Can you smoke at Gatwick Airport?

No, smoking is not allowed inside the terminals, toilets, staircases, or other public areas.

Is there a smoking area in Gatwick Airport?

Yes, designated outdoor smoking areas are available at both terminals.

Can passengers smoke after security at Gatwick?

No, post-security smoking is not allowed.

Do lounges at Gatwick Airport allow smoking?

The My Lounge has a designated outdoor terrace, where smoking is allowed.

Do passengers need to leave the Gatwick airport to smoke during a layover?

Yes, passengers need to leave the airport to access the outdoor smoking area and go through security again.

Is smoking allowed in Gatwick Airport toilets?

No, smoking in airport toilets is strictly prohibited.

Are e-cigarettes allowed at Gatwick Airport?

E-cigarettes and vaping are allowed only in designated outdoor areas.

What happens if someone smokes in a non-smoking area at Gatwick Airport?

Smoking in the non-smoking areas may lead to a £50 to £1000 fine or removal from the airport.

Can passengers carry a vaping device through security at Gatwick Airport?

Yes, but they should be carried in hand luggage only.

Gatwick Airport Smoking Area | North & South Terminal Smoking Zones/Room

Currently, smoking is not allowed inside the London Gatwick Airport after security. Smokers can access the designated outdoor Gatwick Airport smoking area. These are located near the main entrance with clearly marked signs. The airport implemented the strict no-smoking rule in 2007 to maintain a clean and smoke-free environment for non-smokers. Attempting to smoke in these non-smoking zones can result in a fixed fine of £50 to £1000 or removal from the airport. Additionally, the My Lounge (after security) has an outdoor terrace to smoke or vape.

Does Gatwick Airport have A Smoking Area?

No, smoking and vaping are not allowed inside the terminal buildings, including lounges and departure areas. According to strict UK no-smoking rules and a zero-tolerance policy, smoking is not allowed in:

Indoor areas of the terminals
Walkways and corridors connected to transport services
At the shuttle train entrance
Secure areas after security

gatwick airport smoking room

These Gatwick Airport smoking area rules were implemented to keep the airport clean, safe, and comfortable for passengers and staff. If someone is caught smoking in non-designated areas like toilets or staircases, they will have to pay a fine, or the airport police will take action.

Designated Outdoor Smoking Area at Gatwick Airport

Although smoking is not allowed inside the terminals, designated smoking areas are outside the terminal buildings.

Designated gatwick airport smoking area

North Terminal: The smoking area is located outside the main entrance on the lower level of the terminal.

South Terminal: Access the South Terminal outdoor Gatwick Airport smoking room outside the main entrance near the arrivals and departures area.

Follow the clearly marked Cigarette Bin or Smoking signs to access the smoking zones.

Are There Smoking Lounges at Gatwick Airport?

While there is no dedicated Gatwick Airport smoking lounge, the MyLounge in the South Terminal has an outdoor terrace where smoking is allowed. Finish the cigarette and put the traces in ash tray before leaving the lounge.

gatwick airport smoking lounge

Smoking Rules and Regulations for Connecting Flights at Gatwick Airport

Passengers with connecting flights at Gatwick Airport must follow the airport’s strict smoking policy. During layover:

Exit the terminal and use the designated Gatwick Airport smoking area outside.
Complete smoking and then go through security screening again.

Re-entering the terminal may take time, especially during the busy hours. Therefore, plan accordingly to access the smoking zones without missing the connecting flight.

Rules for Using E-Cigarettes and Vapes at Gatwick Airport

The airport follows the same rules for e-cigarettes, vapes, and heated tobacco products as it does for regular cigarettes.

Vaping is not allowed inside the terminal buildings, toilets, or most areas after security.
Airport toilets have sensitive smoke and vapour detectors. Vaping and smoking at Gatwick Airport can trigger a fire alarm, cause delays, and may lead to airport security or police action.
E-cigarettes and e-liquids are allowed in hand luggage if they follow the airport liquid rules.
Vape devices should remain switched off and unused while inside the airport and during the flight.

Smoking Tips for Gatwick Airport Travellers

Here are some practical tips to smoke at London Gatwick Airport:

Use the designated outdoor Gatwick Airport smoking area outside the South and North terminals before entry.
Plan smoking breaks before passing through security.
Allow extra time before flights if leaving the terminal to smoke during a long layover, because security screening may be required again.
Avoid smoking or vaping in toilets, stairwells, or hidden corners, as smoke detectors can trigger alarms and lead to fines.
Carry vapes and e-liquids correctly in hand luggage.
Choose the pickup points for car hire at London Gatwick Airport outside the terminals, to access outdoor smoking areas after landing.
Dispose of cigarette ends and vape waste properly in the bins provided near Gatwick Airport smoking zones.
Keep drinking water to manage cravings for smoking.

Since the airport follow no-smoking policy, the designated Gatwick Airport smoking areas are conveniently located outside North and South Terminals, near the entrance. Post-security smoking is only allowed at the outdoor terrace in the My Lounge. It's better to smoke before entering the departure area, especially during long journeys or layovers.