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Can You Vape In An Airport?

Many airports have designated smoking & vaping areas outside. Find out more in our guide to vaping in the airport.

Can You Vape in an Airport?

Going on holiday and unsure about vaping in the airport? You might already be aware that there is no specific ban on vaping indoors. The 2006 Health Act only applies to smoking as it stands. However, most establishments have their own rules, usually dictating that vaping must be done outside. It’s understandable that you might be confused about vaping in the airport; after all, you’re often there for an extended period of time, so you’d be forgiven for thinking you might be allowed. This guide will help to clear up any confusion, and answer a variety of questions about vapes, airport security and taking a vape on a plane.

What we’ll discuss in this article:

Can You Vape in Airports?

No, as a rule whenever you are inside any airport, you cannot use vapes. Airports approach vaping the same way they do smoking and have banned it indoors, including in lounges, restaurants, shops or toilets. For anyone who wants to use vapes, airports may have designated outdoor areas outside the airport terminal, before you go through security. However, once you’re in the terminal building, you cannot vape.

We’ve created an at-a-glance list of the UK’s busiest airports to show which have vaping areas and whether they’re available before or after going through security.

Vaping in UK Airports

Airport rules and regulations can differ at each location, so always check the airport website or signage for the latest guidance before vaping.

Below is an overview of where you are able to use vapes in UK airports. Airport rules and regulations may vary in each location, so it’s best to check websites beforehand and any signage once you’re there. If in doubt, just ask someone.

VAPING IN UK AIRPORTS

London Heathrow You can vape in designated areas outside the terminal building, but once you’re through security, you cannot vape anywhere on the premises.
London Gatwick Vaping is permitted outside of the airport terminal before you pass security. After this, you will not be able to vape.
London Stansted There are several designated areas outside of the terminal buildings before security, but after security you can’t use your vape.
London Luton There are sheltered smoking areas outside the front of the terminal building, but only before departures.
Manchester Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have smoking areas after security. Terminal 3 has an outside area that can only be used prior to check in. 
Edinburgh Smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside the terminals. There are no smoking facilities inside the terminal.
Birmingham You’ll find designated smoking areas outside the front of the terminal, but you cannot use your vape after security.
Bristol You’re able to smoke outside the airport before check-in, as well as in a designated outdoor zone after security.
Glasgow There is a vaping area outside that you can access before security. Vaping is not allowed after security or inside the terminal.
Belfast International Smoking areas are available outside the main terminal building, but there is nowhere to vape after you go through security.
Newcastle There are outdoor shelters outside the main building. Once through security there is an outside area near Bar 11.
Liverpool A recently opened outdoor terrace allows you to vape after departures.
Leeds Bradford There is one allocated area for smoking and vaping outside before departures, but not once you’re through security.
Bournemouth After departures, you can use the designated outside smoking and vaping space, as well as the area outside the terminal before check-in.
Cardiff Designated smoking areas are available outside the terminal. Vaping is also permitted outside of the departure lounge.

Vaping in International Airports

As there are no specific laws around vapes, airport policies can vary depending on where you are in the world. Once you’re off your flight, you should be aware of when and where you can use your vape. Just because Manchester Airport vape rules say you can smoke directly outside the terminal, doesn’t mean the same applies at Malaga Airport, for example. A little bit of homework will go a long way.

Vapes are only allowed in hand luggage, not checked luggage, but this doesn’t mean you can use them as soon as you land. Find out ahead of time if your destination has a smoking area. Tenerife Airport, both North and South, allow you to use your vape once you have left departures and are outside the terminal. This is the same for Dubai International, Newark Liberty International, and Dublin Airports so, if in doubt, always wait until you have collected your luggage and left the airport.

Can You Take a Vape Through Airport Security?

Now that disposables have been banned and people are embracing disposable alternatives, there’s more reason to travel with your rechargeable vape kit. Airport security will allow you to take your vape kit and e-liquids on the plane with you, providing you adhere to the following rules:

  • Vape devices must be carried in hand luggage. They cannot go in checked luggage. This also goes for any spare batteries, as they pose a fire risk.
  • Devices must be completely switched off to avoid them being activated accidentally, and batteries stored in a secure case.
  • E-liquid bottles or any pre-filled pod kits are subject to standard liquid rules. This means you can only take 100ml or less, and you must present them in a clear, resealable plastic bag.

For a smooth check in, have your vape and any e-liquids ready to be inspected, so you can get through security quickly.

Can You Take a Vape on a Plane?

Yes, you can take a vape on a plane as per the instructions above. However, you are not permitted, under any circumstances, to use your vape while on the plane. Vaping on a plane comes under the same laws as smoking and, if you do so, you could end up being banned from the airline, paying a significant fine, or even facing criminal charges in the most extreme cases.

Even charging your vape could be considered as ‘using it’. Leave your vape in your bag during your flight and only use it again once you’re out of the destination airport.

It’s also worth noting that some countries, including Argentina and Singapore have an outright ban on vapes. Others, like Australia, have very strict regulations that state it must be part of a prescription. If you’re going to these places, then it’s not worth taking vapes — airport restrictions and flight rules won’t matter if they’re not even allowed in the country!

Do They Sell Vapes in Airports?

Some airports do sell vaping products, either in Duty Free or at some of the shops in the terminal. This will vary according to which airport and even which terminal you are at. To be certain that you won’t be without your vape kit or favourite e-liquid flavours, buy them before you leave and place them in your hand luggage.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Vaping at the Airport

The key takeaway for vaping in the airport is that you can’t. You must always use the designated outdoor areas. It’s also essential that you never use a vape on a plane. Here’s a brief run down of the main things to do and not to do next time someone asks “can you vape in an airport?”.

DO DON'T
Check the rules about vapes and designated smoking areas at your departure airport before you arrive. Vape anywhere inside the airport terminal or anywhere that is not clearly signed for vaping.
Pack all vape devices, e-cigarettes, and spare batteries in your hand luggage - not checked baggage. Forget to have your vape kit and vape juice to hand in case they need to be inspected.
Research the vaping laws of your destination country and airport, and any connecting airports. Leave it until the last minute to do any research, or forget completely - be prepared.
Ensure all e-liquids are in 100ml bottles or smaller and are placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag. Rely on airport shops as they might not have what you need or sell vapes at all.
Make sure vape kits are turned off and any spare batteries are in a proper case. Pack your vape or lithium batteries in checked baggage.

Have a Riot Kinda Holiday

Okay, so you can’t vape in the airport, that’s fair enough, and you definitely can’t vape on the plane because it’s a big fire risk. What you can do is take your Oxva or Aspire Vape Kit, pack your best Riot flavours and take a little bit of rebellion across the border. Our 60ml shortfills and nic shots fit nicely into that 100ml carry-on limit, or our nic salt bottles are so small and mighty that you can chuck in two or three. Rest, relax, recharge — have a Riot.