People heading off on their holidays have been cautioned that vaping in the wrong spot at the airport could result in a hefty £1,000 fine and even prevent them from boarding their flight. For many sun-seekers, a pre-flight pint is as much a part of the holiday tradition as repeatedly checking your passport and purchasing a travel-sized tube of toothpaste from Boots.
As sure as night follows day, for those partial to nicotine, a drink often sparks a craving to smoke or vape – a task that can be challenging within an airport. Lighting up outside of designated smoking areas could abruptly halt their holiday plans. UK airports have imposed bans on both smoking and vaping inside terminal buildings, and a recent clampdown means passengers can no longer assume they can vape freely while waiting to board.
Penalties for vaping or smoking in restricted areas can reach up to £1,000, with fines starting at £50 for smoking in non-designated zones, reports MirrorOnline.
Whilst bans on smoking and vaping are widespread, there are limited exceptions at some airports where smokers and vapers can utilise designated outdoor areas, beyond security:
- Heathrow: Vaping is not permitted inside terminal buildings.
- Gatwick: Only designated outdoor smoking areas are available.
- Manchester: Vaping is not allowed in terminals; an outdoor smoking zone is provided.
- Stansted / Luton / Edinburgh / Glasgow / London City: Indoor vaping is prohibited.
- Birmingham: Outdoor smoking and vaping areas are available beyond security.
Liverpool boasts a heated outdoor space accessible post-security, while Bristol offers an area for smoking and vaping after security checks.
Mike Byers from WickdUp commented: “We’ve all been there – the pre-flight pint with a craving for a cigarette or a quick vape. But with the tightening of smoking and vaping rules at airports across the UK, travellers need to know that indulging in these habits could result in serious fines or even missed flights.
“With long waits, delays, and already expensive airports, the last thing you need is a penalty that could ruin your trip.”
Mike emphasised the importance of being informed about airport regulations. He said: “I can’t stress the importance of checking each airport’s specific smoking and vaping policies before heading to your gate.
“For many passengers, not knowing where you can legally vape or smoke could mean an unexpected fine – or missing your flight”
He added: “If you’re flying from a busy terminal like Heathrow or Gatwick, it’s even more important to be aware of the specific zones where smoking or vaping is allowed.
“Some airports have invested in dedicated areas after security, but the rules differ from terminal to terminal. Never assume you can just light up anywhere – it could cost you more than your holiday.”
