The distinction that matters: cabin or hold
The Aena table consulted on 2 November 2026 places electronic cigarettes and other inhalers with integrated batteries in the cabin, subject to conditions, and excludes them from the hold. It does not treat them like every electronic device. Reading the laptop row or remembering what happened with a camera on another trip is therefore not enough.
The distinction relates to battery risk. Aena warns about possible fires from damage, short circuits or overheating and prohibits travelling with batteries or devices that are damaged, defective or recalled for safety reasons. A device being small, disposable or advertised as nicotine-free does not remove its electrical components.
When your hand baggage changes location
Imagine an everyday situation: the overhead lockers are full and staff collect some bags to send to the hold. The tag you have just received changes the baggage’s destination. An item correctly placed in cabin baggage may no longer be correctly placed if it stays inside.
The US FAA explicitly explains that when a bag is checked at the gate or beside the aircraft, electronic cigarettes and spare batteries must be removed and kept in the cabin. This is a US reference, consistent with Aena’s published exclusion from the hold. Tell staff before handing over the bag and follow their instructions.
Liquid has its own security requirements
The battery and liquid contents raise different requirements. For hand baggage screening, Aena publishes the general rule of containers no larger than 100 millilitres in a transparent, resealable bag of up to one litre per passenger. The reference is the container’s capacity, not just the amount of liquid left inside.
This security-screening limit does not, by itself, authorise every substance or product. Those are separate checks. A small container may meet a size condition while remaining subject to other restrictions. Check the conditions published by the departure airport and any airports where you pass through security again for that itinerary.
Nor should news about new scanners be treated as an automatic exemption at every airport. If the procedure changes, the relevant information is the one applying to the place and date of your journey.
Carrying it does not permit using or charging it
IATA states that, if the airline permits the device, it must not be used or charged during the flight. A USB port at the seat does not change that condition: permission to carry a device is not permission to operate it.
The airline and destination complete the answer
Some airlines do not allow vapes, and restrictions also vary by country, IATA warns. Check the conditions of the airline operating each leg and those at the destination; review stopovers where relevant too. An experience on another route does not guarantee the same outcome.
If an incident occurs, tell staff
If a device becomes unusually hot or emits smoke, IATA says to inform the crew or airport staff immediately. Do not try to repair it. Information about the incident needs to reach those able to respond on board.
Take this with you
If the route permits it, keep it in the cabin without using or charging it. Also check liquid restrictions and any transfer of baggage to the hold.
Sources you can open
The source may be in its original language. English publication does not change the jurisdiction or date discussed.
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