Jazmin Li
The use of electronic cigarettes in airports and on aeroplanes is a topic of much confusion for travellers, as there are no specific laws prohibiting their use, and airport and airline policies can vary. In the UK, stringent regulations restrict smoking in indoor public spaces, including airports. Most UK airports only allow smoking in designated outdoor areas before passengers pass through security. Heathrow, the UK's busiest airport, has some of the strictest smoking regulations, with no smoking areas provided once passengers have cleared security. Gatwick, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, and London City airports also do not offer any airside smoking areas. Liverpool Airport, on the other hand, provides a dedicated smoking area after security, where electronic cigarettes must also be used. While electronic cigarettes are generally permitted in carry-on baggage, they are prohibited in checked luggage due to the fire hazard posed by their lithium batteries. Airlines such as EasyJet, British Airways, Aer Lingus, Virgin Atlantic, and Emirates forbid the use of electronic cigarettes onboard their aircraft, while Ryanair makes an exception for the smokeless cigarettes they sell.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Using e-cigarettes in UK airports | Banned in all UK airports, including Heathrow, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, London City Airport, and Exeter. Liverpool Airport provides a designated smoking area after security where e-cigarettes can be used. |
| Using e-cigarettes on the plane | Banned by all airlines, including Ryanair, EasyJet, British Airways, Aer Lingus, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Qantas Airlines, and Qatar Airways. Ryanair allows the use of smokeless cigarettes sold onboard. |
| Carrying e-cigarettes on the plane | Must be stored in carry-on baggage due to the risk of fire hazards from lithium batteries. |
| Carrying e-liquids | Allowed in hand luggage but must be in containers no larger than 100 ml and placed in a clear plastic bag. |
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What You'll Learn
UK airports and their vaping policies
The use of e-cigarettes is banned at all UK airports. Heathrow Airport briefly allowed vaping in 2013 when it became the first airport to create a dedicated vaping area in Terminal 4, but it currently states on its website that passengers cannot use e-cigarettes within their premises.
While some UK airports do not have their vaping and smoking policies freely available, most do not allow vaping inside any buildings, on the plane, or on the runway under any circumstances. However, vaping is usually permitted in designated smoking areas outside the terminal.
- Cardiff Airport operates a no-smoking policy inside any building. There are designated smoking areas outside the terminal and airside in the departure lounge next to Gate 2.
- Humberside Airport prohibits smoking and vaping within the airport terminal building and outside the terminal entrance.
- East Midlands Airport has a smoking/vaping area located at Castle Rock bar.
Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Durham Tees Valley, Glasgow Prestwick, Leeds, and Robin Hood airports do not provide specific policies regarding e-cigarettes, so it is recommended to contact customer services before arrival.
Regarding airline policies, while there are no blanket rules, most airlines do not allow vaping on board. Here are the policies of some major airlines:
- Ryanair: You are allowed to carry e-cigarettes on board, but you cannot use them.
- EasyJet: You can take e-cigarettes in your hand luggage, but you cannot use them on the plane.
- British Airways: You cannot place e-cigarettes in checked baggage; they must be in your hand luggage, but you cannot use them.
- Aer Lingus: You can take e-cigarettes on board in your hand luggage, but you cannot use them.
- Virgin Atlantic: You can take e-cigarettes on board in your hand luggage, but you cannot use them.
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Airlines and their vaping policies
While there are no blanket rules on vaping policies for airlines and airports, it is generally prohibited to use e-cigarettes at UK airports and on planes. Heathrow Airport, for instance, currently states that passengers cannot use e-cigarettes within their premises, although it briefly permitted vaping in 2013 when it created a dedicated vaping area in Terminal 4.
- Ryanair: Allows the use of smokeless cigarettes that they sell onboard, but passengers cannot use their own e-cigarettes onboard.
- EasyJet: Allows passengers to take up to 15 e-cigarettes and up to 20 lithium batteries on the plane, but they cannot be used.
- British Airways: Does not allow e-cigarettes in checked baggage; they must be kept in hand luggage and not used.
- Aer Lingus: Allows e-cigarettes onboard but only in hand luggage, and they must not be used.
- Virgin Atlantic: Allows e-cigarettes onboard but only in hand luggage, and they must not be used. The airline also states that e-cigarettes are devices that "must not be used onboard our aircraft."
- Emirates: "All Emirates flights are non-smoking – this also includes the use of e-cigarettes. No e-cigarettes can be used on board Emirates flights."
- Quantas Airlines: "The use and charging of all e-cigarettes and other personal vaporisers are not permitted on board an aircraft. They must be carried in hand luggage."
