A vacuum gripping element and device hold a component to be transported when subjected to a vacuum. The device includes a carrying device and at least one vacuum gripping element connected releasably to the carrying device as needed. The element includes a base body with at least one vacuum supply channel and an elastic, form-flexible sealing element. A locking coupling forms a first fastener for positively connecting and releasing the gripping element relative to the carrying device as required. Alternatively, the base body includes first and second base body parts, the first part positively connecting and releasing relative to the carrying device as required by the first fastener, and the second part being connected to the elastic, form-flexible sealing element. A locking coupling forms a second fastener for positively connecting and releasing the first base body part relative to the second base body part as required.