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Last updated on 08/25/2023 | Reading time approx. 04:17min
You’ve probably been there—you’re about to fly on vacation and want to bring a hookah along. But what do you need to keep in mind? What’s allowed, and where should you be extra careful? To avoid any issues, here are some tips, tricks, and guidance so you can enjoy your hookah stress-free on your trip.
Generally, there’s a lot to consider when traveling with a hookah. If you’re not careful, you might end up with a broken hookah or missing equipment. So read these tips carefully and pack your suitcase or bag wisely.
Most items can usually be transported on a plane without any issues. Tobacco, bowls, HMDs, stainless steel hookahs, glass—no problem. However, you should pay attention to how and where you pack these items. More on that in the next section.
Now, let’s talk about items you should leave at home, including:
Many of these items are either completely banned (e.g., gas cartridges on planes) or could cause issues at the airport. Note that hole punchers may sometimes be considered weapons in carry-on luggage, so it’s best to avoid sharp objects in your carry-on altogether or pack them in checked luggage.
Hookah charcoal is a special case, and you must distinguish between self-lighting charcoal and natural charcoal.
Self-lighting charcoal contains accelerants like gunpowder, so you should not pack it in either carry-on or checked luggage.
Natural charcoal, on the other hand, can usually be transported without issues. However, it’s best to check with the airline or airport staff beforehand. It’s recommended to pack it in checked luggage since it’s heavier and easier to store there.
If you want to be completely safe, check before your trip if there’s a hookah shop at your destination. In most cases, especially in tourist areas, you’ll find natural charcoal—sometimes even well-known brands.
This topic has strict regulations that must be followed to avoid customs penalties! Here’s what you need to know to bring tobacco hassle-free on your trip or take purchased tobacco back home.
The maximum amount is 1 kilogram per person. You must be at least 17 years old.
The maximum allowed amount from non-EU countries is 250 grams per person. You must be at least 17 years old.
If you want to bring more tobacco, that’s also possible. In this case, you should declare the tobacco at customs upon arrival. Simply go through the red exit ("Goods to Declare") and present the tobacco to customs officers. It’s advisable to bring the purchase receipt, as customs may otherwise estimate the tobacco’s value. This is only necessary if you exceed the allowed amounts.
For travel, compact travel hookahs are recommended since they’re small and practical. You can safely pack them in either carry-on or checked luggage, and even at festivals where glass is prohibited, you can bring them without worries.
As mentioned earlier, gas lighters aren’t practical, so it’s better to pack your electric charcoal lighter from home. To save space, you can opt for smaller versions. These offer less space for charcoal but are much more convenient for transport.
Many travelers wonder where to pack different items before their trip.
Here’s a simple rule: You can pack all items, including tobacco, charcoal, charcoal lighters, and the hookah itself, in checked luggage. The weight and space in carry-on luggage are often insufficient, and some products, like heavy stainless steel hookah stems, might cause issues during airport security checks.
However, fragile items like the hookah glass (if you must bring a glass hookah) or bowls should be well-padded in your carry-on, as these can be stored either under your seat or in the overhead compartment. Still, it’s best to check with airport staff or your airline to confirm if these items are allowed in carry-on luggage.
Here are some simple tips to ensure your hookah and accessories stay safe and scratch-free:
Yes, a hookah can be transported on a plane without issues. However, it’s best to pack it securely in checked luggage to avoid space problems in carry-on. Fragile parts like the glass or bowls should be padded and placed in carry-on luggage.
Most hookah items like tobacco, bowls, HMDs, stainless steel hookahs, and glass can be transported without issues. Just make sure they’re packed securely and, if necessary, placed in checked luggage.
Gas lighters, large quantities of tobacco, sharp and heavy objects in carry-on luggage, and self-lighting hookah charcoal are not allowed. Natural charcoal can usually be transported but should be confirmed with the airline beforehand.
Self-lighting charcoal is prohibited due to its accelerant content. Natural charcoal can usually be packed in checked luggage, but it’s best to check with the airline or airport staff first.
Within the EU, up to 1 kg of tobacco per person is allowed. From non-EU countries, the maximum is 250 g per person. Larger quantities must be declared at customs.
Compact travel hookahs are ideal since they take up little space and are easy to transport. Models without glass can even be used at festivals.
Heavy parts like stems, charcoal, and tobacco belong in checked luggage. Fragile items like glass or bowls should be well-padded in carry-on luggage.
Use towels or T-shirts to prevent scratches. A dedicated hookah bag or a sturdy hard-shell suitcase provides extra protection.
Yes, most tourist areas have hookah shops where you can buy natural charcoal, tobacco, and other accessories. A quick search beforehand helps.
It’s best to check directly with the airline or airport staff to avoid problems during security checks.