- Delta Air Lines: Allows passengers to bring battery-powered electronic smoking devices, such as e-cigarettes, onboard as carry-on items only. They cannot be used or recharged during the flight.
It is important to note that rules and regulations can change, so travellers are advised to double-check with their airline before travelling with e-cigarettes.
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Storing e-cigarettes and e-liquids
When storing e-cigarettes and e-liquids, always put them in a safe and elevated location, in their original containers, and out of the reach and sight of children and pets. Ask family members, guests, and other visitors who vape to store their bags or coats that contain e-cigarettes or e-liquids in a safe place, out of the reach and sight of children and pets. Explain to children old enough to understand that these products can be dangerous and should only be handled by adults.
In terms of specific storage locations, some people choose to store their e-liquids in the fridge to preserve them. However, opinions vary on the effectiveness of this method, with some reporting that e-liquids stored in plastic and kept in the fridge will have an accelerated deterioration and will take on a plastic residue in flavour. Others have found that storing e-liquids in the fridge, particularly during hot summer months, keeps the juices tasting fresh.
When travelling with e-cigarettes and e-liquids, there are specific regulations that must be followed. E-cigarettes must be stored in carry-on baggage and are prohibited in checked baggage. This is due to the fire hazard associated with lithium batteries, which are commonly used in e-cigarettes. Any e-liquids should be placed in a clear plastic bag, just like any other liquids, and containers must not exceed 100 ml.
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Vaping in other countries
While vaping is banned at all UK airports, the laws regarding vaping differ from country to country.
Vaping Laws in Other Countries
Vaping laws vary across the world, with some countries banning vaping altogether, while others have different levels of restrictions in place. For example, in Mexico, vaping products are prohibited, and you risk being fined or arrested if you bring them into the country. Similarly, vaping is banned in Australia, and those caught using or selling vaping products may face prison time, hefty fines, or a significant price hike.
In the United States, vaping laws differ from state to state. While some states prohibit vaping in all places where smoking is banned, others have no laws regarding vaping. For instance, vaping is prohibited in restaurants in Florida, but allowed in some bars in Miami. In California, vaping is banned in workplaces and many public spaces, including restaurants and bars.
Some countries, like South Africa, do not have specific laws governing vaping, but nicotine is classified as a scheduled drug, meaning products containing nicotine can only be sold by pharmacists and purchased with a prescription. In Canada, regulations for the sale and marketing of vapes are stricter than in the UK and vary between provinces, with age restrictions for purchasers over 19.
In Europe, some countries like Estonia and Lithuania have recently banned flavours, limiting the availability of e-liquids. In France, a law banning single-use e-cigarettes is awaiting government and EU approval. In Spain, vaping is prohibited on many beaches, and those caught breaking the rules may face fines of up to €2,000.
It's important to note that vaping laws can change, and enforcement may vary, so it's always best to check the latest regulations for your destination before travelling.
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The legality of vaping in airports and on planes
The use of e-cigarettes is banned at all UK airports. However, vaping is generally permitted within designated smoking areas if the terminal/airport provides one. Airports that offer post-security smoking areas include Manchester, Bristol, and Luton. Liverpool Airport provides a smoking area after security, but vaping is only permitted in the same outdoor smoking terrace. London City Airport (LCY) prohibits smoking and vaping inside the terminal, but designates areas on the curb outside the terminal building.
Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, and Heathrow do not offer any airside smoking areas once you’ve cleared security. Vaping is prohibited within all terminal buildings at these airports. Heathrow briefly permitted the use of e-cigarettes and even created a dedicated vaping area in November 2013, but the airport currently states that passengers cannot use e-cigarettes within their premises.
While there are no blanket rules on using e-cigarettes on planes, vaping onboard is prohibited by all airlines. Ryanair allows the use of smokeless cigarettes that they sell onboard, but reviews suggest that they are not as good as other e-cigarettes. If caught vaping on a plane, travellers may face significant legal problems, including fines or imprisonment. Airlines such as Qatar Airways have been known to arrest and imprison travellers for vaping on their flights.
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Frequently asked questions
No, using e-cigarettes is banned at all UK airports. However, some airports provide designated smoking areas, usually outside the terminal before security, where vaping is permitted.
Yes, you can take your e-cigarette on a plane, but it must be stored in your carry-on baggage. E-cigarettes are prohibited in checked baggage due to the fire hazard posed by their lithium batteries.
No, you cannot use your e-cigarette on a plane. All airlines forbid vaping onboard their aircraft.
This depends on your destination. In some countries, such as Mexico, e-cigarettes are illegal. In other countries, they may be difficult to find, so it is recommended that you take enough e-liquid with you to last your trip.
