Does Gatwick Have a Smoking Area? Here’s What You Should Know
When traveling, airports can sometimes feel like a maze of terminals, gates, and rules. For smokers in particular, one big question usually comes to mind during long layovers or before boarding a flight: “Can I smoke at the airport?” the answer is No. If you’re traveling through Gatwick Airport, this guide covers everything you need to know about smoking areas and the rules surrounding them.
What to Expect from Gatwick Airport’s Smoking Policy
Gatwick Airport, located in the southeast of England, is one of the busiest airports in the country. Like most airports in the UK, Gatwick has strict rules when it comes to smoking. These rules are in line with British law, which bans smoking in public indoor spaces, including airports. This means that smoking is prohibited inside the terminals and restricted to designated smoking areas located outside the airport buildings.
For anyone planning a trip through Gatwick, it’s essential to know where these smoking areas are and what alternatives might be available.
Where Can You Smoke at Gatwick Airport?
Thankfully, Gatwick Airport has made provisions for smokers who need a quick break before their flight. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the options available:
1. Smoking Areas Outside the Terminals
Gatwick Airport has two main terminals, North and South, and each has designated outdoor smoking areas. These are located before you pass through airport security, meaning they’re only accessible before entering the departure lounges. Once you’ve gone through security, there are no smoking areas available.
- North Terminal Smoking Area: You’ll find the smoking area outside the terminal building near the main entrance. Look for the clearly marked signs that direct travelers to the space.
- South Terminal Smoking Area: Similarly, the South Terminal has a designated smoking area outside the building. It’s located close to the entrance, so it’s easy to find as you approach the terminal.
Both areas are well-marked and follow local regulations, meaning outdoor smoking is permitted only within these boundaries.
2. No Smoking Post-Security
Many travelers are surprised to learn that once you pass through security at Gatwick, there are no smoking facilities inside. This aligns with UK legislation, which prohibits smoking indoors in public spaces. Unfortunately, this applies to vapes and e-cigarettes as well, so travelers hoping to get a quick vape session indoors will need to do so outside the terminal.
3. Smoking Lounges
Unlike some international airports that have indoor smoking lounges (e.g., Dubai or Frankfurt), Gatwick Airport does not offer this facility. This means smokers should plan to have their cigarette or vape session before entering the security zone.
4. Vaping at Gatwick Airport
Vaping follows the same rules as smoking at Gatwick Airport. While the designated smoking areas outside the terminals allow vaping, it’s banned inside the airport, including in the departure areas and lounges.
Learn about How Many Terminals Are at Gatwick Airport
Plan Ahead for Longer Layovers
If you have a short layover at Gatwick, you may not have enough time to leave the secure area to smoke and then go through security again. For long layovers, however, you could potentially exit the secure zone, use one of the outdoor smoking areas, and then re-enter the terminal after clearing security again. Just make sure to factor in the time required for security checks.
To make this process smoother:
- Allow at least 45 minutes to 1 hour to leave and re-enter security.
- Check your boarding time on your ticket to avoid early gate closures.
- Have your boarding pass and travel documents ready for re-entry.
Why Are There No Indoor Smoking Areas at Gatwick?
You might be wondering why Gatwick doesn’t have indoor smoking lounges like some other airports around the world. The main reason is the strict smoking laws in the UK, which aim to protect public health. Since 2007, smoking indoors in public spaces has been banned across the country. Many UK airports, including Gatwick, comply with these laws to create a healthier environment for all travelers.
Adding indoor smoking areas would require expensive ventilation systems and a significant redesign of airport terminals, which Gatwick has opted not to pursue.
Tips for Smokers Traveling Through Gatwick
If you’re traveling through Gatwick and want to ensure a smooth experience as a smoker, here are some helpful tips:
- Smoke Before Entering Security
Make the most of the outdoor smoking areas before you pass through security. Once inside, there will be no facilities for smoking or vaping.
- Plan Ahead
If you have a layover, consider how much time you have before you need to be back at your gate. Exiting security for a smoke break might not be practical if your layover is short.
- Carry Nicotine Alternatives
If you’re concerned about long periods without smoking, consider bringing nicotine gum, patches, or lozenges to manage cravings while you’re inside the terminal.
- Follow the Rules
Always respect Gatwick’s smoking rules. Lighting up in non-smoking areas, including bathrooms or quiet corners of the terminal, is a violation of airport policies and could result in hefty fines or penalties.
- Check Airline Policies for Onboard Smoking
While smoking is banned on all flights leaving Gatwick, you might want to double-check your airline’s policies regarding items like vaping devices and e-cigarettes. Some airlines have specific rules about carrying or storing these items.
How Does Gatwick Compare to Other Airports?
Many international airports offer more smoker-friendly facilities than Gatwick. For instance:
- Dubai International Airport has luxurious indoor smoking lounges for travelers.
- Frankfurt Airport offers several smoking cabins within its terminals.
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport used to allow smoking inside, but this is now restricted to outdoor areas post-2019.
However, Gatwick follows the standard for most UK airports, prioritizing public health over added amenities for smokers.
Learn About Who Owns Gatwick Airport.
FAQs About Smoking at Gatwick Airport
1. Where are the smoking areas at Gatwick Airport?
There are outdoor smoking areas near the main entrance of both the North and South Terminals. These are located outside the terminal buildings and are clearly marked.
2. Can I smoke inside Gatwick Airport?
No, smoking is strictly prohibited inside the terminal buildings, including lounges and other indoor facilities.
3. Can I smoke after going through security?
No, Gatwick Airport does not have any smoking areas beyond the security checkpoint. Make sure to use the designated areas outside the terminals before you proceed through security.
4. Is vaping allowed inside the terminals?
Vaping is banned inside Gatwick’s terminal buildings. You can only vape in the outdoor smoking areas outside the main entrances.
5. What happens if I smoke in a non-designated area?
If you smoke in a non-designated area at Gatwick Airport, you could face fines and be asked to extinguish your cigarette immediately. It’s always better to follow the rules and instructions provided.
6. Can I leave the terminal to smoke during a connecting flight?
You would need to go through immigration and security checks again if you leave the terminal to access the smoking area during a layover. This might not be practical for short connections.
7. Are there smoking lounges at Gatwick like in some other airports?
No, Gatwick Airport does not have indoor smoking lounges. The only options for smoking are the outdoor designated areas.
8. Can I buy cigarettes at the airport?
Yes, you can purchase cigarettes at Gatwick’s duty-free stores, but you’ll only be able to smoke them in the outdoor smoking areas or upon reaching your destination.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the rules regarding smoking at Gatwick Airport can make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. By planning ahead and using the designated smoking areas, you’ll avoid inconvenience and unnecessary stress.
Whether you’re traveling through the North or South Terminal, remember that smoking is only allowed outside the terminal building. There are no smoking or vaping options once you go through security, so take advantage of the outdoor zones before heading to your gate.
Happy travels!
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