Common Travel Packing Mistakes Brits Make When Going Abroad: Expert Advice on Vapes, Power Banks, and Liquids

Published on July 27, 2025

Jetting off to a foreign country is an exhilarating experience, but if you aren’t careful, even the simplest packing errors can end up costing you big in delays, fines and perhaps even a missed flight. With many Brits gearing up for international flights in 2025, expert Markus Lindblad is revealing some of the most common packing blunders to avoid if you don’t want to lose your cool at airport security. Knowing the regulations surrounding what you can and cannot bring with you can mean the difference between a smooth process and pre-empting further hassle caused by time spent (and stress endured) at the airport.

Many people are aware of baggage requirements, but it can be harder to remember which individual rules apply and differ from country to country. From the rules on vapes to power banks, or that pesky 100ml liquid rule, Markus has laid out the key error’s Brits make when packing to jet off abroad – particularly when it comes to commonly unknown items such as vapes.

Vaping and E-Cigarettes: Know the Rules Before You Travel

One of the most common mistakes Brits make when traveling is mishandling vapes and e-cigarettes. While you are permitted to carry vapes onto an airplane, they must be stored in your carry-on luggage, not in your checked baggage. The most important rule to remember: vaping or smoking on a flight is strictly illegal and can result in hefty fines, which can reach up to £5000.

Markus Lindblad stresses the importance of keeping vapes in your carry-on luggage for security reasons. If you’re someone who regularly uses nicotine and might crave a hit mid-flight, Markus suggests using nicotine pouches instead. These pouches are allowed both in carry-on and checked luggage, and they don’t pose the same risks as vapes. However, do keep in mind that nicotine pouches are regulated differently in various countries, so always be sure to check local regulations before bringing them into a foreign country.

The situation gets trickier when returning to the UK. While the sale of disposable vapes is banned in the UK, it remains legal to purchase them abroad. Bringing a disposable vape back into the UK is only considered an offense if you intend to sell it, so as long as you’re bringing it for personal use, you won’t be violating any laws. However, some countries have banned vapes altogether, so it’s wise to double-check each country’s list of banned items before packing your vape for international travel.

Portable Chargers: New Regulations for Power Banks

Another commonly overlooked travel item is the portable power bank. Following an incident on January 28, 2025, where three people were injured in a fire caused by a lithium-ion battery on an Air Busan flight, airlines around the world began tightening their rules around power banks. Markus Lindblad highlights that power banks, commonly used to charge phones and other devices during flights, now pose an increased fire risk to aircraft, especially when packed in checked baggage.

Most major airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Thai Airways, now prohibit the use of power banks to charge personal devices during a flight. While portable chargers can still be packed in carry-on luggage, they are strictly prohibited in checked luggage. Travelers should carefully review the specific guidelines of their airline and check for any restrictions before packing their power bank.

The 100ml Liquid Limit: What You Need to Know

The 100ml liquid limit has been a familiar rule for many travelers, but as airport security measures evolve, there can still be confusion about what’s allowed. Although some UK airports like Gatwick, Birmingham, and Newcastle no longer require passengers to remove liquids from their bags at security, the 100ml limit still applies in most cases.

Markus explains that the rule applies to most liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols. However, exceptions are made for essential items like medications and baby food, which are allowed in quantities exceeding the standard 100ml limit. For medication, make sure to carry a prescription or doctor’s note in case you’re asked to provide proof. When in doubt, always check the airport’s website or ask a staff member for guidance.

How UK Rules Differ From Those Abroad

The most difficult part of international travel is the fact that each country is absurdly different in its customs. For example, the UK has its own unique set of laws relating to vapes and liquids that other counties don’t have. In Dubai, for example, the selling of medication is prohibited and prescription and over-the-counter drugs may only be carried in checked luggage. Meanwhile, Mexico has a zero-tolerance policy on vapes, and it is illegal to take them in luggage all together.

Markus stresses the importance of staying informed about the rules of the country you’re traveling to. “While the UK rules may be different from what you’ll encounter abroad, you do not want to get into trouble when you arrive at your holiday destination,” he says. It’s crucial to speak to airport staff during check-in and ask for advice on what is and isn’t permissible, especially when traveling to countries with stricter regulations.

Plan Ahead to Avoid Mistakes

Ultimately, Markus’ advice is clear: planning ahead can save you from costly mistakes and avoidable hassles. Check the official websites of both your departure airport and the destination country to ensure that you’re aware of the specific packing regulations. If you’re traveling with vapes, power banks, or liquids, knowing the rules ahead of time will help prevent delays and fines. Additionally, consider setting up automated payment options for items like nicotine pouches or ensuring that you have all necessary documentation for medications to make the process as smooth as possible.

And bear in mind, that even minor hiccups when packing, such as forgetting to consult the very latest rules on power banks or liquids, can cause airport security-related headaches and panic. It’s worth it to follow those international rules and make sure your luggage is packed properly.

In conclusion, plan or excitement of travel can be a breeze on your wallet if you know how to cope with your money. By following the rules on vapes, power banks and liquid limits, you can help avoid fines, delays and other travel headaches. Before you pack up and head to the airport, just one final check to make sure you’ve got everything in order.