation, fines, or even arrest. One of the most important rules is that vapes and lithium batteries are prohibited from checked luggage due to safety concerns. So, can airports detect vapes in luggage, and what are the potential consequences of non-compliance?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can vapes be detected in luggage? | Yes, security scanners can detect all prohibited items, including vapes and other smoking devices. |
| Where to keep vapes in luggage? | Vapes must be kept in carry-on luggage or pockets, never in checked luggage. |
| Why not allowed in checked luggage? | Lithium batteries in vapes are a fire hazard if damaged, overheated, short-circuited, or accidentally activated. |
| What about e-liquid? | E-liquid must be stored in containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less and placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag. |
| Vaping in airports and planes | Vaping is banned in most airports and prohibited on flights, with severe penalties. |
| Vaping in other countries | Some countries ban the import or use of vapes. Vapes may be confiscated upon arrival in these countries. |
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What You'll Learn
Lithium batteries in checked luggage are a fire hazard
Vape pens and electronic vaping devices must be kept in carry-on bags, as they are not permitted in checked luggage. This is because vape devices contain lithium-ion batteries, which are a fire hazard if they come into contact with other metals. The FAA prohibits batteries in the cargo hold because they present a fire risk. The Transportation Security Administration will security check luggage for anything that could cause a fire in the cargo hold. If a fire starts in the cargo hold, there is no way to access it and extinguish the flames.
Lithium-ion batteries must be installed in the vape device itself and kept in carry-on luggage. Lithium batteries, which power everyday devices, can catch fire if damaged or if battery terminals are short-circuited. Devices containing lithium metal batteries or lithium-ion batteries, such as smartphones, tablets, cameras, and laptops, should be kept in carry-on baggage. If these devices are packed in checked baggage, they must be turned off, protected from accidental activation, and packed to prevent damage.
Spare (uninstalled) lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries, portable rechargers, electronic cigarettes, and vaping devices are prohibited in checked baggage. They must be carried in the cabin of the plane. The FAA has recorded 620 verified incidents involving lithium batteries in the United States between March 3, 2006, and April 27, 2025. Of these, 465 incidents happened in the cabin and 129 in the cargo hold. The most common issue involved battery packs, followed by e-cigarettes, cellular phones, and other electronic devices.
To reduce the risk of incidents, the FAA encourages fliers to check for recalls or damage to their devices, as they are more likely to create sparks or generate dangerous levels of heat. Passengers can also protect themselves and others by keeping electronics in a sleeve or case. If a device is squeezed too hard, it could damage the battery, which could cause thermal runaway—a little cushion from protective casing helps prevent that from happening.
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Vape juice containers must be 100ml or less
Vaping devices and e-juices are allowed in carry-on luggage, but not in checked luggage. This is because lithium batteries, which are used in vapes, present a fire risk. The FAA prohibits batteries in the cargo hold, and if a fire were to start in the cargo hold, there would be no way to extinguish it.
Vape juice containers must adhere to the TSA's liquid regulations, which state that liquids must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. All liquids should be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag. This includes e-liquids, which must be stored in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less to comply with the TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule for carry-ons.
It is important to note that airline policies may vary, so it is recommended to double-check with your specific airline for any additional restrictions. Additionally, the final word rests with TSA officers at the airport, and they may not allow your vape through. As such, it is advisable to have a backup plan, such as carrying a disposable vape or e-cig, or having a self-addressed package to mail your device back home.
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Vapes are detectable by X-ray and smoke detectors
Vapes, vape liquids, and their components are detectable by X-ray machines and smoke detectors in airports. Vapes are prohibited in checked luggage due to the fire risk posed by their lithium-ion batteries. As a result, vapes must be kept in carry-on luggage or on your person.
If you are travelling with a vape, it is advisable to disassemble the device and store its parts in a secure carrier. This makes it easier for TSA agents to inspect the device if needed. To prevent accidental activation of the heating element, the vape battery should be disconnected from the atomizer before passing through security. It is also recommended to pack all batteries and chargers with other electronics, such as in a laptop case.
