The invention provides an aerosol generating apparatus (1), especially a personal vaporizer device such as an electronic smoking article, for generating an aerosol from a source of aerosol-forming substance (S). The aerosol generating apparatus (1) comprises a receiving portion (2) configured to receive a consumable unit (4), such as a charge or cartridge comprising a solid source of aerosol-forming substance, and at least one locating member (6) for locating the consumable unit (4) within the receiving portion (2). The at least one locating member (6) is configured to locate or position the consumable unit (4) within the receiving portion (2) such that an airflow path (P) extends along outer sides of the consumable unit (4) and through the consumable unit (4) entering at one end region (8) thereof and exiting from an opposite end region (9) thereof, with the outer sides (7) of the consumable unit (4) being arranged between the one end region (8) and the opposite end region (9).