Planning to travel through Denver International Airport (DEN) and need to know about smoking facilities? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand where and when you can smoke at DEN, ensuring you can plan your journey effectively.
Overview of Smoking Policies at Denver Airport
Denver International Airport maintains a strict non-smoking policy throughout its indoor facilities. The entire airport operates as a smoke-free environment inside the terminal buildings, covering all forms of smoking including traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices.
While indoor smoking is prohibited, the airport provides designated outdoor areas for smokers. These spots are strategically located outside the terminal buildings, balancing smokers’ needs with maintaining clean air for all travelers.
Current Smoking Regulations at Denver Airport
- Complete indoor smoking ban throughout all facilities
- Prohibition applies to all forms of smoking and vaping
- Minimum distance requirement of 20 feet from entrances, windows, and ventilation systems
- Mandatory use of provided receptacles for smoking-related waste
- Penalties for non-compliance with smoking regulations
Designated Smoking Areas Inside the Airport
Denver International Airport does not offer any indoor smoking lounges or areas within its terminals. The previously available ‘Smokin’ Bear Lounge’ on Concourse C has been permanently closed. All smoking activities must take place in designated outdoor areas located outside the Jeppesen Terminal.
Where to Find Smoking Areas at Denver Airport
| Location | Level | Access |
|---|---|---|
| East side of Jeppesen Terminal | Levels 4, 5, and 6 | Pre-security |
| West side of Jeppesen Terminal | Levels 4, 5, and 6 | Pre-security |
| DEN Plaza | Ground level | Pre-security (between Terminal and Westin Hotel) |
Outdoor Smoking Areas Near the Airport
The outdoor smoking areas are equipped with proper disposal receptacles and are strategically positioned around the Jeppesen Terminal building. The DEN Plaza, located between the main terminal and the Westin Hotel, offers an additional comfortable environment for smokers while maintaining compliance with airport policies.
Alternatives to Smoking Areas at Denver Airport
For travelers facing limitations due to the strict non-smoking policy, especially during long layovers, the airport offers various amenities to help manage nicotine cravings:
- Shopping and dining experiences
- Wellness activities
- Walking paths and exercise opportunities
- Relaxation areas
- Entertainment options throughout terminals
Tips for Smokers Traveling Through Denver Airport
Denver International Airport enforces a strict non-smoking policy inside all terminal buildings, requiring careful planning for smokers passing through. All smoking activities must take place in designated outdoor areas located pre-security, which significantly impacts travel planning, especially for connecting passengers who need to exit and re-enter through TSA checkpoints.
Understanding Airport Smoking Policies
- Complete indoor smoking ban throughout all airport facilities
- Policy covers traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices
- Smoking permitted only in designated outdoor areas outside Jeppesen Terminal
- Fines starting at $100 for first-time violations
- Regular monitoring by airport staff to ensure compliance
Planning Your Time at the Airport
| Layover Duration | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Under 90 minutes | Use nicotine replacement products instead of smoking |
| 90-120 minutes | Possible to exit security for smoking but risky during peak times |
| Over 2 hours | Sufficient time to use outdoor smoking areas safely |
Nicotine Replacement Options Available
While there are no post-security smoking rooms, various nicotine replacement products are available throughout the terminal retail locations. Airport convenience stores and pharmacies stock nicotine gum, lozenges, and patches to help manage cravings. Note that e-cigarettes and vaping devices are subject to the same restrictions as traditional cigarettes and can only be used in outdoor designated areas.
Nearby Facilities for Smokers
- Westin Denver International Airport Hotel – offers designated outdoor smoking areas
- Local gas stations and convenience stores – accessible via rental car or rideshare
- Outdoor smoking sections at Jeppesen Terminal – levels 4, 5, and 6
For international travelers, remember that accessing off-airport smoking areas requires additional time for customs and immigration procedures upon re-entry. Plan for at least 90 minutes when leaving the secure area to smoke at nearby facilities.
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