People heading for holidays have been warned that steaming vaping in the wrong place at the airport will result in a fine of £1,000 and could prevent them from boarding their flights. For many sun-seekers, pre-flight pints are just as part of the holiday tradition as they repeatedly check their passports and buy travel-sized tubes of toothpaste from their boots.
Just as the night continues, either day or night, due to partial nicotine, drinks often cause smoking and steam cravings. Lighting outside designated smoking areas can cause your holiday planning to suddenly halt. UK airports have imposed a ban on both smoking and vaping within terminal buildings, and recent clampdowns make it impossible for passengers to assume that they will no longer be able to vape freely while waiting for the board.
Penalties for steam or smoking in restricted areas can reach up to £1,000, and the fine begins at £50 for smoking in unspecified zones, MirrorOnline reports.
Smoking and vaping bans are widespread, but there are limited exceptions at some airports where smokers and steam can access designated outdoor areas beyond security.
Heathrow: No vaping is permitted inside terminal buildings. Gatwick: Only designated outdoor smoking areas are available. Manchester: Vaping is not permitted at terminals. An outdoor smoking zone is provided. Stansted / Luton / Edinburgh / Glasgow / London City: Indoor vaping is prohibited. Birmingham: Outdoor smoking and vaping areas are available beyond security.
Liverpool boasts post-security security with access to heated outdoor spaces, while Bristol offers post-security smoking and steam areas.
Mike Byers from Wickdup commented: “We were all there, pints before flights in search of cigarettes and quick steam. However, due to the tightening of smoking and vaping rules at airports across the UK, travelers need to know that indulging in these habits can lead to serious fines and missed flights.
“At long waits, delays, and already expensive airports, what you need at the end is a penalty that can ruin your trip.”
Mike emphasized the importance of being informed of airport regulations. He said:
“For many passengers, not knowing where steam or smoke is legally possible means unexpected fines or they can miss the flight.”
He added: “It is even more important to be aware of certain zones where smoking and steam are permitted when flying from busy terminals like Heathrow or Gatwick.
“Some airports invest in dedicated areas after security, but the rules vary from terminal to terminal. Don't assume you can illuminate anywhere. It can cost more than a holiday.”
