In the UK, stringent regulations make smoking in public indoor spaces, including airports, highly restricted. However, for those who smoke, some airports do provide designated smoking areas, though these are limited. This guide will detail which UK airports offer smoking facilities and where they can be found.
Understanding the Rules
The UK’s smoking ban, introduced in 2007, prohibits smoking in all enclosed public spaces. This includes the indoor areas of airports. As a result, indoor smoking lounges, once common in many airports, are now largely a thing of the past. Most airports only allow smoking in designated outdoor areas before you pass through security. Once through security, options become much more limited.
Smoking regulations are enforced to protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, as outlined by Public Health England. Airports must comply with these laws, ensuring that smoking areas are well-ventilated and clearly marked. Passengers caught smoking in non-designated areas may face fines or other penalties, so it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the rules before travelling.
Here is a breakdown of where you can smoke in major UK airports:
Can you smoke in London Heathrow Airport (LHR)?
Heathrow, the UK’s busiest airport, has some of the strictest smoking regulations:
Before Security: Designated smoking areas are located outside each terminal building. These clearly marked zones are the only places where smoking is permitted before you pass through security. Heathrow’s terminals each have designated zones, and they are easily accessible from the entrances.
After Security: Heathrow does not provide any smoking areas once you’ve cleared security. If you’re a smoker, you’ll need to wait until you’ve reached your destination to smoke again. This can be particularly challenging for long-haul travellers, so planning ahead is crucial. Some passengers opt for nicotine replacement products, such as nicotine gum or patches, to manage cravings during long flights.
Additional Tip: Heathrow staff recommend arriving early if you plan to smoke before passing through security, as queues can be long during peak travel times.
Can you smoke in London Gatwick Airport (LGW)?
Gatwick offers limited options for smokers:
Before Security: Smoking is only allowed in designated areas outside the terminals. These smoking zones are located near the main entrances, making them easy to find for departing passengers.
After Security: There are no smoking lounges or designated areas once you’ve passed through security. Smokers should plan ahead, as there are no facilities available post-security. For passengers with long layovers or connecting flights, this may present a challenge.
Did You Know? Gatwick Airport has implemented strict fines for smoking in non-permitted areas to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for all travellers.
Can you smoke in Manchester Airport (MAN)?
Manchester Airport is more accommodating, offering options both before and after security:
Before Security: Designated smoking zones are located outside each terminal building, close to the entrances for easy access.
After Security: Terminal 1 has a smoking area within the departure lounge. This outdoor smoking terrace is accessible from the main departure area, providing a comfortable space for smokers while waiting for their flights. Terminals 2 and 3, however, do not have smoking areas post-security.
Traveller Tip: Manchester Airport advises passengers to use the smoking terrace early, as it can become crowded during peak travel times.
Can you smoke in Birmingham Airport (BHX)?
Birmingham Airport offers some facilities for smokers:
Before Security: Outdoor smoking zones are available near the entrances to the terminals. These areas are clearly marked and easily accessible.
After Security: Birmingham Airport has a small outdoor smoking terrace accessible from the departure lounge. Although limited in space, it provides a convenient spot for smokers after clearing security.
Family Travel Note: Birmingham Airport encourages passengers with children to use smoking areas responsibly and avoid exposure to minors.
Can you smoke in Edinburgh Airport (EDI)?
Scotland’s busiest airport has limited smoking facilities:
Before Security: Designated smoking areas are available outside the terminal building.
After Security: There are no smoking areas once you’ve passed through security at Edinburgh Airport. Make sure to smoke before going through security if needed.
Interesting Fact: Scotland was the first country in the UK to implement a comprehensive smoking ban, setting the stage for stricter regulations across the UK.
Can you smoke in Glasgow Airport (GLA)?
Glasgow Airport has similar restrictions:
Before Security: Designated smoking areas are located outside the terminals. These zones are well-marked and situated near the terminal entrances.
After Security: Glasgow Airport does not offer any smoking facilities post-security, so be prepared to wait until you reach your destination.
Health Advice: Glasgow Airport's website offers resources for travellers interested in quitting smoking, aligning with Scotland's national health initiatives.
Can you smoke in Bristol Airport (BRS)?
Bristol Airport has recently updated its smoking facilities:
Before Security: Smoking is allowed in designated outdoor areas near the terminal entrances.
After Security: Bristol Airport has a smoking area within the departure lounge. The outdoor terrace is accessible from the main terminal and offers a space for smokers to use before boarding.
Local Regulation: Bristol Airport adheres to strict local health authority guidelines to ensure smoking areas are safe and well-ventilated.
Can you smoke in London Luton Airport (LTN)?
Luton Airport provides basic smoking options:
Before Security: Designated smoking areas are available outside the terminal buildings.
After Security: Luton Airport has an outdoor smoking terrace within the departure lounge, accessible once you’ve cleared security. Although small, it’s a convenient spot for smokers.
Travel Tip: Smoking terraces at Luton can become crowded during summer months due to increased passenger traffic.
Can you smoke in London Stansted Airport (STN)?
London Stansted Airport offers limited smoking facilities:
Before Security: Designated outdoor smoking areas are available near the terminal entrances.
After Security: Stansted Airport has a small outdoor smoking terrace in the departure lounge, offering a place to smoke before boarding.
Additional Information: The terrace is accessible to all departing passengers, though space is limited.
Tips for Travelling Smokers
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Plan Ahead: Research smoking facilities at your departure, transit, and arrival airports before you travel.
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Consider Alternatives: If you have a long-haul flight, consider nicotine replacement options like gum or patches to manage cravings.
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Respect Local Laws: Smoking regulations vary across different countries, so ensure you understand the rules at your destination.
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Use Designated Areas: Always stick to marked smoking zones to avoid fines and ensure a respectful environment for other passengers.
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Be Time-Conscious: Smoking terraces can become busy, especially during peak travel times, so allow extra time if you plan to smoke before your flight.
Conclusion
If you’re a smoker travelling through the UK, it’s important to be aware of the limited facilities available in most airports. While some airports like Manchester, Bristol, and Luton offer post-security smoking areas, most UK airports restrict smoking to designated zones before security. Planning your smoking breaks in advance will help you avoid any inconvenience. Always check the latest information on airport websites, as smoking regulations may change.
Travel smart, and enjoy your journey!
