Latest news with #MikeByers
Wales Online
5 hours ago
- Wales Online
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 Article continues below 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." Article continues below 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."
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Little-known airport rule could see Brits slapped with £1,000 fine
Many Brits enjoy vaping as well as a pre-flight pint - but doing so in the wrong area at the airport could see your holiday come to an abrupt end Brits jetting off on holiday have been warned that vaping in the wrong area at the airport could land them a £1,000 fine and see them denied boarding. For many holidaymakers heading off somewhere sunny, a pre-takeoff pint is as much a part of the travel ritual as checking your passport 15 times and buying a small tube of toothpaste from Boots. As night follows day, for those who enjoy nicotine, a drink often leads to a desire to smoke or vape - something that can prove difficult in an airport. Having a puff outside of designated smoking areas could bring their holiday to an abrupt end. UK airports have banned smoking and vaping inside terminal buildings, and a recent crackdown means passengers can no longer assume they can vape freely while waiting to board. Fines for vaping or smoking in prohibited areas can be up to £1,000, with penalties starting at £50 for smoking in non-designated areas. While smoking and vaping bans are widespread, there are limited exceptions at some airports where smokers and vapers can access designated outdoor areas, past security: Heathrow: No vaping allowed inside terminal buildings. Gatwick: Designated outdoor smoking areas only. Manchester: No vaping in terminals; outdoor smoking zone available. Stansted / Luton / Edinburgh / Glasgow / London City: Vaping prohibited indoors. Birmingham: Outdoor smoking and vaping areas beyond security. Liverpool: Heated outdoor space accessible after Outdoor area available for smoking and vaping after security. 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." Mike urges people to check the rules at the airport they're flying from. "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," he said. '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.'
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- Daily Record
Foreign Office warning for Turkey travel after British tourists die
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Brits heading to Turkey, following the deaths and serious injuries to UK tourists The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued an updated travel advisory for British tourists planning trips to Turkey. The FCDO, tasked with providing up-to-date travel guidance for around 226 international destinations, has highlighted new concerns in its latest update. The recent alert, released on Tuesday, May 20, comes in the wake of several incidents involving UK tourists who have either died or sustained serious injuries in Turkey. The Foreign Office has cautioned: "Paragliding is an extreme sport and carries the risk of serious injury or death. "British nationals have died or been seriously injured whilst paragliding in Turkey. Ensure you receive full instructions and training before your activity. "If you are near where paragliding activities take place, be aware that the landing area may be in a public area. Maintain a reasonable distance from potential landing zones for your personal safety." With Turkey being a favoured holiday spot for many Brits, the standing advice includes recommendations to purchase alcoholic drinks only from reputable sources such as licensed shops, bars, and hotels. Tourists are advised to steer clear of homemade spirits, ensure bottle seals haven't been tampered with, and scrutinise labels for signs of substandard quality or misspellings, reports the Liverpool Echo. In case of illness following alcohol consumption, immediate medical help should be sought. Brits jetting off to Turkey are also being reminded to check the validity of their passport before travelling. The government has issued a warning that anyone entering the country must have a passport that is valid for at least 150 days from the date of arrival and has at least one blank page. Visitors can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for business or tourism without needing a visa. The advice on states: "If entering at a land border, make sure officials stamp and date your passport at the border crossing. Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. "Renew your passport if you need to. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen." Earlier this month, vaping specialists at WickdUp issued a caution for those jetting off to Turkey's popular resorts, as there has been a rise in complaints from British tourists facing difficulty sourcing basic vaping supplies after their arrival. In Turkey, while using vapes is permitted, strict marketing and sales regulations aimed at tobacco products mean many shops, especially in tourist areas, have ceased stocking items such as disposable vapes, cartridges, or e-liquids. WickdUp's vaping aficionado Mike Byers commented: "We've heard of so many travellers returning from Antalya, Marmaris and Bodrum saying they were caught completely off guard. "Shops that once stocked basic vape gear now won't sell it at all - and if you're used to picking up supplies on arrival, you could be left without."
Daily Mirror
10-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits 'caught off guard' in major European hotspot as little-known rule exposed
With a staggering 4.8 million Brits slated to visit Turkey this year, experts have issued a warning over the country's strict rules when it comes to buying or distributing e-cigarettes Droves of Brits are being warned over one country's unexpectedly strict rules. This year, a staggering five million UK tourists are slated to visit Turkey, as it prepares for a record-breaking boom in international visitors. Lured in by endless stretches of golden sand, stunning history, and party-mad resorts - it seems Turkey is reaping the benefits of anti-tourist sentiment in hotspots like Greece and Spain. However, the country, which is mainly located in West Asia but also covers a small part of Southeast Europe, has long prohibited the sale of vapes. While technically not a new rule, purchasing or distributing e-cigarettes and liquids is prohibited in the country. According to Reuters, many people still buy vaping products in the country online - but this could land tourists in hot water. "We've heard of so many travellers returning from Antalya, Marmaris, and Bodrum saying they were caught completely off guard," Mike Byers, a vape expert over at WickdUp explained. "Shops that once stocked basic vape gear now won't sell it at all — and if you're used to picking up supplies on arrival, you could be left without." Luckily, Brits are still allowed to bring in 'personal supplies' of vapes and liquid into Turkey. Most vape brands agree this classed as 'one device, spare pods or refill bottles no greater than 30ml in volume, or up to 10 disposable vapes per person'. "Having a larger supply of e-liquids is easier to explain than carrying multiple devices, so it's best to pack only what you'll realistically use during your stay," advises vape brand Freesmo. "The general rule is to avoid raising any suspicion that you're importing vapes for sale." Turkey also classifies e-cigarettes as tobacco products, which are all banned for those under the age of 19. So, just because you can legally vape in the UK, doesn't mean you will be able to if you're visiting the country this year. Last month, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy said after the ITB Berlin Fair that Turkey was witnessing 'signs of new records in tourism' as it attempts to bolster its appeal as a holiday destination. "Turkey has become the country with the highest number of early reservations in Germany," the politician added. "We aim to welcome over seven million visitors from both Russia and Germany this year. Additionally, we expect 4.8 million visitors from the U.K. in 2025" The ambitious target may have taken a slight hit following the 6.2-magnitude earthquake that occurred in the Sea of Marmara on April 23, 2025, and saw thousands of terrified locals flee their homes while their buildings shook. A smaller 4.7-magnitude quake hit the village of Doğanyol just five days later. No deaths were reported from either incident. The FCDO also advises against all types of travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to 'fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism'. However, this does not impact popular hotspots such as Bodrum, Antalya, and Istanbul.
