Charlotte Airport Smoking Areas: Where To Light Up

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is the 11th busiest airport in the United States, serving over 50 million passengers annually. For travellers who smoke, finding a place to light up can be challenging. While CLT is a smoke-free facility, with smoking prohibited in all indoor areas, there is one designated smoking area outside the terminal on the upper level. This is the only place where smoking is permitted, and it is not covered or enclosed, leaving smokers exposed to the elements. In this post, we will explore CLT's smoking policies, designated smoking areas, and alternatives for smokers.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is smoke-free inside

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is a smoke-free facility, meaning smoking is prohibited inside any of the terminals, concourses, gate areas, restrooms, or restaurants. This includes electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), vaping devices, and other products that emit smoke or vapour.

Where can you smoke?

There is one designated smoking area outside the terminal on the upper level near the west end of the building. This area is clearly marked with signs and ashtrays, and it is open 24 hours a day. However, it is not covered or enclosed, so smokers will be exposed to the weather conditions.

Smokers who use this area must stay at least 100 feet away from any entrance or exit of the terminal building, as well as any air intake vents or fuelling areas. This rule is in accordance with the North Carolina Smoke-Free Law, which prohibits smoking in all enclosed areas of public places, including airports.

Failure to comply with the smoke-free policies may result in removal from the airport or prosecution. Additionally, according to the North Carolina Smoke-Free Law, violators may face a fine of up to $50.

Where can I buy cigarettes?

If you need to purchase cigarettes, you can do so at The Local Market shop in Concourse D near Gate D13. This is the only place within the airport where cigarettes are sold, and they are subject to state and local taxes, making them more expensive than usual.

There is one designated smoking area outside

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is a smoke-free facility, meaning smoking is prohibited inside any of the terminals, concourses, gate areas, restrooms, restaurants, bars, and airline clubs. However, there is one designated smoking area outside the terminal on the upper level near the west end of the building. This is the only place where smoking is permitted at Charlotte Airport, and it is clearly marked with signs and ashtrays.

The outdoor smoking area is located at least 100 feet away from the terminal's doorways, in line with North Carolina's Smoke-Free Law. This means that after smoking, passengers will need to go through security screening again before returning to the gate area. The smoking area is open 24 hours a day, but it is not covered or enclosed, leaving smokers exposed to the elements.

In addition to the state law, CLT has its own policies regarding smoking on its property. According to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport website, smoking is prohibited in all areas of the airport except for the designated smoking area mentioned. This includes electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), vaping devices, and other products emitting smoke or vapour.

For travellers who are unable to locate the smoking area or prefer not to go outside, there are alternative options to smoking. Nicotine replacement products, such as patches, gums, or lozenges, can help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These are typically available over the counter at most drugstores and pharmacies. Non-nicotine alternatives, such as herbal cigarettes, inhalers, or sprays, can also be considered, although their safety and efficacy are not well-studied.

It is located on the upper level near the west end of the building

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is a smoke-free facility, meaning smoking is prohibited inside any of the terminals, concourses, gate areas, restrooms, or restaurants. However, there is one designated smoking area outside the terminal building on the upper level near the west end of the building. This is the only place where smoking is permitted at Charlotte Airport, and it is clearly marked with signs and ashtrays.

The smoking area is open 24 hours a day, but it is not covered or enclosed, so smokers are exposed to the elements. It is located outside the terminal, so smokers must go through TSA security screening before returning to the gate area. This can be a significant inconvenience, especially for those with short layovers or time constraints.

To access the smoking area, individuals can use the elevators or stairs near Door 1A or Door 1B. It is important to note that smokers are required to stay at least 100 feet away from any entrance or exit of the terminal building, as well as any air intake vents or fueling areas. This distance requirement is in accordance with North Carolina Smoke-Free Law, which prohibits smoking within 100 feet of enclosed areas of public places, including airports.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport's official policies also prohibit smoking in all areas of the airport except for the designated smoking area. This includes electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), vaping devices, and other products emitting smoke or vapour. Failure to comply with these policies may result in removal from the airport or prosecution.

The area is not covered or enclosed

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is a smoke-free facility, meaning smoking is prohibited inside any of the terminals, concourses, gate areas, restrooms, restaurants, bars, and airline clubs. However, there is one designated smoking area outside the terminal on the upper level, near the west end of the building. This area is not covered or enclosed, so smokers may have to deal with various weather conditions.

As per the North Carolina Smoke-Free Law, smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas of public places, including airports. CLT's smoking area is outside, and smokers are required to stay at least 100 feet away from any entrance or exit of the terminal building, as well as any air intake vents or fueling areas. This means that smokers who use this area will be exposed to the outdoor elements, such as rain, wind, or heat, without any protection from a covered or enclosed space.

The lack of a covered or enclosed smoking area at CLT can be inconvenient for smokers, especially during inclement weather. They will need to plan accordingly and be prepared to face the outdoor conditions. Additionally, smokers should be mindful of the airport's proximity to the terminal and adhere to the required distance of 100 feet from any doorways or restricted areas.

The exposed nature of the smoking area can also lead to potential discomfort or inconvenience for smokers. They may be subjected to direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or precipitation, which can be unpleasant and affect their overall airport experience. It is important for smokers to manage their expectations and be aware of the limitations of the smoking area at CLT.

Furthermore, the absence of a covered or enclosed smoking area can have a significant impact on the comfort and well-being of smokers during their time at CLT. They may have to endure prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions, which can cause discomfort and even health issues for those who are more sensitive to extreme temperatures or have respiratory concerns. It is advisable for smokers to take necessary precautions, such as dressing appropriately for the weather and being mindful of their overall health and well-being.

It is clearly marked with signs and ashtrays

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is a smoke-free facility, meaning smoking is prohibited inside any of the terminals, concourses, gate areas, restrooms, or restaurants. However, the airport does have a designated smoking area outside the terminal on the upper level near the west end of the building. This area is clearly marked with signs and ashtrays, making it easily identifiable for travellers.

The smoking area at CLT is the only place where smoking is permitted, and it is important for smokers to adhere to this rule. To ensure compliance, the area is located at least 100 feet away from any entrance or exit of the terminal building, as well as air intake vents and fuelling areas. This distance maintains a safe and healthy environment for both smokers and non-smokers within the airport.

As per the North Carolina Smoke-Free Law, smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas of public places, including airports. CLT's smoking area complies with this law by being outdoors and away from enclosed spaces. The area is also governed by the airport's own policies, which prohibit smoking in all areas except for the designated smoking section. This includes electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and other smoke-emitting products, which must be used within the designated smoking area.

The designated smoking area at CLT is easily accessible from both inside and outside the terminal. Travellers can use the elevators or stairs near Door 1A or Door 1B to reach the upper level, where they will find the clearly marked smoking area. This area provides smokers with a space to accommodate their smoking habits while also respecting the comfort and health of non-smoking travellers.

While the smoking area is open 24 hours a day, it is not covered or enclosed, leaving smokers exposed to varying weather conditions. This is an important consideration for travellers, especially during inclement weather. Overall, the designated smoking area at CLT is a well-marked and accessible space that allows smokers to enjoy their cigarettes or vaping devices while adhering to the airport's policies and local laws.

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