Can you take e-cigarettes on a plane? Regulations and tips

Before the holidays we hear this question particularly often in our shop in Freiburg. The short answer: yes, but only in hand luggage or on your person, and on board there is neither vaping nor charging. In this guide we summarise the rules of the German Federal Aviation Office and give you tips for the journey.

Can the e-cigarette go in hand luggage?

Yes. According to the German Federal Aviation Office (LBA), e-cigarettes may only be carried in the aircraft cabin, i.e. in hand luggage or on your person.

The LBA classifies e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes and other vaping devices as battery-powered devices with a heating element. They are prohibited in checked baggage. If your hand luggage has to go into the hold at the gate after all, take out the e-cigarette and all spare batteries and keep them with you in the cabin.

Can I vape or charge on the plane?

No. According to the LBA, e-cigarettes may neither be used nor charged on the aircraft.

This also applies in the toilet. So charge your device before departure.

What applies to spare batteries?

Loose lithium spare batteries belong exclusively in hand luggage and must be individually protected against short circuits.

According to the LBA, lithium-ion batteries may not exceed a rated energy of 100 watt-hours, and loose spare batteries are prohibited in checked baggage. Self-built or “modified” battery packs are not permitted on aircraft. Special rules apply to batteries with higher capacity. It is best to transport batteries in a battery case or protective sleeve so that the terminals do not come into contact with keys or coins.

Can I take liquids with me?

Yes. The usual rules for liquids apply in hand luggage: containers of up to 100 millilitres in a transparent, resealable bag of up to one litre.

According to the German Federal Police, one such bag is permitted per passenger. In Germany, nicotine-containing refill containers hold no more than 10 millilitres anyway (§ 14 TabakerzG), so they fit in the bag. You can pack larger bottles in checked baggage, provided no other regulations prevent this.

Why can the tank leak on the plane?

Due to the pressure difference in the cabin, liquid can be pushed out of the tank. Empty the tank before the flight or keep the device upright in a bag. More on this in the guide The e-cigarette is leaking.

What do I need to watch out for at my holiday destination?

The rules for e-cigarettes differ from country to country. Find out about the regulations in your destination country before you travel.

In some countries, the possession or import of e-cigarettes or liquids is restricted or prohibited. Airlines may also have stricter rules. According to the LBA, their rules then take precedence.

Which questions do we hear most often in the shop?

Do I have to show the e-cigarette at the security check?

Follow the instructions of the security staff. You usually have to present the liquids bag separately.

Can I take a disposable e-cigarette with me?

The same rules apply to disposable e-cigarettes: only in hand luggage or on your person, do not use on board.

Should I switch the device off?

Yes. Switch it off or lock it so that it doesn’t switch on accidentally. The LBA requires e-cigarettes to be protected against unintentional activation.

Note: This guide is intended exclusively for adults. We sell all products only to persons aged 18 and over. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance. This article does not replace medical advice. If you want to quit smoking, you can find free help on the rauchfrei portal of the German Federal Institute for Public Health.

About the authors – Team Dampfstelle Freiburg: We are an owner-managed specialist shop in Freiburg-Zähringen and have been advising customers in our shop every day since August 2022. Our team has been vaping for over 10 years and knows the devices, liquids and typical problems from personal experience.

Last updated: 14.10.2026

Which sources is this article based on?

1. German Federal Aviation Office (LBA): E-cigarettes (passenger baggage) (in German). https://www.lba.de/DE/Luftfahrtunternehmen/Gefahrgut/Passagierinformation/Passagiergepaeck/E-Zigarette.html
2. German Federal Aviation Office (LBA): Electronic devices with lithium batteries (in German). https://www.lba.de/DE/Luftfahrtunternehmen/Gefahrgut/Passagierinformation/Passagiergepaeck/Elektronische_Geraete.html
3. German Federal Aviation Office (LBA): Passenger baggage – information on carrying dangerous goods (in German). https://www.lba.de/DE/Luftfahrtunternehmen/Gefahrgut/Passagierinformation/Passagiergepaeck/Passagiergepaeck_node.html
4. German Federal Police: Liquids on board (in German). https://bundespolizei.de/sicher-auf-reisen/mit-dem-flugzeug/was-darf-ich-mitnehmen/fluessigkeiten-an-bord
5. German Tobacco Products Act § 14: Composition of electronic cigarettes and refill containers (in German). https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/tabakerzg/__14.html
6. German Federal Institute for Public Health: rauchfrei portal (in German). https://www.rauchfrei-info.de/