Roberta Aguirre
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) has strict rules for smokers. As of 2011, the Chinese government banned all indoor smoking in areas where passengers are present, meaning that smoking is only allowed outside the terminal buildings. This can be an inconvenience for those with long layovers or connecting flights, who must enter China and smoke outside the terminal before going through security again. Lighters are confiscated at security, but smokers can purchase beer and lighters outside. Chinese airport police are reportedly strict, and illicit smoking is not advised.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smoking inside Beijing Airport | Not allowed |
| Smoking outside Beijing Airport | Allowed outside the terminal buildings |
| Lighter policy | Confiscated at security |
| Smoking on Chinese airlines | Banned since 2017 |
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What You'll Learn
There are no designated smoking areas inside Beijing Airport
If you're a smoker, Beijing Airport is not the place for you. Since 2011, the Chinese government has banned all indoor smoking in areas where passengers are present. This means that Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) has closed all of its indoor smoking areas. There are no designated smoking areas inside Beijing Airport.
For international passengers, this may come as a shock, especially as smoking is banned on all flights departing from the US and UK. However, in China, where nearly 50% of the population smokes cigarettes regularly, the rules have been more relaxed. While China banned in-flight smoking in the late 1990s, pilots were exempt from such laws until 2017. Even then, the ban was rarely enforced, and it was only in 2019 that the Civil Aviation Administration of China began to enforce the ban on smoking for all those on board.
Despite the changes, Beijing Airport remains a challenging place for smokers. One source describes it as a "terrible airport for smokers", especially those in transit with long layovers. Security will confiscate all lighters, and smoking is only permitted outside the terminal buildings. For those with connecting flights, this means entering China and smoking outside the terminal before going through security again.
It is worth noting that some travellers have reported being able to smoke in the bathrooms, with janitors charging a small fee. However, this is not recommended as airport police are omnipresent and extremely strict.
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Smoking is allowed outside the terminal buildings
If you are a smoker, Beijing Airport is not going to be an enjoyable experience. In 2011, the Chinese government banned all indoor smoking in areas where passengers are present. This means that Beijing Capital International Airport has closed all of its indoor smoking areas. However, smoking is allowed outside the terminal buildings.
Outside Gates 1, 5, and 7, there are smoking areas with pole trays and a bench seat. Only Gate 7 is open 24 hours. You can purchase beer at a convenience store and take it outside with you. However, be aware that the airport police are strict, and attempting to smoke illicitly could land you in trouble.
If you are in transit, you will need to enter China and smoke outside the terminal before going through security again for your connecting flight. It is also worth noting that security will confiscate any lighters they find, although you will be given a lighter when you smoke outside. Some people choose to hide their lighters in their hand luggage, which seems to work.
Smoking is also banned on all domestic flights in China. This means that pilots, crew, and passengers are no longer allowed to smoke during domestic flights. However, Chinese pilots are still allowed to smoke on international flights.
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Lighters are confiscated at security
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) has a strict no-smoking policy within its premises. Since 2011, the Chinese government has banned all indoor smoking in areas where passengers are present. As a result, Beijing Capital International Airport has closed all of its designated indoor smoking areas. However, smoking is permitted outside the terminal buildings.
If you are a smoker, it is advisable to leave your lighter at home. Beijing Airport has a strict policy of confiscating lighters at security. Although you will be able to get a lighter from the smoking areas outside, it is worth noting that selling lighters is banned at the airport. Smokers tend to leave their lighters on the ashtrays of outdoor smoking areas for others to use.
Beijing Airport Police are known to be extremely strict about enforcing the no-smoking rules. Travellers have reported being denied entry into China despite holding passports from 24-hour visa-free nations. In addition, the airport does not provide any maps, making it challenging to navigate to the outdoor smoking areas. These areas are located outside Gates 1, 5, and 7, with only Gate 7 remaining open 24 hours a day.
While the airport's smoking policy may be challenging for smokers, particularly those with long layovers, it is essential to respect the rules and refrain from illicit smoking. The strict enforcement of the no-smoking policy is driven in part by President Xi's wife, who leads the Beijing Anti-Smokers Crusade.
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Janitors may allow smoking in bathrooms
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) has a strict no-smoking policy. As of 2011, the Chinese government has banned all indoor smoking in areas where passengers are present. As a result, Beijing Capital International Airport has closed all of its smoking areas, and smoking is only permitted outside the terminal buildings.
However, some travellers have reported that janitors at the airport may allow smoking in the bathrooms, particularly those located around the gates farther from the centre. These janitors may approach travellers, making smoking motions and asking if they would like to smoke. It is important to note that this practice is not officially sanctioned by the airport and may be subject to change at any time.
One traveller reported that the rate for smoking in the bathroom appeared to be around 5RMB, and they felt it was a bit sketchy. They also mentioned that the janitors could be persistent in offering this opportunity to smoke. It is essential to be aware of the risks involved, as smoking is not permitted inside the airport, and Chinese airport police are known to be omnipresent and strict in their enforcement of the no-smoking policy.
Another traveller commented that while they had not been arrested for smoking in the bathroom, they would not recommend it as a practice. It is crucial to respect the laws and regulations of the country and to be mindful of the potential consequences of breaking the rules.
Overall, while the option of smoking in the bathrooms with the janitors' permission may be presented, it is a risky and unofficial practice. Travellers are advised to adhere to the airport's no-smoking policy and only smoke in designated outdoor areas to avoid any potential legal repercussions.
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Smoking is banned on all domestic flights
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) has a strict no-smoking policy inside the airport, and there are no designated indoor smoking areas. However, smoking is permitted outside the terminal buildings. Travellers are advised not to attempt illicit smoking within the airport premises as the Chinese airport police are known to be omnipresent and stringent in enforcing the smoking ban.
In addition to the indoor smoking ban at Beijing Airport, China has also implemented a complete in-flight smoking ban for domestic flights. This means that smoking is prohibited for all passengers, crew, and pilots on board domestic flights within China. The in-flight smoking ban was initially introduced in 2017 but was not effectively enforced until 2019, following several incidents where smoking crew members created potential safety hazards. One notable incident involved an Air China pilot who, in an attempt to smoke during the flight, accidentally turned off the aircraft cabin's air conditioning system, causing the plane to rapidly descend and oxygen masks to deploy.
The enforcement of the in-flight smoking ban on domestic flights is managed by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, which has implemented penalties for pilots who violate the ban, including suspensions of up to three years. It is important to note that this ban only applies to domestic flights within China, and Chinese pilots are still permitted to smoke in the cockpit on longer international flights.
Smokers travelling through Beijing Airport should be aware of the strict no-smoking policies in place, both within the airport and on domestic flights. While smoking is allowed outside the terminal buildings, illicit smoking inside the airport or during a domestic flight can lead to serious consequences. It is advisable to comply with the smoking restrictions and utilise designated smoking areas outside the airport to avoid any issues.
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Frequently asked questions
No, there are no designated indoor smoking areas inside Beijing Airport.
Yes, there are smoking areas with pole trays and a bench seat outside Gates 1, 5, and 7. Only Gate 7 is open 24 hours.
If you are in transit on an international flight, you must enter China and smoke outside the terminal, then go through security again for your connecting flight.
Lighters will be confiscated by security. However, you will be given a lighter when you smoke in the designated smoking areas outside.
Smoking has been banned on all domestic flights in China since 2017. However, pilots are still allowed to smoke in the cockpit on international flights.
