Can You Vape in UK Airports?
Flying abroad and need to know if there are vaping/smoking areas at your airport? Search E-Cig Policies by Airport with our handy guide for flying with e-cigarettes
If you’re a vaper and wondering if you can vape in UK airports, then this is the guide for you. With vaping becoming more popular, lots of people are asking the question ‘can you vape in UK airports’?
So, we’ve put together a list of UK airport vaping policies and described where the smoking/vaping areas are in each airport so you can quickly see what restrictions are in place wherever you’re flying from to plan ahead for when and where you can vape.
Note that although this list is continuously updated, it is not exhaustive and you should always check with the airline website for the most up-to-date policies as new changes to any policies may not be reflected on this page.
Can you vape in UK airports?
Like smoking, most airlines will not allow you to vape inside any buildings, on the plane or on the runway under any circumstances. Though technically not covered by UK smoking laws, vaping is often treated in the same way and the restrictions are usually very strict in airports.
Usually, you will find a dedicated smoking and vaping area outside of the main terminal entrance, away to the side or away from the main doors.
If you can’t find a dedicated smoking area, speak to customer services who will be able to direct you. If there is no smoking or vaping area at all, you may need to walk some distance away from the main terminal entrance to be free to vape and smoke.
Remember that in almost all airports, with a few exceptions, you will not be able to vape or smoke once you have passed through security.
Which UK airports let you vape and where?
Smoking e-cigarettes is not permitted anywhere inside both North and South Terminals. Designated smoking areas are clearly marked outside both terminals.
Get more info on the Gatwick website:
Prohibited use of e-cigarettes inside the terminal buildings. There are dedicated areas for smoking/vaping outside the terminal buildings.
Get more info on the Heathrow website:
Use of e-cigarettes has not been permitted indoors since August 2014, though you may smoke or vape outside the terminal away from the main entrance.
Get more info on the Stansted website:
Using e-cigarettes is not permitted inside the terminal, though there are dedicated zones outside for smoking and vaping.
Get more info on the Exeter Airport website:
E-cigarettes can only be used in the designated smoking areas outside the terminal, ad must not be used once inside.
Get more info on the Belfast International Airport website:
E-cigarette use is prohibited inside the terminal building, so use the dedicated outside smoking areas.
Get more info on the Belfast City Airport website:
The same restrictions on regular cigarettes apply to vapes and e-cigs in the terminal, meaning they can only be smoked in the outside smoking facility provided.
Get more info on the Birmingham Airport website:
E-cigarettes can only be used in the designated smoking areas, found near to the exit for arrivals and near the Costa Coffee stall, past “Out of size baggage.”
Get more info on the Bristol Airport website:
No use of electronic cigarettes is permitted inside the terminal. They can only be used in the designated smoking areas outside the terminal
Cardiff Airport operates a no smoking policy inside any building. Designated smoking areas are available outside the terminal and airside in the departure lounge next to Gate 2.
The smoking of electronic cigarettes is also not permitted inside the terminal building.
Get more info on the Cardiff Airport website:
Use of e-cigarettes is not permitted inside the terminal but there is a smoking/vaping area located at Castle Rock bar.
Get more info on the East Midlands Airport website:
Humberside Airport prohibits smoking and vaping within the airport terminal building and outside the terminal entrance. A smoking area is available a short distance from the terminal entrance.
Get more info on the Humberside Airport website:
Liverpool’s John Lennon airport has recently opened an outdoor smoking and vaping area in the departure lounge which is accessed from the lower level, past the Kissing Gate Bar & Restaurant and is well signposted.
It has wall mounted ashtrays and a wall mounted heater, though there is no seating. Any persons with restricted mobility will also be able to access this smoking area from Gate 44.
Get more info on the Liverpool John Lennon Airport website:
Smoking and vaping are not allowed inside the terminal building or after you pass through Security, so use the designated smoking area outside the terminal building.
Get more info on the London City Airport website:
There is a spacious and sheltered smoking and vaping area at Luton Airport located outside of the Departure Area, at the front of the terminal building.
Get more info on the Luton Airport website:
All three terminal buildings have dedicated vaping and smoking areas outside that can be used before check-in and after arrivals, with no smoking or vaping areas available once you pass security.
Get more info on the Manchester Airport website:
There are vaping and smoking shelters at the front of the terminal building and in two more designated areas after passing through security.
Get more info on the Newcastle Airport website:
There is a vaping and smoking area outside the terminal, on the central forecourt, but you will not be able to smoke or vape once you have passed through security.
Get more info on the Southampton Airport website:
Most airports provide a smoking and vaping area outside the terminal buildings, usually away from the main entrance. However this isn’t always the case, so it is advised that you find somewhere safe and well ventilated away from the airport to vape before entering the airport.
For example, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Durham Tees Valley, Glasgow Prestwick, Leeds and Robin Hood airports do not provide specific policies online regarding e-cigarettes, so contact customer services at the airport before arriving.
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