Gatwick Smoking Area After Security Rules

Passengers traveling through Gatwick Airport should understand that smoking regulations after security are extremely strict. In most cases, there are no public smoking areas available once you pass through airport security screening.

The airport follows UK smoke-free laws that prohibit smoking inside terminal buildings, departure lounges, restaurants, waiting areas, and boarding gates. These rules also apply to e-cigarettes and vaping devices.

Is There a Smoking Area After Security at Gatwick Airport?

Most travelers will not find a Gatwick smoking area after security in either terminal. Once you enter the airside departure zone, smoking is generally prohibited throughout the airport.

However, there is one limited exception currently mentioned in official and travel sources:

My Lounge Outdoor Terrace – South Terminal

The only known airside smoking option at Gatwick Airport is the outdoor terrace connected to My Lounge in the South Terminal. Access usually requires a paid lounge pass or eligible premium membership.

Key details include:

• Located after security in South Terminal

• Smoking and vaping permitted on the outdoor terrace

• Paid lounge access may be required

• No equivalent smoking facility exists in North Terminal

Gatwick North Terminal Smoking Area After Security

Passengers flying from the North Terminal should plan carefully because there are normally no smoking facilities after security. Once travelers pass the security checkpoint, they cannot access outdoor smoking areas without exiting the secure zone and completing security again.

This applies to:

• Cigarettes

• Cigars

• Pipes

• Vapes

• E-cigarettes

Gatwick South Terminal Smoking Area After Security

The Gatwick South Terminal smoking area after security is extremely limited. Standard departure areas remain completely smoke-free, but travelers with access to My Lounge may use the outdoor terrace smoking space.

Without lounge access, passengers cannot smoke after security in the South Terminal.

Can You Vape After Security at Gatwick?

Vaping rules at Gatwick Airport are almost identical to smoking policies. E-cigarettes and vape devices are not allowed inside departure lounges or indoor terminal spaces after security.

Travelers should only vape in:

• Designated outdoor smoking zones before security

• Approved outdoor terrace lounge areas

Tips for Smokers Using Gatwick Airport

Smoke Before Entering Security

This is the easiest option because smoking access after security is very limited.

Arrive Earlier Than Usual

Extra time allows passengers to use outdoor smoking zones before check-in and security screening.

Consider Lounge Access

Passengers departing from South Terminal may benefit from paid lounge access if they need smoking access before boarding.

Carry Nicotine Alternatives

Nicotine gum or pouches can help during long flights or delays when smoking is unavailable.

For most travelers, there is effectively no general Gatwick smoking area after security. Both terminals enforce strict smoke-free policies across indoor passenger areas. The only commonly referenced exception is the outdoor terrace inside My Lounge at the South Terminal. Travelers should therefore plan to smoke before clearing airport security to avoid inconvenience before departure.