Vape liquids are subject to the same restrictions as other liquids and must adhere to the TSA's 3-1-1 rule. This means that liquids must be stored in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less and placed in a clear, quart-sized, resealable bag. While not required, it is wise to use leak-proof bottles and secure them tightly to prevent damage to your belongings or the plane's cargo hold systems.
In addition to X-ray machines, airports have installed smoke detectors and other security measures to detect vaping activity. These detectors can identify dense vapour from all kinds of vaping devices. Airlines have also installed detectors in onboard toilets to identify passengers who attempt to vape during the flight. Severe penalties may be imposed on passengers who violate these rules, including confiscation of devices, fines, and even arrest.
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Vapes are prohibited on planes, with severe penalties
Vapes, vape pens, e-cigarettes, and other electronic smoking devices are prohibited in checked luggage on planes. These devices contain lithium batteries, which are considered dangerous goods due to their risk of smoke, fire, and extreme heat. As such, they are restricted in how they can be packed when preparing for air travel. The batteries must be installed in the vape device itself and either carried in a secure carry-on bag or kept in your pockets.
The FAA prohibits batteries in the cargo hold because they present a fire risk. If a fire starts in the cargo hold, there is no way to access or extinguish it. There have been accidents caused by cargo hold fires in the past. A lithium battery can cause a fire if improperly stored or if it comes into contact with other metals. Therefore, it is essential to take effective measures to prevent the accidental activation of the heating element of the device when transporting it. This can be done by turning off the power or, if there is no power switch, removing the battery from the device.
Vape juice or e-liquid is also regulated and must adhere to the TSA's liquid regulations. The limit is 3.4 ounces (100 ml) per container, and all liquids should be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag. It is wise to pack e-liquids in leak-proof bottles and secure them tightly to prevent damage to other belongings or the plane's cargo hold systems.
Violating these regulations can result in severe penalties. If a vape is detected in checked luggage, it will be inspected, documented, and potentially confiscated. There can also be stiff consequences for using a vape on a plane, including arrest and fines of up to $4,000. If a vape is used in an airplane restroom, and the vape cloud is mistaken for smoke or sets off a detector, the plane will be immediately diverted for an emergency landing. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the regulations and keep vapes secured in carry-on luggage or pockets at all times during air travel.
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Vapes must be disassembled and stored securely
Vapes, vape pens, and e-cigarettes are not permitted in checked luggage. This is due to the lithium-ion batteries they contain, which are a fire risk if they come into contact with other metals. Therefore, it is important to disassemble your vape before flying and store the parts securely in your carry-on luggage.
The FAA prohibits batteries in the cargo hold, and the TSA will security check luggage for anything that could cause a fire. If a fire starts in the cargo hold, it cannot be extinguished, and there have been accidents in the past caused by cargo hold fires. As checked bags are jostled around more than carry-ons, there is an increased chance of vape batteries becoming a safety hazard.
To prevent any issues, it is recommended to disconnect the vape battery from the atomizer and pack all batteries and chargers with other electronics, such as in a laptop case. Lithium-ion batteries must be installed in the vape device itself and must not exceed a rating of 100 Wh. It is also important to follow the TSA's liquid regulations for any e-liquid you may be carrying. The limit is 100 ml (3.4 oz) per container, and all liquids should be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag.
By following these guidelines and preparing properly, you can ensure that travelling with your vape is as smooth as possible. It is always a good idea to double-check with your specific airline for any additional restrictions to avoid surprises at the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, security scanners at airports can detect vapes and other smoking devices. They can detect devices emitting chemicals such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and nicotine.
No, vapes and vape gear that contain batteries are prohibited from being carried in checked luggage. This is due to the fire risk posed by lithium batteries if they come into contact with other metals. Vapes must be kept in your carry-on luggage or pockets.
No, vaping is banned on flights, with severe penalties. Even trace amounts of THC or residue can lead to confiscation, fines, or arrest.
