Which airports can I vape in?

Tickets, passport, money – how about your e-cigarette? Whether you’re travelling for work or getting away for a few days, you might be tempted to pack your vape pen. But with vaping banned on all major airlines, what are the rules around taking e-cigarettes with you and which airports are you allowed to vape in?

We’ve put together a quick guide on the airports that you can vape in, and what to do when packing your e-cigarette. Of course, please remember that all of this information is subject to change so make sure you check with the airline and airport you’re flying from before you travel.

Can I vape at the airport?

Even though vape pens are regulated differently to traditional cigarettes, meaning they’re not technically covered by the Smoking Ban, vaping is still not allowed in most UK airport terminals. However, some airports have outdoor smoking areas that can be used by vapers.

In fact, out of the 18 busiest UK airports we looked at, almost half of them offer some sort of designated areas where vapers and smokers can go to take a break before their flight.

Which UK airports can I vape at?

Heathrow: Vaping is not allowed in the terminal buildings
Gatwick: E-cigarettes may be used in designated smoking areas only
Manchester: There is an outdoor smoking area beyond security in Terminal 1, but vaping is not allowed in any terminal
Stansted: Vaping is not allowed in the terminal buildings
Birmingham: There is an outdoor area for vapers and smokers beyond security
Luton: Vaping is not allowed in the terminal buildings
Edinburgh: Vaping is not allowed in the terminal buildings
Bristol: There is an outdoor area for vapers and smokers beyond security
Glasgow: Vaping is not allowed in the terminal buildings
Belfast: There is an outdoor area for vapers and smokers next to the Lagan Bar, but you will have to pay £1 to use it
Newcastle: There is an outdoor area for vapers and smokers accessible from Bar 11, but it is only for Bar 11 customers
London City: Vaping is not allowed in the terminal buildings
Liverpool: There is a heated outside area for vapers and smokers beyond security, by the Kissing Gate Bar and Restaurant on the ground floor
East Midlands: Vaping is not allowed in the terminal buildings
Leeds-Bradford: There is an area for vapers and smokers past security, accessible from both the ground floor and first floor
Aberdeen: There is an outdoor area for vapers and smokers near gate 5, but you will have to pay £1 to use it
Belfast City: Vaping is not allowed in the terminal buildings
Southend: Vaping is not allowed in the terminal buildings
Remember to always check with the airport before you travel.

The 10 airports that do not allow vaping beyond security all have a designated smoking area outside the front of the terminal building, so you can have one last vape before you check in.

Can I take my e-cigarette on a plane?

Although more than half of the UK’s busiest airports won’t allow you to vape inside the terminal, they will still allow you to carry your e-cigarette and a small amount of e-liquid – whether that’s in a bottle or in a liquidpod. The usual rules apply: place your e-cigarette in a tray at security and make sure you travel with less than 100ml of vape juice. Thankfully, our blu Liquids come in 10ml bottles so they should be fine to take through security.

Most airlines will allow you to take e-cigarettes in your hand luggage, but not your hold luggage. In the UK, at the time of writing this includes BA, EasyJet, Ryanair and Virgin. You won’t be able to use your vape pen at any point during the flight.

It is worth noting, though, that while you may get your vape through security in your home country, it could be taken off you upon your arrival. Afterall, vaping is illegal in over 30 countries, including the likes of Thailand, Australia and Mexico. Make sure you check the laws in your destination country before packing your precious vape.

British Airways: Hand luggage only. No vaping during the flight.
Easyjet: Hand luggage only, maximum 2 spare batteries. No vaping during the flight.
Ryanair: Hand luggage only. No vaping during the flight.
Virgin Atlantic: Hand luggage only. No vaping during the flight.
Etihad: Hand luggage only. No vaping during the flight.
Wizz Air: Hand luggage only. No vaping during the flight.
Norse Atlantic: Not allowed on the flight. Must be placed in hand luggage.
Loganair: Hand luggage only. No vaping during the flight.
Jet2: Hand luggage only. Must be individually protected. No vaping during the flight.
Eastern Airways: Hand luggage only. No vaping during the flight.
Aer Lingus: Hand luggage only. No vaping during the flight.

Remember to always check with the airline before you fly.

If your hand luggage needs to be checked into the hold at the gate, you should remove your e-cigarette and take it on board with you – but don’t use it while you’re inside the plane. You also won’t be able to vape while you’re walking to the aircraft, even if you’re outside. When you arrive, remember that every airport has different rules and it’ll be unlikely that you can use your vape pen inside the terminal building – wait until you’re outside before you take your first holiday puff.

You should also check about the rules regarding e-cigarettes where you’re going. Some countries have very strict restrictions on vape pens and liquids, while others ban them completely, so it’s important to do a little bit of research before you fly.

More vaping guidance and advice

For more information about flying with e-cigarettes, take a look at our article on travelling with your vape pen here. For more information around vaping rules, regulations and advice, check out our latest Dos and Don'ts of Vaping.

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About the Author

John is a content writer working with blu. With a keen eye for data and storytelling, John helps blu produce quality content for our readers to enjoy.
Since 2023, John has helped publish all kinds of interesting and unique stories around blu and the vaping industry to keep you up to date.