Can You Smoke After Going Through Airport Security?
Q. I am a smoker and was wondering can you smoke after going through airport security? Our travel agent told us that you could indeed smoke anywhere inside the secure area. We’re just worried that we may start a fire by accident, especially if we are traveling to an airport that is not in an urban area. Does that mean that we can’t go to the restroom or buy some cigarettes while we are waiting for our flight?
A. The short answer to your question is no, you cannot smoke anywhere inside the secured area of an airport. That said, if you do choose to take a drag after going through the security checkpoint, don’t be surprised if the security personnel catches you. They are trained to spot people who have a nicotine addiction, so be aware of your surroundings and don’t step outside of the rules.
Q. I’m a smoker, do I have to remove my clothes and/or remove my shoes when going through airport security? A. According to the law, you can continue to take a drag as long as you don’t smoke another puff within eight hours of the time you arrived at the security checkpoint.
Q. I’m a smoker, can I leave the airport and smoke anywhere else? A. Although smoking is prohibited by law, you are allowed to leave the security checkpoint and smoke anywhere else inside the terminal.
Q. Is there any way to help my smoking addiction without going against the law? A. There are now products available on the market that claim to help people quit smoking with a little help from technology and natural ingredients.
Q. How do I buy tickets in advance? A. If you purchased your ticket online, you may be able to purchase it from the security checkpoint before they arrive. Usually you can buy your ticket at about an hour before the actual flight is set to take off.
Q. Do I have to remove my shoes at security? A. Yes, if you are smoking, and you plan on walking through the airport or to your car. If you plan on taking public transportation, however, it is recommended that you remove your footwear and socks prior to entering any secured area.
Q. Can you bring smoking materials with you? A. Yes, you can bring small vapes with cigarettes in them, but not everyone is allowed to do this.
Q. Is it allowed to stand smoking where others are standing? A. While security does their best to restrict this type of behavior, there is no law that says you can’t leave your cigarette out in plain view where others aren’t smoking.
Q. How do I avoid detection when I am smoking? A. You can’t have a pack of cigarettes in your hand or in your pocket while you are at the airport, so the easiest way to avoid detection is to simply keep your cigarette away from your body as you go through security.
Q. What about cravings? A. Most people find it hard to control their urges and having a cigarette can help to reduce those urges. Just try to keep them in check by not smoking for an extended period of time while at the airport.
Q. Can you smoke after going through airport security? A. While it may be permissible for you to have a small amount of tobacco in your hand or on your person, you can’t smoke while you are doing anything else, traveling on a plane, waiting for a cab, or while you are interacting with other passengers.
Q. Is there a safe alternative to smoking after going through airport security? A. There are now smokeless and hypoallergenic chewing gum available at many airports. These chewing gums do not provide the nicotine high that cigarettes provide, but they do not contain any of the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. Many people report that these gum products make traveling much easier.