For smokers travelling through Birmingham Airport, the question is always the same: where can you light up?
The rules are simple enough, but it’s worth knowing where smoking is allowed before getting to the airport. Let’s discuss the key spots so you’re not stuck pacing around with your suitcase when you could be relaxing before your flight.
Can You Smoke Inside Birmingham Airport?
In short, no. Like all UK airports, Birmingham Airport has a strict no-smoking policy inside the terminal building. That includes e-cigarettes and vapes, so you can’t just switch to a pod kit (no matter if it’s a TPD-compliant Elux vapes or legal big puffs) and expect it to be fine indoors. The indoor ban covers everywhere beyond the main entrance doors, so if you want a cigarette or a quick vape, you’ll need to head outside before security.
Where You Can Smoke Before Security
Your best option before going through security is the designated smoking area just outside the terminal. You’ll find it by exiting through the main departure doors, turning right, and following the signs. It’s covered, so you’re safe if the weather’s miserable, and in Birmingham, that’s always a possibility. If you’re catching a lift to the airport, it’s easy enough to grab a smoke before heading inside.
Smoking After Security: The Bad News
Here’s where most travellers get caught out. Birmingham Airport doesn’t have any smoking areas once you’ve passed through security. That means if you want one last cigarette before boarding, you need to do it outside the terminal beforehand.
Some other airports in Europe have smoking lounges airside, but BHX isn’t one of them. Once you’re in, you’re in; so if you’ve got a long wait for your flight, plan accordingly.
What About Vaping at Birmingham Airport?
Vaping is treated exactly the same as smoking here. That means no puffing on your favourite Hayati rechargeable vape or Big Puffs in the departure lounge, toilets, or boarding gates. You’ll need to use the same outside smoking area before security.
Note: If you’ve got a vape kit in your hand luggage, remember to keep e-liquids in bottles under 100ml and in your clear plastic liquids bag for security. Coils, pods, and tanks can stay in your bag without an issue.
Smoking & Vaping at Birmingham Airport: Quick Reference Guide
| Location | Allowed? | Details | Personal Tip |
| Inside Terminal (Any Area) | No | Smoking and vaping are banned everywhere indoors. | Don’t risk it: security staff take this seriously. |
| Before Security: Outside | Yes | Designated smoking areas are just outside the main departure doors. Turn right and follow the signs. | Great spot if you’ve got time before check-in; it’s sheltered, so rain’s not an issue. |
| After Security: Airside | No | No smoking areas once you’re through security. | Have your last cigarette outside: you won’t get another chance until you land. |
Final Word
Birmingham Airport keeps its smoking rules crystal clear and a bit strict. The only spot you’re allowed to smoke is the outdoor area before security. Step past the scanners and you’ve lost your chance until you land, no matter how long the wait.
It’s worth timing your last cigarette so you’re not sitting at the gate wishing you’d had one more. Plan ahead, take a few minutes outside, and you’ll save yourself that restless wait during the flight.
