Where can and can’t you vape before you jump onto your flight at one of the UK’s major airports?
Find all the essential information you need about vaping at airports such as Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester and Birmingham, here. You can also find out the rules on taking your e-cigarette on the plane, whether you can take it in your hand luggage and the countries you can and can’t vape in.
Using e-cigarettes at UK airports
Gatwick Airport
The use of e-cigarettes is not permitted anywhere inside the North or South Terminals. There are clearly sign-posted areas outside both terminals where vaping is permitted – you won’t be able to vape once you’ve passed security.
Heathrow Airport
You won’t be able to use an e-cigarette once you’ve passed security, so you’ll have to use the designated areas outside the terminal buildings – vaping is prohibited inside the terminals.
Stansted Airport
Since August 2014, the use of e-cigarettes has been prohibited in the terminal building – there are no designated areas after security.
Exeter Airport
The use of e-cigarettes is not permitted either before or after security at Exeter Airport. For one last vape before your flight, you can use the designated shelter in front of the terminal building.
Belfast International Airport
If you want to vape before your flight, you’re only permitted to do so in the designated smoking areas outside the terminal.
George Best Belfast City Airport
You can’t vape inside the terminal building, but you can use the designated areas outside.
Birmingham Airport
Although prohibited inside the terminal, there is a designated smoking area after security where those looking for a last minute vape can go.
Bristol Airport
You won’t be able to use your e-cigarette inside the terminal building but there is a designated smoking area after security next to gate 4.
Cardiff Airport
The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited within the terminal building at Cardiff Airport, however there is a dedicated area outside the terminal next to Gate 2.
East Midlands Airport
You can head to an airside smoking area if you want a quick vape before your flight, but it is prohibited outside of the designated areas.
Edinburgh Airport
You won’t be able to use your e-cigarette inside the terminal building and there are no dedicated areas after security.
Leeds Bradford Airport
You won’t be able to vape inside the terminal building, but there is a dedicated area after security on the ground – don’t forget the £1 access charge though.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport
You can’t vape inside the terminal building, however there is a dedicated area after security, just past the Kissing Gate Bar.
London City Airport
The use of e-cigarettes in the terminal building is not permitted and there is no designated area after security.
Luton Airport
You won’t be able to vape inside the terminal building and there is no dedicated area after security.
Manchester Airport
The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited in the terminal buildings at Manchester Airport, however Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 both offer airside smoking areas. The T1 area is located outside near the food court and the T2 area is near Gate 300.
Newcastle Airport
Although you won’t be able to use your e-cigarette in the terminal building, there is a dedicated smoking area after security which can be found in Bar 11.
Prestwick Airport
Unfortunately for vapers, the use of e-cigarettes is not permitted in the terminal building and there are no dedicated areas after security.
Southampton Airport
E-cigarettes cannot be used inside the terminal building and for those after a last minute vape before flying, head to the smoking area on the central forecourt, outside the terminal building.
Southend Airport
You won’t be able to vape anywhere inside the terminal building.
Countries where vaping is banned
Although vaping is supposed to help smokers quit, if you vape in any of these countries you could be hit with a fine or even a jail sentence.