Debating No Smoking Bans In Airports

Posted on | May 26, 2008 | Leave a Comment

This idea may seem controversial by many people,Â but please consider the argument before skipping past this article. A couple of weeks ago I was transferring thru London Heathrow International, butÂ was forced to waitÂ and get a hotel for the night. I saw a fewÂ smokers in an outdoor smoking area and being in no hurry to grab a shuttle to my hotel I thought I may as well ask each of them their stance on smoking laws in airports. The answers provided were surprising plus well thought out.

They we’re all okay withÂ stepping out for a smoke at restaurants, bars, or at work, and so on. However something they do take issue with is that there are no facilities in the secure areas at international airports.

I was asked to consider those smokers who had beenÂ on a long distance flight and then needed to connect to another plane. To have a smoke they need to get outside which means leaving the departure and arrival gate area as well as possibly passingÂ through border control. Then a smoking area needs to be found. Then after finishing their cigarette they need to face airport security and if going international again another round at passport and border control, all the while lugging their cabin baggage with them.

So that got me thinking, why isn’t there an area for smokers in the departure lounge like there were before? There are and were some excellent examples to look at which had well designed ventilation along with a system producing negative air pressure. These systems worked so well that you had to almost be sitting on top of them to take note of the smell of smoke.

Or better yet would be to design an outdoor smoking area. Once I transferred through Miami International I saw quite an interesting place to have a smoke in the area past security. It was a little courtyard outside yet still within the secure area of the terminal. Thus couldn’t we make something similar or an outdoor balcony?

Since air travel & airports presentÂ aÂ situation where people, including smokers, are confined for extraordinary long lengths of time, wouldn’t it possible for us to give the cigarette addicts a little leeway? Think about it – most would quit if they could, so what good does it do to add all the excess stress of going for hours onÂ end without a smoke.Â Â What’s your opinion,Â should airports once again be allowed to provide smoking locations within the secure areas?