Is There a Smoking Area in Manchester Airport?

VAPE GUIDEs

VAPE TIPS

travel guides

Is There a Smoking Area in Manchester Airport? Travel Guide

If you're travelling through Manchester Airport and wondering whether you can smoke or vape before your flight, the answer is: yes—but only in specific areas. Manchester Airport allows smoking and vaping in designated zones, but these are limited, and the rules vary slightly depending on the terminal.

Here’s what you need to know before lighting up at Manchester Airport.

Smoking Before Security

Outdoor smoking areas are available outside each terminal building, so if you're early and haven’t gone through security yet, you’ll find clearly signposted areas with ashtrays near the terminal entrances. These are accessible to anyone arriving, departing, or waiting to check in.

This is the best time to smoke or vape, as access becomes more restricted once you’re inside the terminal.

Smoking After Security

Manchester Airport is one of the few major UK airports to offer designated smoking areas after security, but only in certain terminals:

Terminal 1

There is a designated outdoor smoking area after security. It's located near the upper level of the departure lounge, accessible via a door near the food court. The area is clearly marked and allows both smoking and vaping.

Terminal 2

As of the most recent updates, there is currently no smoking area after security in Terminal 2. You’ll need to smoke before passing through security, as there is no access once inside.

Terminal 3

No smoking area is available after security in Terminal 3 either. As with Terminal 2, you’ll need to use the outdoor smoking zone before heading to departures.

Vaping at Manchester Airport

Vaping is treated the same as smoking. You can vape only in designated smoking areas, whether outside the terminal or, in the case of Terminal 1, the post-security smoking zone. Vaping is not allowed inside the terminal, and using e-cigarettes in non-designated areas could lead to warnings or penalties.

If you're travelling with a vape device, remember:

  • Carry it in your hand luggage, not in your checked bags

  • E-liquids must be under 100ml and placed in your clear plastic bag at security

  • You cannot use your vape on the plane

Final Word

Manchester Airport does have smoking areas, but access varies depending on the terminal. All terminals offer smoking zones before security, and only Terminal 1 currently provides a post-security smoking area. If you're flying from Terminal 2 or 3, make sure to have your last cigarette or vape before going through to departures.

Always follow signage and airport rules to avoid fines or delays—and if you're flying long haul, it might be a good idea to pack nicotine gum or patches as a backup.