Owais Crawford
If you're a smoker travelling through Houston Airport, you might be wondering where you can smoke. Houston Airport, also known as George Bush Intercontinental Airport, is a smoke-free facility by city ordinance, meaning smoking is not permitted inside any of the airport terminals. However, there are designated smoking areas outside each terminal, positioned at least 25 feet away from exit doors. These can be found by following signs that say Designated Smoking Area or by asking an airport staff member for directions. While some travellers have reported that it is possible to smoke outside the airport, others have warned that with a short connection time, it may not be worth risking a delay coming back through TSA security, especially during peak times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smoking allowed inside the airport | No |
| Designated smoking areas outside | Yes |
| Distance of designated smoking areas from exit doors | 25 feet |
| Location of designated smoking areas | Outside each terminal |
| Location of designated smoking area in Terminal A | Door A113 |
| Location of designated smoking area in Terminal B | Near the Taxi pick-up point |
| Location of designated smoking area in Terminal C | Near Door C105 |
| Location of designated smoking area in Terminal E | Near Door E101 |
| Availability of cigarettes at the airport | Yes |
| Suggested alternatives to smoking | Nicotine replacement products like patches, gums, or lozenges |
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What You'll Learn
Designated smoking areas outside Houston Airport
Houston Airport, also known as George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), is located about 23 miles north of downtown Houston. The airport is designated as a smoke-free facility by city ordinance, and smoking is not permitted inside any of the airport terminals. However, there are designated smoking areas outside each terminal at least 25 feet away from exit doors.
You can find these designated smoking areas by following the signs that say "Designated Smoking Area" or by asking an airport staff member for directions. These areas are located across all terminals for the convenience of smokers. In Terminal A, the designated smoking area is at Door A113. In Terminal B, it is situated near the taxi pick-up point. In Terminal C, you can find the smoking area close to Door C105. Finally, in Terminal E, the designated smoking area is near Door E101 on Level 1, to the northwest of the terminal exit, and close to the Hotel Shuttles Pick-Up.
It is important to note that if you smoke before your flight, you will need to go through security screening again when you leave the smoking area. This may take some time, especially during peak hours, so be sure to plan accordingly. Additionally, if you are travelling internationally and want to buy cigarettes for the smoking area, you can find them at newsstands and convenience stores in each terminal, although these may be more expensive than usual. Alternatively, there are vending machines located near some of the designated smoking areas outside the terminals.
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No smoking indoors
Houston Airport, also known as George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), is a smoke-free facility by city ordinance. Smoking is not permitted inside any of the airport terminals. This includes indoor bars. However, there are designated smoking areas outside each terminal, positioned at least 25 feet away from exit doors.
If you are a smoker, you can find these designated areas by following signs that say "Designated Smoking Area" or by asking an airport staff member for directions. In Terminal A, the designated smoking area is located at Door A113. In Terminal B, it is situated near the taxi pick-up point. In Terminal C, it is close to Door C105, and in Terminal E, it is near Door E101.
If you are unable to locate the designated smoking areas, there are alternative options to consider. You can purchase nicotine replacement products, such as patches, gums, or lozenges, to help manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These products are typically available at most pharmacies or online. Additionally, you can use an electronic cigarette or vape device that does not produce smoke or odour.
It is important to note that even if you purchase cigarettes from shops within the airport, you cannot smoke them inside the airport premises. You will need to use the designated outdoor smoking areas or wait until you reach your destination.
With regards to connecting flights and finding time to smoke, it is advised to exercise caution. While Houston Airport is a large airport, and the designated smoking areas are not far, the security lines can be lengthy. Individuals have reported varying experiences, with some managing to quickly exit for a smoke and re-enter, while others have faced delays due to backup at security. Therefore, it is recommended to plan accordingly, especially if you have a short connection time.
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Quickest exits for a smoke
If you're looking for the quickest exits to have a smoke at Houston Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, smoking is not permitted inside any of the airport terminals, but there are designated smoking areas outside each terminal, at least 25 feet away from exit doors. These areas can be found by following signs that say "Designated Smoking Area" or by asking an airport staff member for directions.
