Little-known airport rule could see Brits slapped with £1,000 fine

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 security.Bristol: 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.”