Short answer: the pen itself can fly in your carry-on. What is inside it is a separate question, and TSA does not decide that one.

What TSA says about vape pens

TSA treats a vape pen or 510 battery as an electronic smoking device. Its rules:

Rule What TSA says
Carry-on bag Yes
Checked bag No. Vape devices are only allowed in carry-on bags.
Battery size Each lithium ion battery must be 100 watt-hours or less. Lithium metal batteries must have 2 grams of lithium or less.
Accidental firing You have to take steps so the heating element cannot turn on by accident in your bag.
How many Check with your airline. Some limit how many devices you can bring.

If you are not sure of your battery's rating, look for it printed on the battery or its box. An easy way to keep it from firing is to take the cartridge off and turn the battery off before you pack it.

TSA also says the officer at the checkpoint has the final say on whether an item goes through.

What about the oil in the cartridge?

TSA's job is security, not drugs. In TSA's words, its officers "do not search for illegal drugs, but if any illegal substance or evidence of criminal activity is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer."

So TSA is not checking what is in your cartridge. But if an officer finds something they think is illegal, they hand it to local police, and the local law decides what happens next.

That means the real question is not "will TSA allow it." It is "is this legal where I am, and where I am going?"

Federal rules change on or about December 11, 2026

On or about December 11, 2026, the federal definition of hemp changes so that THCa counts toward the THC limit. After that, THCa products like these would no longer meet the federal definition of hemp.

If you are flying after that date, keep that in mind. You can read the details on our hemp law page.

For how THCa and delta-9 THC differ, see THCa vs THC.

State laws are different

Every state has its own rules on hemp and THC products. The state you fly out of and the state you land in may not have the same rules. Check both before you go.

This post covers flights inside the U.S. only. Other countries have their own laws.

The bottom line

  • The pen and battery go in your carry-on, never your checked bag.
  • Pack it so it cannot turn on by accident.
  • TSA does not search for drugs, but it will call police if it finds something it thinks is illegal.
  • Whether the oil is allowed depends on federal law and the laws where you leave and land. If you are not sure, leave it at home.

Shop our cartridges and hardware for use at home.

Sources: TSA, "What Can I Bring? Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Devices" and "What Can I Bring? Medical Marijuana," tsa.gov, checked October 16, 2026.

For adults 21 and over. This is general information, not legal advice.

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