If you are travelling by air in Australia, you may be wondering whether you can take a vape with you on a plane. The answer depends on where you pack it, the airline's own rules, and whether you are travelling domestically or entering Australia from overseas.
Australian aviation safety rules treat electronic cigarettes and vapes as personal electronic devices containing batteries. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) states that vapes can be carried in the cabin but cannot be placed in checked baggage.
However, carrying a vape on an aircraft and legally bringing vaping goods into Australia are separate issues. Australia's vaping regulations also place restrictions on the importation and supply of vaping products.
Can You Take a Vape on a Plane in Australia?
Under Australian aviation safety requirements, electronic cigarettes and vapes must be carried on your person or in your carry-on baggage.
They must not be packed in checked luggage. CASA specifically lists vapes as items that can be carried on but cannot be checked in.
This rule is primarily related to the lithium batteries used in these devices. Keeping devices with batteries in the cabin allows potential battery-related incidents to be identified and managed more quickly.
Can You Put a Vape in Checked Luggage?
No.
Vapes and electronic cigarettes should not be placed in checked baggage when travelling by air in Australia.
Instead, they should remain with you or be placed in your carry-on baggage in accordance with the applicable airline and aviation safety requirements.
If you are travelling with spare batteries, CASA states that they must also be carried in carry-on baggage and individually protected against short circuits. This can be done using the original retail packaging, insulating exposed terminals or using a separate protective pouch for each battery.
Can You Use a Vape During a Flight?
No.
Passengers should not use electronic cigarettes or vapes during a flight. CASA notes that most airlines do not permit the use of e-cigarettes during flights and advises passengers to check the individual airline's rules before travelling.
You should always follow cabin crew instructions and the airline's conditions of carriage.
Can You Charge a Vape on a Plane?
CASA states that recharging electronic cigarettes in the cabin is prohibited.
Therefore, even if your airline provides USB charging or power outlets, you should not use them to recharge an electronic cigarette or vape during the flight.
Carry-On vs Checked Baggage
The basic aviation rule can be summarised as follows:
ItemCarry-on baggageChecked baggageVape / electronic cigaretteAllowed under aviation rulesNot allowedSpare vape batteriesCarry-on onlyNot allowedCharging a vape during flightNot permitted—Using a vape during flightNot permitted—Airlines may have additional requirements, so passengers should check their airline's current baggage policy before travelling. CASA also notes that airlines have the final say over how personal electronic devices may be carried and used on their aircraft.
What About Bringing a Vape Into Australia?
This is a separate question from whether a vape can be carried onto an aircraft.
Australian vaping regulations are strict. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) states that people entering Australia by aircraft or ship may bring a small quantity of therapeutic vapes under a traveller's exemption, subject to specific conditions.
The TGA currently lists the traveller exemption limits as:
- Up to 2 vapes
- Up to 20 vape accessories, including cartridges, capsules or pods
- Up to 200mL of vape substance in liquid form
The exemption applies where the products are for use in the treatment of the traveller or someone they are caring for who is entering Australia on the same ship or aircraft.
These limits should not be interpreted as a general allowance to bring any type of commercial vape into Australia.
Can You Buy Vapes Overseas and Bring Them Back to Australia?
Australian Border Force classifies vaping goods as prohibited goods unless the relevant requirements and permissions are satisfied. This includes vaping devices, accessories and vaping substances.
The TGA also states that vapes cannot be purchased from overseas retailers or websites for personal use, and that personal importation of vaping products is prohibited under the current framework.
For this reason, travellers should check the latest TGA and Australian Border Force requirements before bringing any vaping product into Australia.
What If You Are Flying Domestically Within Australia?
For a domestic flight, the aviation safety requirements still apply.
A vape should be kept in your carry-on baggage or on your person rather than placed inside checked luggage. You should also avoid using or charging the device during the flight.
The airline you are travelling with may have additional requirements, so checking its current baggage rules before departure is recommended.
What If You Are Flying Into Australia From Another Country?
International travel involves an additional consideration: Australian border and import regulations.
Even if an item can technically be carried in cabin baggage under aviation safety rules, that does not automatically mean it can legally be imported into Australia.
Travellers entering Australia should therefore consider both:
- Airline and aviation safety requirements.
- Australian customs and therapeutic-goods requirements.
Australian Border Force states that vaping goods are controlled under Australia's prohibited-import rules unless the applicable requirements are met.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a vape in my carry-on luggage in Australia?
Under CASA aviation safety rules, vapes can be carried in carry-on baggage or on your person, but they cannot be placed in checked baggage.
Can I put a disposable vape in checked luggage?
No. CASA states that vapes cannot be carried in checked baggage.
Can I use my vape on an Australian flight?
You should not use a vape during a flight. Most airlines prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes on board, and passengers must follow the airline's rules and cabin crew instructions.
Can I charge my vape on a plane?
No. CASA states that recharging electronic cigarettes in the cabin is prohibited.
Can I bring a vape into Australia from overseas?
Australian import rules are separate from airline baggage rules. The TGA provides a limited traveller exemption for certain therapeutic vaping products under specified conditions, while Australian Border Force controls the importation of vaping goods. Travellers should check the current requirements before travelling.
Final Takeaway
If you are flying within or from Australia, the basic aviation rule is straightforward: keep your vape in your carry-on baggage or on your person, not in checked luggage, and do not use or recharge it during the flight.
For international travel, however, airline baggage rules are only part of the picture. Australian customs and vaping regulations may restrict whether particular vaping products can legally be brought into the country.
Because these rules can change, travellers should check the latest information from CASA, the TGA, Australian Border Force and their airline before departure