Where can I smoke cigarettes and ‘vape’ e-cigarettes at Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and all major UK airports? All the details here

Smoking and Vaping at UK Airports: Where You Can and Can’t Light Up Before Your Flight

If you’re a smoker or vaper planning to fly from the UK, it’s essential to know where (and if) you can smoke or vape at the airport. All UK airports ban smoking (and e-cigarette use) inside terminals by law, but many provide designated smoking areas you can use before or after security. From smoking at UK airports like Heathrow and Gatwick to rules for e-cigarettes on flights, this practical guide has you covered. We’ll outline smoking and vaping rules at UK airports, including exactly where to smoke at Heathrow, Gatwick, and other major hubs, so you can plan your nicotine breaks without hassle.

Most UK airlines also enforce a blanket ban on smoking and vaping on board their flights, meaning you won’t get another chance to light up until you land. So if you need a pre-flight puff or vape, make sure you know your airport’s policy. Below is an at-a-glance comparison of after-security smoking areas at major UK airports, followed by detailed breakdowns for each airport and an FAQ section answering common questions (like “Can I bring e-cigarettes on a flight?” and “Where can I smoke at Gatwick Airport?”).

At-a-Glance: Smoking & Vaping at Major UK Airports

Here’s a quick overview of which UK airports have smoking areas after security and their vaping rules. The table below lists each airport, whether smoking is allowed after the security checkpoint, whether vaping (e-cigarette use) is allowed after security, and the location of any designated smoking area (if available).

Airport	Smoking After Security	Vaping After Security	Designated Smoking Area Location
Aberdeen	Yes	Yes	Near Gate 5 (£1 fee)
Birmingham	No	No	N/A – only outside before security
Bournemouth	Yes	Yes	Dedicated area (follow signs near departures)
Bristol	Yes	Yes	Next to Gate 4 (downstairs, by Starbucks)
Cardiff	Yes	Yes	Outdoor area by Gate 2
Doncaster Sheffield	Yes	Yes	Departures lounge, first floor
Durham Tees Valley	No	No	N/A – only outside before security
East Midlands	Yes	Yes	Airside courtyard (by Castle Rock bar)
Edinburgh	No	No	N/A – no smoking areas inside terminal
Exeter	No	No	N/A – only outside (front of terminal)
Gatwick	No	No	N/A – only outside terminal (before security)
Glasgow	No	No	N/A – only outside terminal (designated areas)
Heathrow (All Terminals)	No (T2 & T4 exceptions)	No (T2 & T4 exceptions)	T2: Near Gate A1/A5; T4: Outdoor area by Burberry
Leeds Bradford	Yes	Yes	Ground floor, behind sports bar (£1 charge)
Liverpool	Yes	Yes	After security, lower level (near Kissing Gate bar)
London City	No	No	N/A – only outside terminal
Luton	No	No	N/A – only outside terminal
Manchester T1	Yes	Yes	Outdoor terrace near food court
Manchester T2	Yes	Yes	Outdoor terrace near Gate 300
Manchester T3	No	No	N/A – no post-security area (use outside before)
Newcastle	No	No	N/A – only outside (no indoor smoking areas)
Prestwick	No	No	N/A – only outside terminal
Southampton	No	No	N/A – only outside (central forecourt)
Southend	No	No	N/A – only outside (front of terminal)
Stansted	No	No	N/A – only outside terminal

Note: “No” means no smoking allowed anywhere after security (you’ll have to use designated areas before security or outside the terminal). “Yes” indicates the airport offers an airside smoking area after security; vaping is generally subject to the same rules as smoking at these locations. Always follow airport signs to locate smoking zones, and remember that electronic cigarettes are treated the same as regular cigarettes at all UK airports.

Detailed Smoking & Vaping Policies by Airport

Below, we provide an airport-by-airport breakdown of after-security smoking rules and e-cigarette policies at major UK airports. Find your departure airport to see if there’s a place to smoke or vape once you’re through security, or if you’ll need to step outside before entering the terminal. We’ve given equal focus to cigarette smokers and vapers, so you’ll know exactly what to expect, whether you prefer a traditional cigarette or an e-cig.

