Can You Vape In An Airport?

Vaping has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people turning to vapes as an alternative to smoking cigarettes. However, the rules and regulations surrounding vaping can be confusing, especially when it comes to public spaces like airports. Even more complicated, there is no one right answer, as different countries have their own laws on vaping indoors. With that in mind, you'll want to be sure to do your research before pulling out your vape. That's where we come in. In this blog post, we'll explore the rules on vaping in an airport and the penalties you might face if you don't follow them.

Are You Allowed to Vape at Airports?

Certain vapes have made it more convenient to enjoy smoking, as some places are more flexible, allowing you to smoke indoors. Vapes certainly don't have the same amount of smoke and smell as normal cigarettes. It's understandable, then, that you might want to use your vape while you're waiting for your flight. However, it's best to do your research and make sure you're aware of the legalities around it.

While vaping may be permitted in some outdoor areas or designated airport smoking lounges, it's generally prohibited in indoor spaces within airports. It’s important to have a general knowledge of where you can and can’t vape indoors before trying it. Since airports are considered public spaces, they often enforce strict no-smoking policies to ensure the comfort and safety of all passengers and staff. These policies typically extend to vaping devices as well, as they produce aerosols that can be disruptive to others and potentially set off smoke alarms.

The laws on vaping vary across Canada, and each province may have different rules, so we recommend becoming familiar with them if you plan on travelling. Like other airports around the world, Canadian and UK airports usually have designated smoking areas for passengers who wish to smoke or vape. These spaces are typically located outside the terminal buildings to minimize exposure to secondhand smoke and vapour for non-smoking passengers.

Some airports may still have designated smoking areas where passengers are allowed to smoke traditional cigarettes. However, these areas may not necessarily permit vaping, even if vaping is not explicitly prohibited in these zones.

Which Airports Allow Vaping?

Let's take a look at airports around the world and their policies, starting with Toronto.

Toronto Pearson Airport

While it's prohibited to use vape devices anywhere indoors at Toronto Pearson, there are 10 designated outdoor smoking areas across the terminals. Be sure to plan ahead, as once you go through security, there are no areas to smoke.

Vancouver International Airport

One of the busiest airports in Canada, Vancouver International, does not allow smoking indoors. The designated smoking areas can be found outside of the departure terminals prior to passing through security.

London Heathrow International Airport

One of the UK’s largest airports briefly permitted the use of e-cigarettes and hit the headlines in November 2013 when it became the first airport to create a dedicated vaping area, which was located in Terminal 4. Heathrow Airport currently states on its website that passengers cannot use e-cigarettes within their premises.

Newcastle Airport

If you’re travelling to Northern England, Newcastle Airport offers two designated smoking areas after passing through security that permit the use of e-cigarettes while also providing smoking shelters outside of the terminal.

Manchester Airport

All types of electronic cigarettes are prohibited indoors in Manchester. However, there are outdoor smoking areas in Terminals 1 and 2 once you have cleared security.

Rome Fiumicino Airport

While the airport is non-smoking indoors, there are seven indoor smoking lounges that you can use while you wait to board in each of their five terminals. They are well-ventilated and are built to ensure that they do not disturb other passengers, so be sure to use them accordingly.

Athens International Airport

If you’re departing from Athens International, the largest airport in Greece, they provide two large booths for smoking cigarettes and vape devices at two of the gates. If you are arriving and would like to use your vape after landing, there is another booth before baggage claim.

Zurich Airport

Another European airport that offers multiple outdoor designated smoking areas inside the terminals for convenient smoking is Zurich International. 

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

The world's busiest airport ensures travellers from countries where smoking indoors is still the norm are catered for. You'll find at least two smoking lounges in each of their many concourses. A few for quick reference: Concourse B7, B24, C15, C28, D5, D7, E8, E17, and E30.

McCarran International Airport

In Las Vegas, there are multiple smoking areas inside the terminals where you can enjoy your vape before boarding your flight - without disturbing other passengers.

What Are the Penalties for Vaping Illegally in Airports?

Failure to adhere to airport vaping regulations can result in various consequences, including fines, penalties, or being denied boarding. Airport security personnel and staff are responsible for enforcing these rules, and ignorance of the regulations is not typically considered a valid excuse.

Penalties for vaping illegally in an airport can vary from paying a fine, confiscation of your device, and legal consequences. However, there can be harsher penalties for disobeying the law, such as denial of boarding and an airport ban.

The severity of the penalty depends on the airport's policy, so it's best to be mindful to avoid any of these penalties.

If you're in an airport that offers smoking lounges, be sure to only use your vape in those designated areas. Be respectful of others and avoid taking the risk of setting off a fire alarm or facing any penalties.

Can You Carry Vapes and E-Liquids on Airplanes?

The regulations on carrying vapes and e-liquids on planes can differ depending on the airline. 

According to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), vaping products are allowed in carry-on baggage if they don’t exceed 100 ml/3.4 oz. You also won't need to remove your vape from its case or bag. Vapes are not usually allowed to be carried in checked baggage due to the risk they impose, as the bags are not easily accessible. 

British Airways allows up to 15 lithium-ion/metal batteries to be transported in your hand luggage, while RyanAir allows up to 20 disposable vapes in your carry-on luggage.

Across the United States, TSA states that each lithium-ion battery must not exceed a Watt-hour (Wh) rating of 100 Wh or, for lithium metal batteries, a lithium content of 2 grams.

Always double check with your airline before travelling to make sure you're following their regulations and requirements.

The use of your vape on a plane is strictly prohibited across all airlines; it's not worth being fined and disrupting the whole flight.

If you're travelling internationally, be sure to inform yourself of the laws of vaping, as they may differ from your home country.

Final Thoughts

The rules and regulations on vaping in airports vary from country to country, and we want you to be informed. While Canada prohibits smoking indoors, certain airports across Europe and the US provide smoking lounges indoors. We recommend researching your destination when travelling to avoid any consequences, and remember to bring your vapes in your carry-on when packing for your next trip. Although it’s uncommon, vapes can explode in certain instances, so leaving them in your checked baggage can be dangerous for everyone. 

Our disposable vapes are safety tested to help you avoid any unnecessary risks. If you’re looking for disposable vapes, shop WAKA Vape for a wide variety of flavours and devices to choose from.