Charlotte Douglas International Airport is governed by city ordinances due to which it is rendered as a smoke-free zone. Thus, specific Charlotte Airport smoking areas are unavailable indoors. However, it does not restrict travelers from smoking outside the main terminal and its concourses. For this, the distance from the terminal to the curbside should be at least 100 feet. In these areas, vaping can be permitted as well. A traveler should keep in mind to follow all the necessary conditions before lighting and using a cigarette/e-cigarette at CLT, North Carolina. Otherwise, penalties might be charged.
Where is the Smoking Area at Charlotte Airport (CLT)?
CLT or Charlotte Douglas International Airport does not have any smoking area located within the main terminal or at any of its 5 concourses from A to E. If passengers wish to smoke, then they will have to head out of the terminal doorway. At a distance of 100 feet from here, they can use cigarettes or vapes.
- Smoking areas at Charlotte Airport are located near the curbside centers outside security.
- To access any of these spaces, a passenger will have to exit the main complex.
Is Smoking Allowed in Charlotte Airport Lounges?
As of now, smoking is not allowed in any of the lounges present at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, NC, USA. Being a completely smoke-free zone, it does not permit this activity even in restaurants, bars, or clubs. Fliers should avoid smoking near the retail stores and CLT baggage claim areas as well.
Can You Vape at Charlotte Douglas International Airport?
Flyers cannot use vapes or e-cigarettes anywhere inside Charlotte Airport. However, vaping can be permitted at the Charlotte NC Airport smoking area that is situated outside the main building.
Note: To find this zone, one can follow the airport signage or refer to the CLT Terminal map.
Why is Smoking Restricted at Charlotte International Airport (CLT)?
As per the ordinances given by the City of Charlotte, all the buildings owned by the government should be smoke-free spaces. The same regulation applies to Charlotte International Airport too. Hence, smoking is restricted here, mainly in adherence to city laws. Besides, the authorities are concerned about the health of those at/close to CLT.
Guidelines for Using Smoking Areas at CLT
CLT does not have any indoor smoking rooms or lounges. However, there are some designated smoking areas that are typically found at least 100 feet (≈30 m) from any terminal entrance or air intake. The guidelines for using these smoking areas include:
- The designated outdoor areas are equipped with ashtrays and waste disposal units. Always use these ashtrays and designated bins to ensure the area remains clean.
- Passengers who intend to smoke should do so before passing through TSA security. Once inside the secure area of the airport, there are no designated smoking zones available.
- If a passenger exits the secure area to smoke, they will need to go through TSA security screening again to re-enter and access their gate. This process can take considerable time, particularly during peak travel hours.
- Passengers should allow ample buffer time if they need to smoke, especially when dealing with tight connections.
- Always use only the marked areas. Smoking outside designated zones may lead to penalties or delays.
- Smoking areas may occasionally shift due to construction or renovations. It’s advisable to look for the latest signage or ask airport staff for the most updated guidance.
As an Endnote,
Charlotte Douglas Airport provides designated zones to smoke only outdoors, considering North Carolina’s strict ordinances. By providing such a designated smoking area at Charlotte Airport, the needs of certain fliers are balanced. At the same time, CLT’s commitment to ensuring smooth travel experiences for non-smokers is maintained.
FAQs
Within the airport, there is no area to smoke as of now.
As there is no smoking area in Charlotte Airport, this activity is prohibited here.
No, smoking at Charlotte Airport is only approved outside the security areas. Passengers who exit the terminal to smoke or vape should pass through security again.
To smoke at this airport, travelers can visit the designated zones past the security gates.
A traveler caught smoking inside CLT can be reported to the authorities. Penalties might be imposed accordingly.
Smoking at Charlotte Airport may not be permitted for flight attendants.
No, it is not legal to smoke at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Doing so can invite certain penalties or consequences.