Expert names vital holiday items Brits always pack wrong when going abroad

You may consider yourself well-versed in baggage restrictions, but many Brits still make avoidable packing mistakes. These small but glaring mistakes can lead to longer airport security queues and - at worst - can lead would-be travellers from flying altogether.

Markus Lindblad from the tobacco-free nicotine product company, Northerner, has broken down the most common packing mistakes Brits are making in 2025 - including how they travel with vapes. Knowing these rules before you travel might save you time and trouble on your next journey.

Markus’ first flag is about carrying vapes on aeroplanes. While you are permitted to carry vapes onto a plane, they must be stored in your carry-on luggage, not your checked baggage.

Additionally, passengers are not permitted to use the vape while on an aeroplane. Vaping or smoking on a flight is illegal and could see you facing hefty fines and flight restrictions. Some fines can even reach up to £5000.

For those likely to crave nicotine mid-flight, Markus recommends carrying nicotine pouches. They are allowed both in carry-on and checked luggage and can be used safely on planes. Nicotine pouches are regulated in some countries however, so always make sure you dispose of them when you land if you’re unsure of the local laws.

Bringing disposable vapes back into the UK is a slightly different story. While the sale of disposable vapes is banned in the UK, they are still perfectly legal in many countries, so Brits can purchase these devices while abroad.

Entering the UK with a disposable vape is only an offence if you intend to sell it, so as long as it's for personal use, then you're not breaking any laws according to Markus. If you’re not returning to the UK and carrying disposable vapes elsewhere, check the banned items list for each country before re-packing your luggage, as some other countries have banned vapes.

A global shift across worldwide airlines has seen rules tightened over the carrying of power banks onto flights.

Early in 2025, an incident that left three people injured on a major Asian airline led to a crackdown of portable power banks in checked baggage. After an Air Busan plane caught fire at Gimhae International Airport on January 28, the airline announced it would be enforcing stricter regulations around power banks.

According to Markus, the lithium-ion batteries commonly found inside power banks pose a fire risk to aircraft and confined cabin spaces if damaged. Most airlines allow portable chargers packed in your carry-on luggage, but not in checked luggage.

Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Thai Airways also prohibit the use of power banks to charge personal devices during a flight. Check the specific guidelines surrounding power banks before packing.

While some UK airports including Gatwick, Birmingham and Newcastle no longer require passengers to remove liquids at security, the 100ml limit still applies. That said, medications and baby food are exempt from this 100ml restriction.

Different countries may have completely different travel rules, which affects how you should pack. For example, Dubai has introduced new rules on medication, only allowing items in checked baggage. Whereas Mexico has a total ban on vapes, making packing them in your luggage illegal.

While the UK rules may be different, you do not want to get into trouble when you arrive at your holiday destination. Speak to a staff member at the airport check-in desk and seek their advice on what is and is not permissible.