Aberdeen Airport

Smoking after security: Yes. Once you’re airside at Aberdeen, head to the designated smoking shelter near Gate 5. Be aware there is a £1 fee to access this smoking area.
E-cigarettes: Allowed in the same designated smoking area. Aberdeen requires vapers to follow the same rules as smokers, so you can only use e-cigarettes in the smoking area near Gate 5 (nowhere else inside the terminal).

Birmingham Airport

Smoking after security: No. Once you enter Birmingham’s terminal and pass security, smoking is prohibited until you exit at your destination. The only smoking areas are outside the front of the terminal (landside), so be sure to have your last cigarette before going through security.
E-cigarettes: Not allowed inside the terminal either. Birmingham Airport strictly prohibits vaping after security, e-cigarettes can only be used outside the terminal, same as traditional cigarettes.

Bournemouth Airport

Smoking after security: Yes. Bournemouth provides a dedicated smoking area once you’re through security, just follow the signs near the departures area to find the outdoor smoking zone.
E-cigarettes: Treated the same as cigarettes. Vaping is banned inside the terminal, so e-cigarette users must also use the designated outdoor smoking area after security. You cannot vape elsewhere inside Bournemouth Airport.

Bristol Airport

Smoking after security: Yes. After clearing security at Bristol, you can light up at the smoking area next to Gate 4. It’s located downstairs to the right of Starbucks in the departure lounge.
E-cigarettes: Vapers must follow the same rule. E-cigs can only be used in the designated smoking area at Gate 4 – you’re not allowed to vape anywhere else inside the terminal.

Cardiff Airport

Smoking after security: Yes. Cardiff Airport has an outdoor smoking area by Gate 2 in the departure lounge. No smoking is allowed inside any terminal buildings, but smokers can use that outside area after security.
E-cigarettes: Permitted, but only in the same smoking zone. You may vape in the official outdoor smoking area next to Gate 2, alongside cigarette users. E-cigs are not allowed elsewhere inside the terminal.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport

Smoking after security: Yes. Doncaster Sheffield (Robin Hood Airport) offers a post-security smoking area. It’s located on the first floor of the departures lounge, just follow the signs upstairs to find the smoking area..
E-cigarettes: Must be used under the same restrictions as cigarettes. Vaping is only allowed in the smoking area on the first floor; e-cig users have to head to that spot just like smokers. No vaping in the general terminal areas.

Durham Tees Valley Airport

Smoking after security: No. Durham Tees Valley (Teesside International) does not allow any smoking inside the terminal, either before or after security. If you need a last cigarette, you’ll have to step outside the terminal building (landside) in the designated smoking area before security.
E-cigarettes: Same rule as traditional smoking. Vaping is not permitted anywhere inside the terminal at Durham Tees E-cigarette users will also have to use the outdoor smoking area in front of the terminal prior to security.

East Midlands Airport

Smoking after security: Yes. Smokers will be happy to know East Midlands has an airside smoking area available after security. Once you’ve passed through security, follow the signs (the smoking area is often near the Castle Rock bar in departures).
E-cigarettes: Not inside the terminal. Vaping isn’t allowed indoors at East Midlands, so e-cig users must also stick to the designated external smoking areas. In practice, that means you can only use your e-cig in the same post-security outdoor smoking zone or outside the terminal building.

Edinburgh Airport

Smoking after security: No. Edinburgh does not offer any airside smoking areas once you’ve cleared security. This was confirmed by airport customer service – there is nowhere to smoke inside after security. Smokers will need to use the designated areas outside the terminal before security.
E-cigarettes: Also not allowed inside. Using e-cigarettes is prohibited within all terminal buildings at Edinburgh. There are no special vaping zones after security, so you can only vape outside the terminal (before security, in the smoking area).

