Dallas Airport and Its Smoking Areas
All airports come with their unique sets of rules and facilities, among which Dallas airport, officially known as Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), is no exception. One aspect that particularly deserves attention is the provision for smoking areas.
A Glance at DFW
The DFW airport, positioned between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, remains one of the busiest airports in the world. Around 73 million passengers used the airport in 2019. Operated by DFW Airport Board, this airport serves 192 destinations. However, considering the vast passenger footfall, the management being mindful about passenger amenities comes as no surprise.
Smoking Areas at DFW
For travellers who smoke, locating smoking areas often ends up being a priority. Understanding this need, DFW airport does offer provisions for smoking.
Unfortunately, most are surprised to learn that DFW airport does not offer indoor smoking areas. This is as per the City of Dallas Smoking Ordinance, aimed at reducing secondhand smoke exposure.
Though an inconvenience to some, this safeguards the health of non-smokers and children at airports from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
Alternative Options For Smokers
To cater to the needs of travellers who smoke, DFW Airport has placed designated outdoor smoking areas outside all five terminals. However, smokers must be aware of terminal access points before heading outside since once out, re-entry requires another pass through security.
Additionally, a Freedom Smokes Electronic Cigarettes store is available at Terminal E (Gate E21). Although technically not a smoking area, it serves as a solution for smokers who intend to refrain from physically stepping outside and going through security checks again.
Knowing What To Expect
The outdoor smoking areas are devoid of any extravagant amenities. Primarily, they are basic sidewalk locations with nearby seating and ashtrays. These spots are located a good distance away from the terminal doors, thereby decreasing secondhand smoke exposure to other passengers.
The areas are usually equipped with protection from the elements but can still be unpleasant during adverse weather conditions. Therefore, it’s recommended to pack a weather-appropriate jacket if planning to use these outdoor smoking areas.
Other Available Amenities at DFW
Other comforts provided at DFW include a variety of dining and shopping options, lounges, free Wi-Fi, mobile charging stations, art exhibitions, duty-free shops, and even yoga studios. Convenient transportation and parking facilities are in place for the easing of a passenger’s journey.
As an effort towards improving the passenger experience, DFW Airport has a dedicated app providing real-time flight information, maps, and more. This app can be particularly useful in guiding smokers to the nearest outdoor smoking area.
Can You Smoke in Dallas Love Field Airport?
It’s worth mentioning Dallas’s second airport, Dallas Love Field (DAL). Similar to DFW, there are no indoor smoking areas available at DAL as well. The city-wide smoking ban applies, and the airport only provides designated outdoor smoking areas.
This covers the key facts on the smoking areas at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The absence of indoor smoking lounges may come as a slight disadvantage for some. However, by offering outdoor smoking areas, the airport management does their bit in accommodating the needs of all passengers, while ensuring a healthier environment for everyone.