What Happens If You Put a Vape in Carry-On?

Travelling with vape gear can feel like navigating a maze of conflicting advice and changing regulations. You might be standing in line at security, wondering if that device in your bag is about to get confiscated—or worse, cause a scene.

The good news is that flying with a vape is generally allowed, but the rules are strict about where you pack it. Unlike many other electronics or liquids, vapes have specific battery safety concerns that dictate how they must be transported.

If you are packing for an upcoming trip and want to avoid the headache of having your gear tossed out at the gate, understanding the rules for carry-on luggage is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know about bringing your vape on a plane, from security screening to packing tips.

The Short Answer: It Belongs in Your Carry-On

If you put a vape in your carry-on, you are actually following the rules correctly. In fact, you are required to keep it in the cabin with you.

Most airlines and transportation security agencies, including the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) and the TSA in the United States, strictly prohibit vape devices in checked luggage. This is primarily due to fire safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.

When a vape is in your carry-on, it is in a pressurized, temperature-controlled environment where the cabin crew can quickly respond if a battery malfunctions. If that same device were to overheat in the cargo hold, it could lead to a catastrophic fire that goes undetected until it is too late.

So, if you put a vape in your carry-on:

1. You will likely pass security: As long as it is packed correctly (turned off, no loose batteries), security officers generally won't bat an eye.
2. You satisfy airline safety regulations: Airlines mandate that all e-cigarettes and vaping devices stay in the cabin.

Security Screening: What to Expect

When you approach the security checkpoint, treat your vape like any other electronic device.

• Bins and Trays: Depending on the airport, you may need to remove the device from your bag and place it in a bin for X-ray screening. This is becoming standard practice for electronics larger than a cell phone.
• Liquids: Remember that your e-liquids are subject to the standard liquid restrictions (usually containers of 100ml or less, fitting into a single 1L clear plastic bag). Do not leave huge bottles of juice in your carry-on; they will be confiscated.
• Questions from Agents: Security agents see vapes every day. They might ask you to verify what the device is, but as long as it's clearly a vape and not something suspicious, the interaction is usually brief.

Why Checked Luggage is a No-Go

It cannot be stressed enough: Do not put your vape in your checked bag.

If airport scanners detect a vape device in a checked suitcase, they have the authority to open your bag and remove it. In some cases, you might not even know it's gone until you arrive at your destination and find a "bag search" notice inside your luggage—and no vape.

Worse than losing your gear is the safety risk. Lithium batteries are volatile. In the unpressurized, often rough-and-tumble environment of the cargo hold, batteries can be punctured or crushed, leading to thermal runaway (a chemical reaction that causes fires).

Packing Tips for Air Travel

Just because your vape is allowed in your carry-on doesn't mean you can toss it in loose and forget about it. Air pressure changes during flight can cause tanks to leak, leaving you with a sticky mess of e-juice all over your passport and wallet.

Follow these steps to pack like a pro:

1. Empty Your Tank

The change in cabin pressure causes air inside your tank to expand, forcing liquid out through the wicking holes. Before you head to the airport, empty your tank completely. If you must travel with juice in the tank, close the airflow holes and wrap the device in a paper towel and a sealed ziplock bag.

2. Turn It Off

Ensure your device is fully powered down. If your device has a locking feature (like "5 clicks to lock"), use it. You want to prevent the device from accidentally firing in your bag, which can burn out your coil or overheat the battery.

3. Secure Your Batteries

If your device uses external batteries, remove them. Place the batteries in a dedicated plastic battery case. Never let loose batteries roll around in a bag where they can come into contact with keys, coins, or other metal objects, as this can cause a short circuit and potential explosion.

4. Organize E-Liquids

Pack your e-liquids in your designated liquids bag. Ensure the bottles are tightly sealed. Because of the pressure changes, it's also smart to double-bag them just in case a cap pops loose.

Vaping in the Airport and On the Plane

This is the most critical rule of etiquette and law: Do not vape on the plane.

It doesn't matter if you "ghost" the hit or blow it into your shirt. Airlines take this incredibly seriously. Using an e-cigarette on board is a federal offence in many countries. You could face massive fines, be arrested upon landing, and be banned from the airline for life.

Similarly, vaping inside the airport terminal is generally prohibited, except in designated smoking areas (which are becoming increasingly rare inside security zones). Treat your vape like a cigarette; if you can't smoke there, you can't vape there.

International Rules Vary

While the "carry-on only" rule is fairly standard globally, the legality of vaping itself varies wildly by country.

• Mexico: Vaping products are technically illegal to import, and travelers frequently report having their vapes confiscated by customs upon arrival.
• Thailand: Thailand has some of the strictest anti-vaping laws in the world. Possession of a vape can lead to hefty fines or even jail time.
• Singapore: Vaping is completely banned. Do not bring a vape into Singapore.

Before you travel, always check the local laws of your destination. Just because you got it on the plane in Canada doesn't mean you can legally walk out of the airport with it in another country.

Safe Travels with Your Gear

Putting your vape in your carry-on isn't just a suggestion; it's a requirement for safe air travel. By keeping your device with you, storing batteries safely, and respecting the "no vaping on board" rules, you can ensure your journey is smooth and hassle-free.

A little preparation goes a long way. Empty those tanks, case those batteries, and double-check the laws at your destination. That way, the only clouds you'll need to worry about are the ones outside the window.