Exeter Airport

Smoking after security: No. Exeter Airport does not permit smoking either before or after security inside the terminal. If you want a final cigarette, you’ll have to use the smoking shelter outside the front of the terminal before going through security.
E-cigarettes: Subject to the same rule. Electronic cigarettes cannot be used anywhere inside Exeter’s terminal. You’ll need to step outside and follow the same guidelines as cigarette smokers.

Gatwick Airport

Smoking after security: No. At Gatwick (both North and South Terminals), once you’ve passed through security there are no smoking areas indoors. If you need a pre-flight smoke, you’ll have to use the clearly marked smoking zones outside the terminal buildings before security. (For example, each terminal has an outdoor smoking area near departures, before you enter security.)
E-cigarettes: The same restrictions apply. Vaping is only allowed in the designated smoking areas outside Gatwick’s terminals. You cannot use e-cigarettes anywhere inside after security – they’re treated just like regular cigarettes.

Glasgow Airport

Smoking after security: No. Glasgow has no post-security smoking areas inside the terminal. If you want to smoke, you’ll need to step outside the main terminal building to the designated smoking area before going through security. In short, there’s no opportunity for a “last puff” once you’re past security in Glasgow.
E-cigarettes: Not allowed inside the terminal either. Electronic cigarettes cannot be used inside Glasgow Airport. Vapers will have to join the smokers in the designated outdoor areas outside the terminal if they want to use their device.

Heathrow Airport

Smoking after security: Officially, no smoking is allowed anywhere in Heathrow’s departure lounges once you’ve passed through security. In other words, if you’re wondering where to smoke at Heathrow Airport after security, the general rule is nowhere; you should use the smoking areas outside the terminal before security. However, there are two little-known exceptions for desperate smokers: Terminal 2 and Terminal 4 each have a small outdoor smoking area for departing passengers. In Terminal 2, there’s a designated smoking terrace near Gates A1-A5 (accessed via an escalator downstairs). Terminal 4 also has an outdoor smoking spot, accessed via a corridor near the Burberry store. These are the only airside smoking areas at Heathrow, and they aren’t widely advertised. Terminals 3 and 5 have no smoking areas after security at all. Plan accordingly and have your last cigarette in the designated area outside if you’re flying from T3 or T5.
E-cigarettes: Heathrow treats e-cigarettes the same as traditional ones. Vaping is not permitted anywhere inside the terminals beyond security. That means you cannot use your e-cig in Heathrow’s departure lounges or boarding gates. You should use the signed smoking areas outside before security if you need to vape. (If you’re in Terminal 2 or 4, you may use the above-mentioned airside smoking terraces for vaping as well.) Keep in mind that if you’re connecting through Heathrow, you won’t be able to access any smoking area without exiting the secure zone and re-clearing security.

Leeds Bradford Airport

Smoking after security: Yes. At Leeds Bradford, there is a dedicated smoking area in the departures lounge for a pre-flight smoke. It’s located on the ground floor behind the sports bar – note that there’s a £1 charge to enter this smoking area.
E-cigarettes: Same policy as regular cigarettes. Vaping is only allowed in the designated smoking area at Leeds Bradford. If you want to use an e-cig, you’ll need to pay the fee and head to the smoking zone; you cannot vape freely in the terminal.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport

Smoking after security: Yes. Liverpool Airport provides a smoking area after security. You’ll find a dedicated outdoor smoking terrace on the lower level of departures, just past the Kissing Gate bar. This lets you have a quick smoke once you’re through security.
E-cigarettes: Must be used in the same smoking area. Electronic cigarette users also have to go to the smoking terrace at Liverpool. Vaping isn’t permitted inside the main terminal, so join the smokers in the designated area if you need a vape.

London City Airport

Smoking after security: No. London City Airport (LCY) is a smaller airport and smoking is completely prohibited inside the terminal, both before and after security. The only place you can smoke is outside the terminal building (in designated areas on the curb) before you go through security.
E-cigarettes: Follows the same rule. Vaping is not allowed anywhere inside London City’s terminal. If you want to use an e-cigarette, you’ll have to do so outside, in the same areas where smoking is allowed.

