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Does Manchester Airport Have a Smoking Area? Full Guide For Travellers

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If you smoke or vape, airports can be surprisingly stressful places. Long queues, delays, security checks, and boarding calls all make one simple question very important: Will I get a chance to smoke before my flight? At Manchester Airport, the answer is yes, but only if you understand how the rules work and where the smoking areas are located.

Many travellers assume that all terminals operate the same way, but that isn’t the case here. Some terminals allow smoking after security, others don’t, and the difference can seriously affect your airport experience. This guide explains everything clearly, without airport jargon, so you know exactly what to expect.

The Basic Smoking Rules at Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport follows UK smoke-free legislation, which means smoking is strictly prohibited inside all buildings. This includes terminal halls, departure lounges, restaurants, bars, toilets, corridors and even quiet corners. The same rules apply to vaping, e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas. These areas are clearly marked, monitored and separated from non-smoking passengers. Trying to smoke indoors, even discreetly, can result in warnings or penalties, and airport staff take enforcement seriously. The key thing to understand is the difference between landside and airside smoking areas.

Landside smoking areas (before security)

Landside means anywhere before you pass through airport security. At Manchester Airport, smoking areas are available outside all terminal entrances.

These areas are usually located:

  • Near the main terminal doors

  • Close to drop-off and pick-up zones

  • Outside arrivals exits

They’re clearly signposted and are the safest option if you want a guaranteed smoking spot regardless of your terminal. Many experienced travellers deliberately arrive a little earlier so they can smoke outside, then go through security without worrying about access later.

Smoking after the security terminal-by-terminal guide

Once you pass through security, options become much more limited. Some terminals offer outdoor terraces, while others don’t.

Terminal 1 smoking area

Terminal 1 does have a smoking area after security. Passengers can access an outdoor smoking terrace located within the departures lounge. It’s signposted and designed specifically for smokers, meaning you don’t have to leave the secure area or worry about missing your flight. That said, access can sometimes be restricted during busy periods, so it’s wise not to leave it until the final boarding call.

Terminal 2 smoking area

Terminal 2 also offers an airside smoking area, and it’s often considered the best one at Manchester Airport. The smoking terrace is located in the upper level of the departures lounge, typically accessed via lifts or escalators near World Duty Free. It’s outdoors, sheltered, and clearly marked with signs. For smokers flying long-haul from Terminal 2, this area is a major advantage, as it allows you to smoke relatively close to departure time without exiting security.

Terminal 3 smoking area (important)

Terminal 3 does not have a smoking area after security. Once you pass through security in Terminal 3, there is no outdoor terrace or designated smoking area available. This often catches passengers out, especially those unfamiliar with the airport. If you’re flying from Terminal 3 and want to smoke, your last opportunity is outside the terminal before security. After that, you’ll need to wait until you land at your destination.

Can you vape at Manchester Airport?

Vaping follows the same rules as smoking.

  • Not allowed indoors anywhere in the terminal

  • Allowed only in designated outdoor smoking areas

  • Includes e-cigarettes, disposable vapes, and heated tobacco devices

Security staff may confiscate or warn passengers who vape indoors, even discreetly, so it’s not worth the risk.

Tips for smokers flying from Manchester Airport

If smoking matters to you before flying, a little planning goes a long way.

  • First, always check which terminal your airline uses before arriving at the airport. This determines whether you’ll have an option after security or not.
  • Second, if you’re flying from Terminal 3, smoke before entering security, even if you think you might have time later. Many travellers assume there’s a terrace and only realise too late.
  • Third, allow extra time. Smoking terraces can be busy during peak travel hours, particularly early mornings and evenings. Queues aren’t unusual.

Finally, remember that once you leave an airside smoking area, you usually can’t re-enter it without passing through security again, so time your visit sensibly.

Why do Airports limit smoking areas?

Many travellers wonder why smoking areas are disappearing from airports altogether. The main reasons are health regulations, fire safety, and the high cost of maintaining outdoor terraces in secure zones.

Manchester Airport is actually more smoker-friendly than many UK and European airports, especially with Terminal 2’s airside terrace still available. Some airports have removed airside smoking areas entirely.

Quick summary: Manchester Airport smoking areas

Manchester Airport does allow smoking, but only in designated outdoor areas. All terminals have smoking areas outside before security. After security, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have outdoor smoking terraces, while Terminal 3 does not. Vaping follows the same rules as smoking. Knowing this in advance can make your airport experience far more comfortable.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but only in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 3 does not have a smoking area airside.

Yes. All terminals have outdoor smoking areas outside the terminal buildings before security.

Yes. Terminal 2 has a designated outdoor smoking terrace in the departures lounge after security.

No. Terminal 3 does not have a smoking area after security. You must smoke outside before entering the terminal.

No. Vaping is not allowed indoors and is only permitted in designated outdoor smoking areas.

Generally no. Once you leave the secure area, you would need to re-clear security, which is usually impractical and risky if you’re short on time.

If you’re a smoker flying from Manchester Airport, the experience can be smooth and stress-free,  as long as you know the rules ahead of time. A quick check of your terminal and a well-timed visit to the smoking area can save a lot of frustration and make the start of your journey far more relaxed.

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