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.
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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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.
Can you smoke in Glasgow Airport (GLA)?
Glasgow Airport has similar restrictions:
- Before Security: Designated smoking areas are located outside the terminals.
- After Security: Glasgow Airport does not offer any smoking facilities post-security, so be prepared to wait until you reach your destination.
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.
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.
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.
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!
