Airports And Smoking: Designated Areas For Smokers

where can i smoke at the airport

If you're looking for a place to smoke at the airport, you'll need to head outdoors. While many airports have designated smoking areas outside, some don't allow smoking anywhere inside the airport premises. For example, Houston Airport is a smoke-free facility, but it provides smoking areas outside each terminal, at least 25 feet from exit doors. Similarly, Nashville and Las Vegas airports have smoking areas outside the security area. However, Nashville's cigar lounges charge a fee for using their smoking rooms. If you're connecting between flights, keep in mind that you'll need to go through security again, which could result in delays.

Characteristics Values
Smoking allowed inside the airport No
Smoking areas Outside each terminal, at least 25 feet away from exit doors
Terminal A Door A113, Level 1 on the north side, Level 2 on the east side
Terminal B Near the taxi pick-up point, Level 1 on the south side, Level 2 on the east side
Terminal C Near Door C105, Level 1 on the south side, Level 2 on the east side
Terminal E Near Door E101
Fine for smoking inside $25
Exception to the rule International passengers with access to duty-free shops in Terminals D and E

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Designated smoking areas at Houston Airport

Houston Airport, officially known as George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), does provide designated smoking areas for travellers who smoke.

At Houston Airport, smoking is not allowed at the indoor bars. However, travellers can find designated smoking areas at all the terminals. For Terminal A, the designated smoking area is at Door A113. For Terminal B, it is located near the taxi pickup area. For Terminal C, the designated smoking area is near Door C105, and for Terminal E, it is situated near Door E101.

In addition to these designated smoking areas, travellers have also reported that there are plenty of benches under cover around the terminals where one can smoke. For instance, a traveller mentioned that they had a pleasant smoking experience next to the planters near Terminal C.

It is important to note that Houston Airport has two airport codes, IAH and HOU, which refer to two different airports. IAH refers to George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and HOU refers to Hobby Airport. While information on designated smoking areas at IAH is readily available, details for HOU are scarce and may have different policies and procedures.

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No indoor smoking at Houston Airport

The George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport (IAH) is a smoke-free facility by city ordinance. This means that smoking is not permitted inside any of the airport terminals. This includes electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), vaping devices, and any other products that produce smoke or vapour. If you are caught smoking inside the airport, you will be subject to a $25 fine. You will also be asked to extinguish your cigarette or vaping device and dispose of it properly.

However, there are designated smoking areas outside each terminal, positioned at least 25 feet from exit doors. These can be found 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 on Level 1, near Door A-113, close to the Private Cars Pick-Up. In Terminal B, it is situated near the Taxi pick-up point. Terminal C's designated smoking area is located close to Door C105, near the Shuttles and Buses Pick-Up. Finally, in Terminal E, the designated smoking area is near Door E101.

If you are unable to find the smoking area at Houston Airport, you might want to consider some alternatives to smoking. Some nicotine replacement products, such as patches, gums, or lozenges, can help you cope with nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Another option is to use an electronic cigarette or vape device that does not produce any smoke or odour.

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Smoking areas at Nashville and Las Vegas airports

Nashville International Airport has a smoking lounge located inside the airport on Concourse B, called the Travelers Post Smoking Lounge. There is a $10 entrance fee to access the lounge, which includes complimentary coffee and snacks, and a bar option (alcohol at an extra cost). The lounge allows smoking cigars, cigarettes, and vaping, and the purchase of smoking products and drinks.

Some travelers appreciate the convenience of having a designated smoking area inside the terminal, without having to go through the TSA process again. However, others have expressed disappointment about the entrance fee, especially when there are free designated smoking areas in other airports.

Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas has designated smoking areas as well, in compliance with Nevada state law. These areas include:

  • Barneys Lounge at C Gates
  • Bud 29 Track Lounge at T1 Esplanade
  • Enclosed Gaming Lounges at B, C, D, and E Gates
  • Outdoors near ticketing and baggage claim

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Re-entering security after smoking

If you need to re-enter security after smoking at the airport, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

  • Locate the Designated Smoking Areas: Most airports have designated smoking areas located outside the terminals. These areas are usually positioned at a certain distance from the exit doors, such as 25 feet away. Look for signs that indicate "Designated Smoking Area" or ask airport staff for directions.
  • Allow Sufficient Time: Be mindful of the time required to return to the terminal and pass through security again. Factor in potential delays, especially during peak travel times, as you will need to go through security checks once more.
  • Follow Airport Regulations: Smoking inside airport terminals is typically prohibited, and violations may result in fines. This includes the use of electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and any other smoke or vapour-producing products. Ensure you properly extinguish and dispose of any smoking materials as per the airport's guidelines.
  • Consider Alternatives: If you are unable to locate the designated smoking areas or are short on time, consider using nicotine replacement products such as patches, gums, or lozenges to manage nicotine cravings. Alternatively, you can use smoke- and odour-free options like electronic cigarettes or vape devices.
  • Plan Ahead: If you anticipate needing to smoke during your layover, contact the airport or visit their official website beforehand to obtain detailed information about the smoking areas' locations and any relevant regulations. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure you have a pleasant airport experience.

By following these steps, you can re-enter security after smoking at the airport with ease. Remember to be mindful of your surroundings, adhere to airport regulations, and plan your time accordingly to ensure a smooth travel experience.

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Alternatives to smoking

If you are unable to find a smoking area at the airport, or the airport you are in does not permit smoking, there are alternatives to smoking that you can consider.

One option is to use nicotine replacement products such as patches, gums, or lozenges, which can help you cope with nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These products are available at most pharmacies or online.

Another alternative is to use an electronic cigarette or vape device that does not produce smoke or odour. However, it is important to note that the use of these devices may be treated the same as smoking cigarettes in some airports, and regulations vary across the world. If you plan to bring these devices with you, they must be packed in your hand luggage.

Some airports also have "pay-to-play" smoker-friendly cigar shops and cocktail lounges, where you can smoke, but only after making a minimum purchase.

Frequently asked questions

Smoking is not permitted inside any of the airport terminals at Houston Airport, as it is designated as a smoke-free facility by city ordinance. However, there are designated smoking areas outside each terminal 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.

It is recommended that you do not attempt to smoke during a layover at Houston Airport, as you will have to exit and re-enter security, which can result in long lines and delays. If you have a connection time of 60 minutes or less, it is advised that you do not try to smoke.

Yes, Las Vegas and Nashville airports in the US have indoor smoking areas. Nashville has two cigar stores, one in the C concourse and one in the B concourse, that travellers can use for a fee. Las Vegas has a free smoking area inside Terminal 2.

Nicotine replacement products such as patches, gums, or lozenges can help cope with nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Electronic cigarettes or vape devices that do not produce smoke or odour can also be used at the airport.

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