Gatwick Airport passengers heading abroad this year are being warned about a common rule that is catching many people out.
Those travelling from the Sussex airport are being urged to check the smoking rules ahead of time.
It comes as searches for airport smoking areas have increased by 5,000% in the past month.
With this in mind, Markus Lindblad, Head of External and Legal Affairs at Northerner, has revealed everything smokers need to be aware of before jetting off.
What are the smoking rules at Gatwick Airport?
Travellers at Gatwick Airport can smoke outside the terminal buildings in the designated zones, its website explains.
However, smoking is prohibited once you have gone through security, and there are no smoking facilities for passengers connecting from an international-to-international flight.
However, at South Terminal, the My Lounge features an outdoor terrace where passengers can smoke if they wish.
E-cigarettes and vapes have the same restrictions as cigarettes and can only be used in the designated areas outside terminal buildings.
Mr Lindblad said: "Many smokers are being caught out, as several UK airports don’t offer any smoking facilities once a traveller has gone through security.
"People who smoke or vape are being advised to use the designated smoking areas outside the terminal, as once past security, they will have no option to do so before boarding."
As well as Gatwick, other airports that have similar rules are Heathrow, Luton, Manchester Terminal 3, Stansted, Edinburgh and Birmingham.
Expert advice for smokers at airports
Mr Lindblad has issued advice to any smokers who are travelling from UK airports.
He urged passengers not to assume that all terminals have the same smoking areas.
For example, while there is no designated smoking area once you’re past security at Manchester Terminal 3, there are smoking areas in Terminal 1 and 2.
"Check what options are available in the terminal you plan to fly from, not just the airport," he said.
The expert also reminded travellers that some UK airports still do offer smoking areas past security.
Newcastle, Liverpool, Leeds and the East Midlands all offer smoking areas once through security.
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The final tip was to use alternatives to cigarettes and vapes.
Mr Lindblad said: "Vaping and smoking are prohibited across all airport buildings, so travellers are always advised to use designated areas or other alternatives, such as nicotine pouches, when travelling.
"Nicotine pouches offer a discreet alternative and can also be used on flights."
Have you got any trips planned from Gatwick Airport this year? Let us know in the comments.
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