Smoking at Chicago Airport
Smoking is a common habit among travelers and it is essential to know the smoking policy of the airport where you are travelling. Chicago Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving millions of passengers each year. As a result, the airport has strict policies on smoking, to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.
No Smoking Policy at O’Hare and Midway Airports
Both O’Hare and Midway airports have a strict no smoking policy in place. This policy applies to all indoor areas of the airport, including terminals, boarding gates, and public areas. Smoking is also prohibited in all areas of the airport where food and beverages are served. This policy is in line with the state of Illinois’ Clean Indoor Air Act, which prohibits smoking in all public places and workplaces.
Prohibition of Smoking in All Indoor Areas
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas of the airport, including restrooms and other enclosed spaces. The airport also strictly enforces this policy, and violators can face hefty fines. Additionally, smoking is not allowed in any of the airport’s parking garages, elevators, or escalators.
Designated Smoking Areas at O’Hare Airport
Despite the strict no smoking policy, O’Hare Airport does have designated smoking areas for passengers who need to smoke. These smoking areas are located outside of the terminal buildings and are clearly marked. However, it is worth noting that these smoking areas can be quite far from the boarding gates, so passengers should plan their smoking breaks accordingly.
Designated Smoking Areas at Midway Airport
Like O’Hare Airport, Midway also has designated smoking areas for passengers. These smoking areas are located outside of the terminal buildings and are marked with signs. However, the designated smoking areas at Midway are much smaller than those at O’Hare, and there are fewer smoking areas available.
Locations of Smoking Lounges
Chicago Airport also has smoking lounges available for passengers who need to smoke. These lounges are located in both terminals of O’Hare Airport and are equipped with comfortable seating, televisions, and other amenities. However, it’s important to note that these lounges are only available to passengers who have purchased access or are members of a smoking lounge program.
Smoking at Restaurants and Bars
Smoking is not allowed in any of the restaurants or bars in Chicago Airport. This policy is in line with the state of Illinois’ Clean Indoor Air Act, which prohibits smoking in all public places and workplaces. However, some restaurants and bars do have outdoor seating areas where smoking is permitted.
Smoking at Outdoor Areas
Smoking is allowed in designated areas outside of the terminal buildings at both O’Hare and Midway airports. These areas are clearly marked and are located away from pedestrian traffic. However, smoking is not allowed in any of the airport’s parking garages, elevators, or escalators.
Penalties for Violating Smoking Policy
Passengers who violate the smoking policy at Chicago Airport can face hefty fines. The airport takes the smoking policy seriously and has staff available to enforce the policy. Additionally, smoking in prohibited areas can result in disciplinary action, including being removed from the airport.
Enforcement of Smoking Restrictions
Chicago Airport has staff members who are tasked with enforcing the smoking policy. These staff members are trained to identify potential violators and will take appropriate action to ensure compliance. Additionally, the airport has security cameras in place to monitor smoking activity and enforce the policy.
Alternatives for Smokers at the Airport
Chicago Airport provides a range of alternatives for smokers who need to smoke. These alternatives include designated smoking areas, smoking lounges, and outdoor areas where smoking is permitted. Additionally, the airport provides nicotine replacement therapies, such as gum and patches, for passengers who are trying to quit smoking.
Conclusion: Smoking Policy at Chicago Airport
Chicago Airport has a strict no smoking policy in place, which applies to all indoor areas of the airport. However, the airport does provide designated smoking areas, smoking lounges, and outdoor areas where smoking is permitted. Passengers who violate the smoking policy can face hefty fines, and the airport takes the policy seriously. As a result, it is important for passengers to adhere to the smoking policy and use the designated smoking areas provided.
