Comparing Smoking Policies: Smoker-Friendly Airports

Evolution of Smoking Policies in Airports

Smoking policies have evolved recently and are becoming increasingly restricted. In many enclosed public spaces, smoking is strictly prohibited (whether you choose electronic cigarettes or traditional ones). This trend is caused by the tendency toward eco-friendly and healthy solutions. These changes have a direct impact on passengers who need to adjust to the rules during air travel.

Types of Smoking Areas in Airports

There are different types of airport smoking areas:

• Designated shelter: a smoking room inside the airport that can be checked on the map.
• Outdoor areas: places outside where you can smoke cigarettes. They are marked by special signs.
• Smoking lounges: such spots, besides smoking areas, also offer numerous facilities.

Smoker-Friendly Airports Around the World

If you are looking for a designated smoking area, you may find it at the following airports:

Geneva Airport

One smoking lounge, located in the transit area of Terminal T1, is available at the Geneva airport. It is a spacious and well-designed place with smoke extractors. If you want to relax and spend time in a comfortable environment, you can visit this Geneva lounge; it’s free of charge.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport

This airport in India (Mumbai) offers smoking lounges for passengers in the departure and arrival terminals. You can visit the CSMIA website for more details about where exactly such places are located. Generally, they are available in Terminal 1 next to belt 5 and between gates 26 and 27, Terminal 2 (level 4 retail and gate 28, level 3 retail, gate 42 or gate 47, and the arrivals hall).

Nashville International Airport

Two in-house smoking lounges are available at the Nashville International Airport, offered by the Graycliff Cigar Company, one at concourse B and the second at concourse C by gate C-10. The entry costs $4, and you can also buy handcrafted cigars and tobacco products there.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has designated areas for smokers: lounges and rooms before and after passport control. You can notice them by the white dotted lines. Some of the lounges, where smoking is permitted, are located inside airport bars. Note that smoking is generally banned in the Netherlands’ enclosed public zones.

Narita Airport

The smoking zone in the Narita Airport includes 14 lounges that are hard to miss. The marks are clearly visible and can be easily found. You can use airport maps to learn more. Remember that you are not allowed to smoke outside passenger terminals.

Miami International Airport

Designated areas for smokers are also available at the Miami International Airport. You can smoke in an open-air atrium attached to the airport’s TGI Fridays restaurant as well as outside the terminals on the Arrivals and Departures levels located across the street from concourse D, E, F, H, and J.

How to Find Smoking Areas in Airports

To find a smoking area at the airport, you can:

• Look for the signage: in most cases, you can easily spot marks that will lead you to the smoking areas. Usually, signs are placed in the prominent zones.
• Check the airport map: most of the airports have digital or traditional maps, so you can locate the smoking areas earlier and be prepared.
• Ask airport staff: you can also ask airport employees to give you directions to the smoking area locations.

Traveling Tips for Smokers

If you are a smoker who travels abroad, remember to research local laws. Sometimes, specific prohibitions and limitations may take place, so keep that in mind. Don’t break the rules, as it may result in financial fines or even imprisonment. For example, don’t throw away cigarette butts on the street, and respect non-smokers to avoid problems.

Also, you can consider using nicotine alternatives. Because of the strict conditions in some areas, you may not be able to smoke, which can end in withdrawal symptoms. To avoid such a situation, try nicotine pouches and gums. Smoking is a tricking habit that is unhealthy and environmentally unfriendly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are there smoking areas in every airport?

There are many airports with smoking rooms across the world. You need to check the specific airport for more information about where to smoke freely. Sometimes, special zones are available in the lounges or outside the terminal building.

How can I find out if an airport has a smoking area?

You can check the map to find airport smoking areas or contact the staff. Most airports provide spaces for smokers, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

Can I smoke e-cigarettes in non-smoking airports?

Smoking in prohibited zones is not possible, even in the case of e-cigarettes. If you decide to do so, you will be fined, so keep that in mind. Check for the places where you can do it legally (for example, at the special airport lounge).

Can I carry tobacco products in my carry-on?

Yes, you can have tobacco products in your carry-on, according to the TSA rules. Loose tobacco and pipe tobacco are acceptable. They can be put in a checked bag, pockets, or carry-on.

What are the penalties for smoking in non-designated areas?

The penalties differ, as they depend on the specific airport and the country. Usually, a financial fine of up to $1,000 is imposed.