According to a2024 study, “nicotine use appears to be rising, driven primarily by sharp increases in vaping among young people.” The rise in popularity of vapes among young people is partly down to the portability of vapes and how discrete they are to use when compared with combustible cigarettes.

These factors make them ideal for getting a hit of nicotine while you travel. With more countries introducing restrictions on vaping, travelers need to check their destination country’s rules before flying, but what about the rules of vaping in the airport before you set off? Here’s everything you need to know about airport vaping policies.

General Airport Vaping Policies

Travelers who vape departing from the U.S. will be pleased to know that theTSA permits nicotine vapes on airplanes if stowed in carry-on luggage during the flight. If you’re traveling with a vape in your carry-on, you might be tempted to hit it while you wait in the boarding area.

However, you’ll need to resist the temptation as vapes are not only banned on board flights but fall under the same rules as smoking combustible cigarettes before you board the airplane in most airports.

While some airports like McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas and Nashville International Airport allow smoking indoors in select areas, most airports are now completely smoke-free inside and have designated outdoor smoking areas away from other passengers where you can also vape. 

Differences by Country and Region

The rules and regulations on vaping vary around the world from complete bans to more lenient policies that allow vaping in certain areas. Here’s what to expect in different regions around the world: 

• United States:TheTSA permits nicotine vapes on airplanes if stowed in carry-on luggage during the flight. Vapes are not allowed to be used on board flights and are only allowed to be used in designated smoking areas in airports. Vapes are not permitted in checked luggage, as the lithium-ion batteries inside them pose a potential fire risk in the luggage hold.
  

• Europe:European countries have similar rules regarding vaping in airports. Vaping is not permitted inside any European terminals. While travelers to England, France, Spain, Switzerland, and Portugal will have to make do with vaping in designated outdoor areas, some German, Austrian, and Norwegian airports still have indoor smoking lounges where travelers can vape.
  

• Asia and the Middle East: These regions have stricter regulations and consequences for vaping. Many Turkish airports still have smoking lounges. However, smoking and vaping are only allowed outside in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. E-cigarettes are banned entirely in India, Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong, and people face a hefty fine or even jail time for breaking these rules.
  

• Australia and New Zealand: Travelers to Australia can bring a vape with them but won’t be able to buy one when they arrive without a prescription. Most large Australian airports have outdoor smoking areas. In New Zealand, single-use vapes are banned. However, travelers can bring refillable vapes with them into New Zealand. Just outside terminals, travelers will find smoking areas at airports in NZ.
  

While there are general rules surrounding vaping in public places like airports, you must check the airport you are traveling from/to before you depart to ensure you're up to date with the rules. 

Vaping in Terminals and Lounges

Vaping falls under the same rules as smoking combustible cigarettes at airports around the world.

While some exceptions exist in the U.S., such as McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nashville International Airport, and the open-air atrium lounge in Miami International Airport, most airports only permit vaping outside in designated smoking areas. 

International travelers who vape will find indoor smoking rooms at Frankfurt Airport in Germany and Dubai International Airport, among others. 

Carrying Vapes and E-Liquids through Security

The TSA has strict rules regarding items containing lithium batteries on board aircraft: “Devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage."

The TSA's3-1-1 rule only permits containers with less than 3.4 oz of liquid that can fit into a 1-quart-sized plastic bag and only allows one bag of liquids on board. Passengers who use refillable vapes and mods shouldn't pack refills that exceed this amount. To prevent leaks, keep your items in original packaging during travel. 

While the amount of liquid permitted and storing instructions may differ for other transportation authorities around the world, most follow similar guidelines to the TSA when it comes to liquids and lithium batteries. The EU and Australia may not enforce the liquid rules strictly on domestic flights like the TSA. 

Risks and Penalties

Vaping inside an airport terminal in a non-smoking area may result in a hefty fine of up to $500 in most regions. Passengers who vape on planes risk even bigger consequences like fines up to $5,000 and even arrest on arrival. People who break these rules may also be banned from future flights. 

Tips for Vapers Traveling by Air

Travelers who vape should check airport and airline policies on vapes in advance of booking tickets. Most airports allow vaping in designated smoking areas outside, so check the locations of these in advance if you think you’ll need them.

If the smoking area is in a heavily trafficked part of the airport outside, be discreet and respectful towards other passengers who may need to walk through the smoking area. Be sure to pack your devices and liquids properly according to the rules provided by the TSA or other transport authorities. 

Conclusion

Vaping is only permitted in outdoor smoking areas in most airports around the world, with a few exceptions that offer smoking lounges indoors. Travelers who vape should plan and understand the rules of the airport they are traveling from and to before they depart to avoid any issues at the airport.