Now, regarding the quickest exits, it depends on which terminal you're in. For Terminal A, the designated smoking area is at Door A113. If you're in Terminal B, the smoking area is near the Taxi pick-up point. For those in Terminal C, the smoking area is located close to Door C105. As for Terminal E, you'll find the designated smoking area near Door E101.
Keep in mind that Houston Airport, also known as George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), is a large airport. While the designated smoking areas are not far from any location within the airport, getting to them and then back through security can take a significant amount of time, especially during peak hours. Some travellers have reported waiting in line for upwards of an hour at peak times. Therefore, it's essential to factor in the time required for security checks when planning a quick smoke break.
Additionally, consider the time needed to walk to and from the exits and the possibility of delays at security upon your return. If you have a short connection time, it might not be advisable to attempt a smoke break, especially if you have to go through security again.
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Alternatives to smoking
If you are travelling through Houston Airport and are looking for alternatives to smoking, there are several options available to help you manage your nicotine cravings:
- Nicotine replacement products: These include patches, gums, or lozenges, which can help you manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine gum, for example, requires a "chew and park" technique. You chew the gum until you feel the effects of nicotine, then hold it between your teeth or cheek for 5-10 seconds. Lozenges are also effective as they provide a dose of nicotine while keeping your mouth busy.
- E-cigarettes or vape devices: These are considered harm reduction tools, as they do not produce smoke or odour. However, they still contain nicotine, and long-term effects are not yet fully understood.
- Prescribed medication: Medication such as Varenicline (formerly Chantix) is highly effective in cutting cravings as it acts like nicotine on the brain without containing any. Bupropion (Wellbutrin or Zyban) is another medication that works similarly. These require a prescription, so you will need to consult a doctor.
- Behavioural alternatives: If you are looking for a quick fix to distract yourself from a craving, try drinking a glass of water, eating candy, or chewing on a toothpick. You could also take a shower, go for a walk, read a book, or do something active like taking the dog out for a walk.
Remember, Houston Airport provides designated smoking areas outside each terminal, at least 25 feet away from exit doors. If you are unable to find these areas, you can always ask an airport staff member for directions.
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Buying cigarettes at the airport
If you're looking to buy cigarettes at an airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, duty-free shops at airports typically sell cigarettes, but they are usually sold by the carton (containing 10 packs or 200 cigarettes) rather than individual packs. This means that if you only want a single pack, you will still likely have to purchase a carton. However, duty-free items are generally cheaper compared to regular retail store prices, so purchasing a carton of cigarettes at an airport may result in savings.
It's important to note that duty-free restrictions vary from country to country, and many countries impose a tax-exemption limit on the amount of tobacco you can purchase duty-free. Most countries allow up to 200 to 400 cigarettes to be purchased duty-free, but it's always a good idea to research the specific rules and restrictions of your destination country before assuming that you can buy cigarettes at your arrival airport. Additionally, remember that even if you buy cigarettes at an airport, smoking is often not permitted inside airport terminals due to smoke-free ordinances. For example, Houston Airport offers designated smoking areas outside each terminal, at least 25 feet away from exit doors, but smoking is not allowed inside the airport itself.
If you are unable to find a designated smoking area at an airport, there are alternatives to consider. Nicotine replacement products, such as patches, gums, or lozenges, can help manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These products can often be purchased at pharmacies or online. Additionally, electronic cigarettes or vape devices that do not produce smoke or odour may be allowed in areas where smoking is prohibited.
When purchasing cigarettes at an airport, you may have the option to buy them from duty-free shops, newsstands, convenience stores, or vending machines. Duty-free shops are located in international airports and offer tax-free items, including tobacco products. Newsstands and convenience stores within airport terminals may also sell cigarettes, but they may charge regular taxes and prices, which could be higher than expected. Vending machines selling cigarettes can sometimes be found near designated smoking areas outside airport terminals.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Houston Airport is a smoke-free facility by city ordinance.
Yes, there are designated smoking areas outside each terminal, at least 25 feet away from exit doors.
Look for signs that say "Designated Smoking Area" or ask an airport staff member for directions.
Yes, you can use nicotine replacement products such as patches, gums, or lozenges, or an electronic cigarette or vape device that does not produce smoke or odor.
