Traveling with Vapes: What to Do with Disposables, RELX Devices and Pods on Planes

A practical guide for Australian vapers navigating airports, security, and flights in 2026

Australia · Updated March 2026 · 6 min read

Planning a trip and wondering what to do with your vape? Whether you use a disposable, a RELX pod system, or another device, the rules for flying are clear – and they exist for good safety reasons. This guide walks you through everything: packing, security, what happens during the flight, and how to protect your gear at your destination.

The short version: vapes and batteries must be in your carry‑on luggage, never in checked bags, and you cannot use them on board. Let's go through the details.

1. Before You Fly: Know the Rules

Airline and aviation safety rules are largely harmonised internationally, but the legal status of vaping at your destination can vary wildly. What's legal in Australia may be illegal in Thailand, Singapore, or certain parts of the USA .

• Before you book: Check the laws of your destination country. Some places ban the importation of vaping devices and e‑liquids entirely, with heavy fines or even jail time .
• For transiting: Even if you're just changing planes, the country you transit through may have its own rules about possessing vapes in the airport .
• Australia's advice: The Department of Home Affairs reminds travellers that importing vaping goods without a valid prescription may be illegal in some countries .

2. Packing Your Vape: Carry‑On Only

This is the most important rule: all devices containing lithium batteries – including disposables, pod systems, and external batteries – must go in your carry‑on luggage. They are forbidden in checked baggage because a battery fire in the cargo hold is difficult to detect and extinguish .

2.1 Disposable Vapes

Even though a disposable is a single sealed unit, it contains a lithium battery. Pack it in your carry‑on. There's no need to remove the battery (you can't), but security may ask to inspect it separately.

2.2 RELX and Other Pod Systems

Here the rules are slightly different because the device and the pods are separate.

• Device (battery): Must be in carry‑on. If it has an on/off switch or lock, engage it to prevent accidental firing.
• Pods (e‑liquid): These can also go in carry‑on. If you're carrying spare pods, place them in a clear zip‑lock bag to contain any potential leaks caused by cabin pressure changes .
• Spare batteries: Any loose lithium batteries (e.g., for mods) must be in a protective case, terminal covers, or original packaging to prevent short circuits .

3. At Airport Security: Be Prepared

When you reach the security screening point, you'll need to remove your vape and any batteries from your bag, just like you do with laptops and large electronics .

• Have them accessible: Don't bury your vape at the bottom of your bag. Keep it where you can easily pull it out.
• Separate pods: If you have multiple pods, keeping them in a clear plastic bag can speed things up and contain any leaks.
• Be ready to explain: Security officers see vapes every day, but if they ask, simply say it's a personal vaping device. Honesty is always best.
• Empty the tank (if possible): For refillable devices, pressure changes can cause leaking. It's wise to empty the tank before flying, or at least keep it upside‑down in a bag .

4. On the Aircraft: Strictly No Vaping

This should go without saying, but it's worth repeating: you cannot use your vape at any point during the flight. That includes in the lavatory. Aircraft smoke detectors are highly sensitive, and activating one will result in serious consequences – fines, police interviews, and potentially being banned from the airline .

The ban applies even if the device is "not producing vapour." Pressing the button can still generate heat and, in rare cases, cause a fire risk. Keep it stowed for the entire flight.

5. At Your Destination: Respect Local Laws

Once you land, you're subject to the laws of the country you're in. A few examples:

• Thailand: Possession of vaping devices and e‑liquids is illegal and can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment .
• Singapore: Vapes are completely banned; bringing one in can result in fines of up to $2,000 .
• Japan: Vapes are legal, but nicotine‑containing e‑liquids are classified as medicines and cannot be imported without approval .
• European Union: Generally allowed, but restrictions on nicotine strength and bottle sizes vary .

Always research before you travel. A quick government website check can save you enormous trouble.

6. Protecting Your Gear During Travel

Even when you're following all the rules, your device can suffer from the journey. Here's how to keep it safe:

• Avoid pressure damage: Pods and tanks can leak due to air pressure changes. Keep them in a sealed plastic bag and consider storing them upside‑down (mouthpiece down) so any leaked liquid doesn't reach the airflow .
• Prevent accidental firing: If your device has a lock mode, use it. For RELX and similar, some models have a "child lock" feature – engage it . For disposables, keeping them in a protective case or a separate compartment prevents buttons from being pressed by other items.
• Keep away from heat: Never leave a vape in a parked car, especially in direct sun. Extreme heat can damage batteries and cause leaks . (We'll cover this in detail in Part 2.)
• Carry spares carefully: If you bring extra pods, store them upright and at room temperature once you arrive.

Summary: Travel Checklist for Vapers

Before you head to the airport, run through this quick list:

• ✅ Check the laws of your destination and any transit countries.
• ✅ Pack all vapes and spare batteries in your carry‑on – never checked luggage.
• ✅ Place pods and tanks in a clear, sealed plastic bag to contain leaks.
• ✅ Empty refillable tanks if possible, or store them upside‑down.
• ✅ Lock your device or engage any safety features.
• ✅ At security, be ready to remove devices for screening.
• ✅ Never use or charge your vape on the aircraft.
• ✅ Upon arrival, store devices safely away from heat and children.

Flying with a vape is perfectly manageable as long as you follow these straightforward rules. A little preparation keeps you safe, compliant, and ready to enjoy your trip.