2 days ago
Brits warned of overlooked airport rule that could cost them thousands
Brits warned of overlooked airport rule that could cost them thousands
A crackdown on this popular activity in airports means holidaymakers could be landed with a huge fine if they're caught
Travellers have been told to familiarise themselves with this rule (file photo)
(Image: Jaanalisette via Getty Images )
Britons heading off on their holidays have been cautioned that vaping in non-designated areas at the airport could result in a hefty £1,000 fine and potentially being denied boarding. For many sun-seekers, enjoying a pint before take-off is as much a part of the holiday tradition as repeatedly checking your passport and purchasing a travel-sized tube of toothpaste from Boots.
For those who want to get their nicotine fix, a drink often sparks a craving to smoke or vape – a desire that can be challenging to satisfy within an airport. Lighting up outside of designated smoking areas could abruptly curtail their holiday plans.
UK airports have implemented a ban on both smoking and vaping within terminal buildings, and a recent clampdown means passengers can no longer assume they can vape freely whilst awaiting their flight. Fines for vaping or smoking in restricted areas can reach up to £1,000, with penalties starting at £50 for smoking in non-designated zones.
While bans on smoking and vaping are widespread, there are limited exceptions at some airports where smokers and vapers can utilise designated outdoor areas, post-security, reports the Mirror. Here is a rundown of how each airport tackles vaping:
Cardiff: Vaping is not permitted inside the terminal building
Vaping is not permitted inside the terminal building London Heathrow: Vaping is not permitted inside terminal buildings
Vaping is not permitted inside terminal buildings London Gatwick: Only designated outdoor smoking areas are available
Only designated outdoor smoking areas are available London Stansted/London Luton/London City/Edinburgh/Glasgow: Indoor vaping is banned
Indoor vaping is banned Manchester: Vaping is prohibited in terminals; an outdoor smoking zone is accessible
Vaping is prohibited in terminals; an outdoor smoking zone is accessible Birmingham: Outdoor smoking and vaping areas are available beyond security
Outdoor smoking and vaping areas are available beyond security Liverpool: Heated outdoor space accessible after security
Heated outdoor space accessible after security Bristol: Outdoor area available for smoking and vaping after security
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Vaping inside certain areas of the airport could land people with fines as high as £1,000
(Image: Science Photo Library via Getty Images )
Mike Byers, who works at vape company WickdUp, said: "We've all been there – the pre-flight pint with a craving for a cigarette or a quick vape. But with the tightening of smoking and vaping rules at airports across the UK, travellers need to know that indulging in these habits could result in serious fines or even missed flights.
"With long waits, delays, and already expensive airports, the last thing you need is a penalty that could ruin your trip."
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Reinforcing the need to remain informed, Mike called on passengers to check their airport's guidelines. He said: "I can't stress the importance of checking each airport's specific smoking and vaping policies before heading to your gate. For many passengers, not knowing where you can legally vape or smoke could mean an unexpected fine – or missing your flight.
"If you're flying from a busy terminal like Heathrow or Gatwick, it's even more important to be aware of the specific zones where smoking or vaping is allowed. Some airports have invested in dedicated areas after security, but the rules differ from terminal to terminal.
"Never assume you can just light up anywhere – it could cost you more than your holiday."