Luton Airport

Smoking after security: No. Luton does not have any smoking areas after security. Once you’ve gone through the checkpoint, you won’t be able to smoke. Make sure to use the designated smoking zone outside the terminal (before security) for your last cigarette.
E-cigarettes: Similarly prohibited inside. E-cigarettes cannot be used anywhere inside Luton Airport’s terminal. You may only vape in the official smoking areas outside, prior to entering security.

Manchester Airport Terminal 1

Smoking after security: Yes. If you’re departing from Manchester T1, you’re in luck – there is an outdoor smoking area after security. It’s conveniently located near the Terminal 1 food court in the departures lounge, allowing smokers to have a quick puff before their flight.
E-cigarettes: Not allowed inside the terminal. You cannot use e-cigarettes anywhere inside Terminal 1 (or any Manchester terminal). Vapers can, however, use their devices in the same outdoor smoking area near the food court. Just remember that outside of that designated terrace, vaping is banned indoors.

Manchester Airport Terminal 2

Smoking after security: Yes. Terminal 2 also offers an outdoor smoking area after security, located near Gate 300. Passengers can head to this spot to smoke before boarding their flight from T2.
E-cigarettes: Prohibited inside the terminal building. As with T1, vaping is not permitted anywhere inside Terminal 2. E-cig users will need to stick to the smoking terrace by Gate 300 if they want to vape after security. There’s no other location inside T2 where vaping is allowed.

Manchester Airport Terminal 3

Smoking after security: No. Unfortunately for those flying out of Manchester T3, there is no airside smoking area in Terminal 3. If you want to smoke, you’ll have to do so in the designated area outside the terminal before going through security. Once you’re past security in T3, you won’t be able to light up anywhere.
E-cigarettes: Not allowed inside. Terminal 3 does not permit e-cigarette use anywhere inside the building. That means vapers also have no option to vape after security in T3. Use your e-cig outside the terminal prior to security if needed.

Newcastle Airport

Smoking after security: No. Newcastle does not allow smoking inside the terminal at all after security. In fact, smoking isn’t permitted within the terminal building, period. Smokers should use the outdoor smoking areas in front of the terminal (landside) before passing through security.
E-cigarettes: Very limited allowances. Vaping at Newcastle is not allowed inside the terminal either. The only place you could use an e-cig is the same place you’d smoke, the designated smoking area outside. There are no indoor vaping zones after security.

Prestwick Airport

Smoking after security: No. Glasgow Prestwick Airport does not permit smoking inside the terminal buildings at all, either before or after security. If you need a smoke, you will have to step outside. There are designated smoking areas outside the terminal that you can use, but nothing once you’re past security.
E-cigarettes: Also banned indoors. Using e-cigarettes is not allowed anywhere inside Prestwick’s terminals. You can only vape outside the buildings in the same areas where smoking is allowed.

Southampton Airport

Smoking after security: No. Southampton has a smoking area, but it’s outside on the central forecourt of the terminal. Once you go through security, there are no smoking facilities airside. In short, you can have a cigarette in the outdoor area before security, but you won’t be able to smoke after security at all.
E-cigarettes: Not permitted inside. Southampton Airport does not allow e-cigarette use within the terminal or on the way to the aircraft. If you want to vape, you’ll have to do so in the outside smoking area before going through security (there’s no option to vape after security).

Southend Airport

Smoking after security: No. London Southend Airport is strictly non-smoking inside, no smoking is allowed anywhere in the terminal, either before or after security. The only smoking area is a designated spot outside the front of the terminal building. Make sure to smoke there before heading in, because once past security, there’s nowhere to light up.
E-cigarettes: Same story as cigarettes. Vaping is not permitted inside Southend’s terminal. E-cig users must also step outside and use the smoking area in front of the terminal; you won’t be able to use your vape pen after going through security.

