Traveling by Airplane With Vape Gear | TSA Rules

Mar 11, 2024Updated Sep 17, 20266 min readVape School

Flying with your vape is simple once you know the rules. Vapes and spare batteries travel in your carry-on, never in checked bags. You cannot vape or charge them on the plane. And e-liquid follows the same limits as every other liquid in your bag.

Here is how to pack each part of your setup, what to expect at security and on board, and what to check before you go. Rules can change, so confirm the details with the TSA, the FAA and your airline before each trip.

The rules at a glance

Item	Carry-on	Checked bag	Notes
Vapes, pod systems and disposables	Yes	No	Protect from accidental activation. No use or charging on board.
Spare lithium-ion batteries	Yes	No	Protect the terminals so they cannot short-circuit.
Power banks	Yes	No	They contain lithium batteries too.
E-liquid	Yes, in containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less inside one quart-size bag	Generally yes	Seal bottles in a zip-top bag in case of leaks.
Coils, cotton, wire and tools	Generally yes	Yes	Tools and scissors must meet TSA size limits to go in a carry-on.

The officer at the checkpoint has the final say on what gets through, and airlines can set stricter rules than the TSA. Before you pack, check the What Can I Bring? tool at tsa.gov, the PackSafe guidance at faa.gov and your airline’s website.

How to pack your gear

Keep devices with you

The FAA bans vaping devices from checked baggage, whether they are box mods, pod systems or disposables. Lithium batteries can overheat, and a fire in the cargo hold is far harder to deal with than one the cabin crew can reach. So pack your devices in your carry-on, or keep them on you.

If your carry-on gets checked at the gate, take out your vape and any spare batteries first and keep them with you in the cabin.

Prevent accidental firing

A device that fires inside your bag can overheat or burn out a coil. Before you fly:

• Switch the device off or use its lock feature. Many mods turn off with five quick clicks of the fire button.
• If the battery is removable, take it out and carry it in a battery case.
• Detach the tank or pod from the device, which also helps prevent leaks.
• Store everything in a case or pouch so nothing can press the fire button.

Protect spare batteries

Spare batteries must travel in your carry-on too. Keep each one in a plastic battery case or its original packaging so the terminals cannot touch keys, coins or each other. Check the wraps before you go, and do not fly with any battery whose wrap is torn or damaged.

Vape batteries are well under the 100 watt-hour limit that applies to most lithium-ion batteries in carry-ons, but airlines can still limit how many spares you bring. Our guide to vape batteries covers everyday battery care.

E-liquid in your carry-on

E-liquid counts as a liquid under the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. Each container must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, and all your liquids must fit in one quart-size bag, one bag per passenger. That means 30 ml and 60 ml bottles are fine, while a bottle larger than 100 ml is not, even if it is only partly full.

E-liquid in your checked bag

Bottles of e-liquid, with no device attached, can generally go in checked baggage. Carry only what you need for the trip in your cabin bag, and put the rest in your checked bag, sealed in a zip-top bag in case a bottle leaks.

Stop your tank from leaking

Changes in air pressure during a flight can push e-liquid out of tanks and pods. Travel with your tank empty or nearly empty, keep it upright if you can, and bag it separately. Refill once you land.

At the airport and on the plane

Security

Follow the instructions at your lane, since some checkpoints ask you to take your liquids bag out and others do not. Be ready for your devices and batteries to get a closer look. Packing everything in one pouch makes screening quicker.

In the terminal

Many airports do not allow vaping indoors. Follow posted signs, and only vape in designated areas where vaping is permitted. Even there, remember that people who have never smoked or vaped may find your vapor unpleasant, so keep your clouds small. Our guide to vaping etiquette has more tips.

On the plane

The US Department of Transportation has banned vaping on commercial flights since 2016, and that includes the lavatory. Aircraft lavatories have smoke detectors, and vapor can set some of them off. You also cannot charge your vape or spare batteries on board, so keep your device switched off and packed away until you land.

At your destination

• Check local laws. Vaping rules vary by state and city and change often. Some countries ban vapes outright or limit what travelers can bring in, and the penalties can be serious, so check before you pack.
• Know the flavor rules. Some states and cities restrict flavored vapes, so what you can buy may differ from home.
• Carry your gear rather than mailing it. Since 2021, the PACT Act has restricted mailing vapes. USPS does not ship them to consumers, and carriers require an adult signature.
• Keep it cool. Do not leave devices, batteries or juice in a hot car or in direct sun. Our summer vaping tips explain why.

If you will be away when your Zamplebox Club box is due, you can change the date or skip a month from your club dashboard.

A quick travel checklist

• Devices and spare batteries in your carry-on, switched off or locked
• Spare batteries in cases, with wraps checked
• Tanks and pods empty or nearly empty, detached and bagged
• Carry-on e-liquid in bottles of 100 ml or less, inside your quart-size bag
• Extra juice sealed in a zip-top bag in your checked luggage
• Spare coils or pods, and a charging cable
• Airline, destination and local vaping rules checked

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Common questions

WARNING: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. For adults 21+ only.