Vaping at UK Airports – where can I vape at the UK’s major airports?

A Complete Guide for E-Cigarette Users (2025)

Planning to take your vape on holiday? If you’re wondering “can I vape in Heathrow Airport?” or what the UK airport vaping rules are, you’re not alone. Many vapers are unsure where they can vape before a flight, how to pack e-cigarettes for air travel, or whether their destination has any e-cigarette travel regulations. In this guide, written in the helpful, reassuring tone of APH.com, we’ll cover vaping at UK airports (with a handy table of major airports), the rules for flying with e-cigarettes (baggage, batteries, airline policies), and a summary of vaping laws in popular holiday destinations like Spain, Portugal, Greece, USA and Thailand. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to travel with your vape confidently and legally.

Vaping at UK Airports: Where You Can and Can’t Vape

Most UK airports treat vaping just like smoking; it’s banned inside terminals, including after security, except in designated smoking areas. Trying to sneak a quick vape in the airport (outside of allowed areas) isn’t worth the risk: offenders could face fines up to £1,000 or even be denied boarding. Instead, take advantage of the clearly signposted smoking/vaping areas provided before security at all major airports, and a few airports even have special airside areas after security. The table below breaks down the policy at each major UK airport:

Airport	Vaping Allowed After Security?	Designated Vaping Area After Security?
Heathrow Airport	No	No (only outside before security)
Gatwick Airport	No	No (only outside before security)
Stansted Airport	No	No (only outside before security)
Luton Airport	No	No (only outside before security)
London City Airport	No	No (only outside before security)
Manchester Airport	Yes	Yes – Terminal 1 and 2 have smoking areas (T1: near food court; T2: near Gate 300)
Birmingham Airport	Yes	Yes – smoking area after security available
Edinburgh Airport	No	No (only outside before security)
Glasgow Airport	No	No (only outside terminal)
Newcastle Airport	Yes	Yes – smoking terrace in Bar 11 after security
Liverpool Airport	Yes	Yes – smoking area after security (near Kissing Gate bar)
Leeds Bradford Airport	Yes	Yes – smoking area after security (£1 access fee)
East Midlands Airport	Yes	Yes – outdoor smoking area in departures
Bristol Airport	Yes	Yes – smoking area after security (by Gate 4)
Cardiff Airport	Yes	Yes – outdoor smoking area near Gate 2 after security
Belfast International	No	No (only outside terminal; airside smoking area now closed)
Belfast City (George Best)	No	No (only outside terminal)
Exeter Airport	No	No (only outside – shelter at front of terminal)
Southampton Airport	No	No (only outside – central forecourt)
Southend Airport	No	No (no facilities after security)
Aberdeen Airport	Yes	Yes – indoor smoking room after security (near Gate 5, £1 fee)
Prestwick Airport	No	No (only outside terminal)

Note: “No” after security means you cannot vape anywhere past security; make sure to vape in the designated outside area before entering the terminal. “Yes” means the airport has an airside smoking/vaping area you can use after clearing security (locations noted above). Keep in mind, these areas are usually small, ventilated rooms or outdoor terraces.

As you can see, only a handful of UK airports provide vaping areas after security (for example, Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, East Midlands, Cardiff, and Aberdeen). The majority, including busy hubs like Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, do not allow any vaping once you’ve passed through security. If you’re departing from one of those, plan accordingly: have your last vape before going through security, as you won’t get another chance until you land. Always use the marked smoking areas, vaping in toilets, gate areas, or other non-designated spots is treated the same as smoking and could lead to penalties.