Stansted Airport

Smoking after security: No. Stansted only allows smoking in designated areas outside the terminal building. There are no smoking areas after security; once you’ve passed through, you won’t find any place to smoke in the departure lounge. Be sure to use the smoking zone outside (before security) if you need to.
E-cigarettes: Not allowed inside the terminal. Vaping devices cannot be used anywhere inside Stansted Airport. They can only be used in the same outdoor smoking areas before you enter the terminal. There are no exceptions for e-cigarettes after security.

Keep in mind: Airport policies can change, so if you’re unsure, check the latest information on the airport’s official website. Also, always extinguish cigarettes in the provided ashtrays and be considerate of other travellers when smoking outside terminals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below are answers to some common questions UK travellers have about smoking and vaping when flying. This FAQ covers what’s allowed inside UK airports, where you can smoke at specific airports like Gatwick, rules about bringing cigarettes or vapes on planes, and potential penalties.

Is smoking allowed inside UK airports?

No. Smoking is not allowed inside any UK airport terminals, in line with British law banning smoking in enclosed public spaces. This includes that after you go through security, you cannot smoke in departure lounges or boarding gate areas. All smoking must be done in designated outdoor areas (usually outside the terminal entrances) before entering security. (This applies to vaping too; electronic cigarettes are treated the same way.)

Where can I smoke in a UK airport?

You can only smoke in the designated smoking areas outside the terminal building. Every UK airport has at least one smoking area outside, usually near the departures entrance or in front of the terminal. Once you are past security, there are very few options for smoking; most airports do not have any smoking facilities airside (after security). The few exceptions (like certain terminals at Heathrow or Manchester) have been noted above, but generally, you should plan to have your cigarette before security in the outdoor smoking zone. Always look for the smoking area signs outside the terminal, and use the ashtrays provided.

Where can I smoke at Gatwick Airport?

At Gatwick Airport, you cannot smoke anywhere after security in either the North or South Terminal. The only places to smoke are outside the terminal buildings. Each terminal has a designated smoking zone outside (before you go through security). For example, at Gatwick North Terminal, you’ll find a smoking area outside on the departures forecourt. Once you’ve gone indoors through security, there are no smoking areas, so make sure to use the outdoor area first. (The same rule applies to vaping – no e-cigarette use is allowed inside the terminals at Gatwick.)

Can I smoke during a flight?

No. Smoking is not allowed on any commercial flight to or from the UK (and virtually all airlines worldwide have a smoking ban). The “no smoking” signs will stay on throughout the flight. This also includes e-cigarettes, you are not permitted to use vaping devices on board flights. Airlines treat them like real cigarettes in this regard. If you need nicotine, consider nicotine gum or patches for the duration of the flight, because neither smoking nor vaping is allowed on the plane.

Is it legal to bring cigarettes in my carry-on luggage?

Yes. It’s perfectly legal to carry cigarettes in your hand luggage when flying from the UK. There is no law against transporting tobacco for personal use. However, be mindful of customs limits if you’re bringing a large quantity of cigarettes into another country. Different countries have different allowances for how many cigarettes you can import without paying duty. If you’re just bringing a pack or a carton for personal use, you won’t have any issues going through airport security or customs in the UK. Just remember, you cannot smoke them on the plane or inside the airport.

Can I bring my e-cigarette (vape) on a flight?

Yes, you can bring your e-cigarette device on a flight, but with some important caveats. E-cigarettes (vapes) are allowed in carry-on luggage, and you should carry them with you rather than in checked baggage (due to the lithium batteries). Most airlines require that vape devices and spare batteries be kept in the cabin, not the hold. You cannot use your e-cigarette on the plane, and you generally cannot charge it during the flight. It’s best to empty or remove any e-liquid cartridges before flying to prevent leaks. Also, check the rules of your destination country; a few places have restrictions on vaping devices, but bringing one on the plane out of the UK is fine as long as it stays off during the journey.

Can I buy cigarettes at the airport duty-free shop?

