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Does Gatwick Have a Smoking Area?

If you're heading to London Gatwick Airport and wondering whether you can smoke before your flight, you're not alone. Many travellers want to know: does Gatwick have a smoking area? The answer is: yes, but only before you go through security. Once you're airside, smoking and vaping are completely banned.

Here’s everything you need to know about smoking areas at Gatwick Airport, including where to find them and what rules apply.

Is Smoking Allowed at Gatwick Airport?

Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas before security. This applies to both North and South Terminals.

Once you pass through security into the departures area, there are no smoking areas—indoors or outdoors. This includes traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes (vaping).

Where Are the Smoking Areas at Gatwick?

Before Security – North Terminal

  • There is a designated smoking area outside the terminal, near the main entrance.

  • Clearly signposted and fitted with ashtrays.

  • You can smoke or vape here freely before checking in or heading to security.

Before Security – South Terminal

  • Similarly, you’ll find a dedicated smoking zone outside the building, near the arrivals and departures entrances.

  • This is the only place where smoking or vaping is permitted at the South Terminal.

Note: You must be outside the terminal building. Smoking near the doors or in drop-off zones is not permitted and may lead to warnings or fines.

Is There a Smoking Area After Security?

No, there are no smoking or vaping areas once you’ve cleared security.

This means:

  • No smoking lounges

  • No smoking balconies or terraces

  • No designated areas within the departure lounges

If you want to smoke before your flight, you’ll need to do so before you go through security. If you exit the departures area to smoke, you won’t be able to re-enter unless your airline allows it—and most don’t.

Can You Vape at Gatwick Airport?

Vaping is treated the same as smoking at Gatwick. You can vape in the outdoor smoking zones before security, but not inside the terminal or after security.

Even though e-cigarettes don’t produce smoke, airport policy bans their use in the same way as cigarettes, for health, safety, and comfort of other passengers.

Final Word

Gatwick Airport does have smoking areas—but only outside the terminal, before security. Once you enter the departures area, smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere.

If you’re a smoker, make sure to have your last cigarette or vape before going through security, as you won’t get another chance until after you land. And if you’re travelling with nicotine products, check airline and destination rules about carrying e-cigarettes and vape liquids.