Flying with E-Cigarettes: UK Airline Rules & Packing Tips

Flying with your e-cigarette is perfectly doable; you just need to pack and handle it the right way. Airlines and the UK Civil Aviation Authority have clear rules for e-cigarettes in luggage to ensure safety. Here are the key e-cigarette travel regulations and tips for carrying vapes on flights:

• Keep Vapes in Cabin Baggage: You must pack e-cigarettes in your hand luggage, not in checked luggage. This is because the lithium batteries in vapes pose a fire risk if stowed in the hold. UK regulations (and international aviation rules) prohibit battery-powered e-cig devices in checked bags. So, put your e-cig, vape pens, mods, and any spare batteries in your carry-on bag. If airline staff ask to check your cabin bag at the gate (due to overhead space limits), remove your e-cig and batteries first, don’t let them go in the hold.
• Spare Batteries, Protect & Carry-On Only: If you have spare vape batteries (18650s or similar), they also must go in your carry-on. Never pack loose batteries in hold luggage. Carry them in a battery case or individually wrapped (tape over the terminals or use plastic sleeves) to prevent short-circuits. Most airlines limit you to a reasonable number of spare cells (typically two) for personal use. Also, ensure your device is turned off (or disconnected) during the flight to prevent accidental activation.
• E-Liquids Follow the 100ml Rule: You can bring vape juice in your hand luggage, but it counts toward your liquid allowance. Bottles must be 100ml or smaller and fit in your single clear quart-size bag, just like toiletries. If you have larger bottles of e-liquid, pack them in your checked baggage (there’s no liquid size limit for checked bags, though consider double-bagging to prevent leaks). Pro tip: Pressure changes can sometimes make tanks leak a bit, so empty or partially fill your tank before the flight, and keep it upright if possible.
• No Vaping On Board (Ever): All airlines strictly prohibit using e-cigarettes on the plane, this is non-negotiable. Vaping in an aircraft cabin or lavatory is treated the same as smoking and is against the law. Every major carrier (British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, etc.) bans onboard vaping in their policies. For example, Ryanair explicitly states e-cigs may be carried but “are strictly forbidden to use… on board the aircraft”. Even stealth vaping or “just a quick puff” in the toilet can result in serious consequences: expect a hefty fine and potential legal action, and the plane may be met by authorities. Bottom line, don’t even try it.
• Don’t Charge Vapes in Flight: Similarly, you are not allowed to charge your e-cigarette or batteries during the flight. Keep them unplugged; some devices could overheat if accidentally activated while charging. Many airlines include this in their announcements now (e.g. “charging of electronic smoking devices is not permitted”). Just wait until you’re off the plane to recharge.
• Other Handy Tips: If you need a nicotine fix during a long flight, consider nicotine gum or lozenges as an alternative since you can’t vape. If you’re carrying a device with refillable tanks, bring some paper towels; occasionally, a bit of e-liquid can seep out due to air pressure changes. It’s also a good idea to inform security if asked that you’re carrying an e-cigarette, in case they want to inspect it separately. However, e-cigs usually aren’t a problem at security; UK airport security rules do not require you to remove them from your bag (unlike laptops), though you should remove your liquid bottles for screening.

By following these guidelines, you shouldn’t have any trouble taking your vape gear through UK airports and onto the plane. Thousands of vapers fly from the UK every week without issues; it’s just about packing properly and respecting the rules.

Vaping Laws in Popular Holiday Destinations

Laws on vaping vary around the world. Before you fly, it’s wise to check the regulations at your destination; some countries are vape-friendly, while others have outright bans. Below we’ve summarised the vaping laws in five popular destinations for UK travellers. These highlights will help you avoid unwittingly breaking local laws with your e-cigarette:

• Spain: Vaping is legal in Spain, but is banned in places where smoking is banned. That means no vaping in indoor public spaces (such as bars, restaurants, shops, public transport, etc.), and certain outdoor areas like hospital grounds, school zones, and even some beaches now have restrictions. In fact, Spanish authorities have extended no-smoking laws to cover e-cigarettes in many settings, for example, dozens of popular beaches (e.g. in Barcelona and the Balearics) prohibit smoking and vaping, with fines up to a few hundred euros for violations. You can vape outdoors in general and in designated smoking areas. Just be attentive to signs, and when in doubt, ask if vaping is allowed (or step away from crowds).
• Portugal: Portugal treats vaping the same as smoking under its law. Vaping is banned in all enclosed public spaces and workplaces, including bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, as well as in places like schools or public transport. Essentially, you shouldn’t vape anywhere indoors where smoking isn’t permitted. The country imposed strict regulations in line with the EU Tobacco Products Directive. If caught vaping where you shouldn’t, you could be fined up to €750 under Portuguese law. Outdoors, you may vape except in specific areas like playgrounds or hospital grounds where it’s explicitly banned. While using your e-cig in the open air (on the beach, on the street) is generally fine, always be courteous and mindful of local rules or signage.
• Greece: Vaping is legal and quite common in Greece, in fact, it’s one of the more vape-friendly countries in Europe. You must be 18+ to purchase or use e-cigarettes, but beyond that, Greece has a permissive stance. There is an official ban on vaping (and smoking) in indoor public places and public transport, but enforcement can be lax. Many restaurants and cafés allow vaping at the owner’s discretion, especially in outdoor seating areas. However, you cannot vape on buses, trains, or the Athens metro, and it’s courteous to ask before vaping indoors in any shared space. Overall, you’ll find Greece accommodating to vapers, just use common sense (if you see no-smoking signs, assume it applies to vaping unless you get permission).
• USA (United States): Vaping laws in the USA vary by state and city, but generally, e-cigarettes are legal to use and possess. The important thing to know is that many states and municipalities have added e-cigs to their indoor smoking bans. As a traveller, expect that in most US cities you cannot vape indoors in public places (restaurants, malls, transport hubs) unless there is a designated area, similar to UK rules. For example, as of 2019, 13 US states and many cities prohibit vaping anywhere smoking is prohibited. There are exceptions (some vaping lounges or bars), but as a rule, vape outdoors or in designated smoking zones to be safe. All 50 states now have 21 as the minimum age to buy tobacco/vape products (so don’t be surprised if you get ID’d, even if you’re over 18). Also, note that you cannot vape on US domestic flights or in airports except in outdoor smoking areas. Always check the local state law of your destination, but if you’re visiting popular tourist areas like Florida, California, New York etc., assume indoor vaping is a no-go.
• Thailand: Do NOT vape in Thailand. E-cigarettes are strictly illegal there, it’s one of the worst places to get caught with a vape. Thailand has one of the world’s toughest vaping bans: it’s illegal to import, sell, or even possess e-cigarettes and vaping devices. Tourists have been arrested, fined, and even jailed for vaping in Thailand. In fact, being caught with a vape can technically lead to fines and prison sentences of up to 5 years under Thai law. The authorities have enforced these laws on foreigners; there are reports of on-the-spot fines (or bribes) in the thousands of baht, and the UK government has issued travel advisories warning Britons not to bring vapes to Thailand. Bottom line: leave your e-cig at home if visiting Thailand. It’s simply not worth it, you can’t use it anywhere in the country and it may be confiscated at the border or get you into serious trouble.

Those are just a few examples. Other popular destinations each have their own rules; for instance, Australia bans nicotine e-liquid imports without a prescription, Dubai/UAE legalised vaping but bans use in public places with fines, Singapore has a total ban like Thailand, etc. Always research the latest vaping regulations for your destination (the UK FCDO travel advice pages and local government websites are good starting points). Laws can change, so don’t assume yesterday’s policy still applies.

Tip: If you’re ever unsure about local vaping laws, err on the side of caution. Use your vape only in smoking areas or private accommodations, and carry nicotine gum or patches as a backup. It’s better to be safe (and legal) than risk fines or worse on your holiday.

By staying informed about these rules,  at airports, on flights, and in destination countries, you can enjoy your trip without any vaping mishaps. Remember that regulations aim to keep everyone safe and comfortable. As long as you vape considerately and follow the guidelines above, you’ll be fine. Safe travels and happy vaping!

Disclaimer: Vaping policies and laws can change at any time. The information above is correct at the time of publication, but always double-check the latest rules with your airline and destination before you travel.

FAQs