Over half of UK’s 23 airports have now banned smoking and vaping once travellers get through security

More than half of UK’s 23 airports now have complete bans on smoking and vaping in place for travellers once they get through security.

Only 11 of these airports have a place for smokers to light up before getting their flight after their bags have been scanned.

And even vape users aren't spared as these restrictions extend to e-cigarettes too.

This means nicotine users could be forced to go without for several hours prior to take-off - potentially longer if there’s a delay, in additions to the time spent in the air.

And while many overseas airports do have indoor smoking areas, vape users often have no choice but to vape in the same area as tobacco users.

This might explain why uncertainty over what the smoking policy will be post-airport security is a worry for 44 per cent of nicotine users.

To alleviate such confusion, VELO, the brand behind tobacco free nicotine pouches, has created an interactive map detailing the smoking policies of many domestic and international airports.

A spokesperson said: "Travelling can be very gruelling – there’s so much to think about, whether that’s packing, parking, flight times, insurance and lots more.

“And tobacco and vape users have an added layer of complication – especially when flying, as airport smoking and vaping restrictions can vary airport to airport.

“And while many airports overseas do have smoking areas, they are becoming less and less common – with many countries operating a complete ban once you get through security.”

Simplifying air travel for nicotine users

In addition to developing the map, the nicotine pouch makers commissioned research of 1,000 nicotine users aged 20 plus who've been using nicotine for six months or more.

The study found 28 per cent tend to plan their journey around where and when they’ll be able to use nicotine products.

With 63 per cent of smokers and vapers admitting they feel anxious about not being able to consume nicotine using their preferred method when flying.

And as such, 28 per cent of everyone polled has avoided travelling by plane – opting instead to travel by what they perceive to be more tobacco or vape-friendly forms of transport.

It also emerged 47 per cent have travelled by plane since airports and airlines introduced smoking and vaping restrictions.

And of those who’ve done so, 71 per cent have been in an airport smoking lounge.

For the most part their experience hasn’t been positive - 59 per cent said they have a ‘negative opinion’ of the lounges in general.

And their gripes include little or no air circulation or ventilation (46 per cent), lack of space (37 per cent), and bad odours (32 per cent).

Almost a fifth (18 per cent) also find the location of the designated areas to be a frustration – believing they tend to be a considerable distance from where they need to be.

So perhaps it’s no surprise 20 per cent of everyone polled avoid the smoking lounges completely or as much as possible.

But while airport smoking policies are confusing or irritating for some, the study carried out through OnePoll found 55 per cent have never tried alternative nicotine products.

The VELO spokesperson added: “Airports have many restrictions – and for good reason – but they do make this form of travel arguably the most complex.