Yes, if you’re travelling on an international route. UK airports have duty-free shops that sell cartons of cigarettes and other tobacco products. You can buy cigarettes duty-free as long as you are flying to a destination outside the UK. (If you are flying within the UK or on a domestic flight, duty-free purchases of tobacco aren’t available.) Keep in mind that there are limits on how much tobacco you can bring into some countries without paying tax. For example, travelling from the UK into the EU, there are set allowances (often 200 cigarettes per person, but check the specific country’s rules). But for the most part, purchasing cigarettes at the airport duty-free is legal and common for international travellers. Just don’t light up in the terminal!

Is it legal to smoke in the airport car park?

It depends on the specific airport’s policy. In general, most UK airports restrict smoking to designated areas only, even in outdoor spaces like car parks. Some airports might have a smoking area in or near the car park, but others treat the entire car park and drop-off zones as non-smoking. To be safe, only smoke in clearly marked smoking areas. If the car park has no signs permitting smoking, assume that it’s not allowed there. Always look for signage – airports will usually post “No Smoking” signs in areas where it’s prohibited. If in doubt, use the main smoking area outside the terminal before you head to or from the car park.

Are there any penalties for smoking in a UK airport where it’s not allowed?

Yes. If you are caught smoking in a non-smoking area of a UK airport, you could face penalties ranging from fines to being escorted off the premises. Smoking inside airport buildings (or other prohibited areas) is against the law, so enforcement officers can issue an on-the-spot fine. The exact fine can vary, but it’s often around £50 to £200. In serious cases or repeated offences, you might be subject to other consequences, such as being denied boarding or questioned by security. It’s just not worth the risk. Always adhere to the rules, and only smoke in designated areas. The same goes for vaping; using an e-cig in forbidden areas can similarly get you in trouble with airport staff or security.

Can I smoke in an airport lounge?

No. In the UK, airport lounges are smoke-free just like the rest of the terminal. Even in private pay-per-use lounges or airline lounges, you cannot smoke or vape inside. Lounges do not have special smoking sections. If you wish to smoke, you’ll need to leave the lounge and go to the designated outdoor smoking area (before security, or an airside terrace if the airport has one). Once you’re finished, you’d have to re-enter security (if you went outside) or simply re-enter the lounge if you were at an airside smoking terrace that’s still within the secure zone. But the lounge itself will not allow smoking. Plan ahead if you want to use a lounge, have your cigarette beforehand, or wait until after you’re done with the lounge and are exiting the terminal.

Is there a smoking area for arriving passengers at airports?

In most cases, yes, outside the arrivals area. When you land in the UK and exit into the arrivals hall (after baggage claim and customs), you can typically find a smoking area outside the terminal. It’s essentially the same as the departure smoking area, just accessible when you come out of arrivals. Some airports have shelters or designated spots just outside the arrivals exit where smoking is permitted. However, remember that after a long flight, you must fully exit the building before lighting up; you cannot smoke anywhere inside while still in the baggage or customs area. If you have a connecting flight, unfortunately, you won’t be able to smoke without leaving the secure transit area and going landside (which might not be feasible during a connection). For direct arrivals, though, once you’re outside the terminal, you’re free to use the smoking zones provided. Always check the airport’s signage or ask an airport employee if you’re unsure where you can smoke upon arrival.

By following the guidelines above, UK travellers and frequent flyers can plan their smoking or vaping breaks and avoid any unwelcome surprises at the airport. Whether you’re wondering about where to smoke at Heathrow, the rules for smoking at UK airports in general, or flying with e-cigarettes, being informed will help your journey go more smoothly. Remember: arrive a bit early if you need time to smoke before security, use the designated areas, and respect the no-smoking rules to ensure a hassle-free trip. Happy travels and enjoy your flight nicotine-free!

Disclaimer: Airport rules and facilities may change over time. All information provided here is correct at the time of writing. Travellers are advised to double-check with their specific airport for the most up-to-date information before traveling.