The DFW (Dallas Fort Worth International Airport) is amongst the busiest airports in the world and serves almost 88 million passengers annually. With five terminals, lengthy connection times, and a vast terminal area, the question of where smoking is allowed and how much time it takes is frequently asked. Luckily, it is much easier to find the answer than to navigate in DFW: it is smoke-free indoors, and smoking is allowed only outdoors. Because of the complicated structure, even a cigarette can cost you more time than expected. This article includes information on the policy, allowed areas for smoking, its impact on connection times, and useful recommendations on how to plan your trip better.
Is It Allowed To Smoke Indoors At DFW Airport?
No, smoking is not allowed indoors in any of the five terminals of DFW Airport (A, B, C, D, and E). The policy applies to any product that can be smoked – from regular cigarettes to cigars and vapes.
No smoking and vaping is permitted in:
- Passenger concourses and ticketing lobbies
- Baggage claim areas
- Food courts and dining establishments
- Lounge areas operated by airlines
- Restrooms
- Terminal walkways
Smoking has been outlawed indoors at the airport for many years, and there are no indoor smoking lounges or rooms anywhere at DFW. This includes even first-class airline lounges.
Where Can You Smoke at DFW?
Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor smoking areas located outside terminal buildings, on the pre-security public side of the airport. There are no areas for smoking after you go through security.
Some key facts about smoking and vaping areas include the following:
- There are separate outdoor areas for each of the five terminals, not one single place.
- The places are located close to the entrance of the terminal building at a specific distance from the door. Some sources mention 25 feet, but it is necessary to verify that on-site.
- The places are indicated by signage and normally contain ashtrays.
- The location of the places and the quantity of them can vary during the construction/renovation process.
For more information, refer to the official DFW terminal map at dfwairport.com.
DFW Smoking and Vaping at a Glance
| Area | Smoking | Vaping / E-cigarettes |
|---|---|---|
| Inside terminals (before security screening) | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Gate areas/concourses (after passing security screening) | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Airline club/lounges | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Restaurants, bars, restrooms | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Designated indoor smoking lounge/room | Not available | Not available |
| Outdoor smoking areas outside terminals | Permitted | Permitted |
| Past security screening point | Not permitted | Not permitted |
Is Smoking Permitted on Layovers at DFW Airport?
This is the most surprising element of DFW’s smoking policy. DFW’s Skylink Train, which is a free automated train system that connects all five terminals within the secure area and usually takes five minutes from one terminal to another, is the fastest way to get through the airport, but it does not reach any smoking area.
Here is what a layover smoker’s path would look like:
- Exit the secure zone and head outdoors to a designated smoking area.
- Have your cigarette and return to the airport building.
- Pass through another TSA security checkpoint to get to your gate.
Note that in case of inter-terminal transfer before security, there are complimentary Terminal Link shuttle buses operating on the landside of the airport. In addition, international passengers might have to pass through the customs and immigration checkpoint prior to going through security, which takes additional time.
A quick tip: do not leave the airport to smoke if you do not have any time cushion. It is too risky with a tight connection.
Is Vaping Allowed at DFW Airport?
Yes, but only outside in the designated smoking area. DFW’s smoking policy is quite extensive, mentioning electronic cigarettes and vaping devices along with traditional tobacco, which means that any vaping indoors in the airport is completely banned.
Practical Tips for Smokers Traveling to/from DFW
Since there are no indoor smoking facilities in DFW and designated places are located outside of security, some preparation beforehand will go a long way. If you either fly out of or transit at DFW, here are some useful tips that will allow you to smoke without hassle, additional queuing, and delays:
- Smoking before going through security screening. This advice is especially useful if you have to leave DFW airport because you will be able to have your last cigarette outside.
- Planning additional time. DFW terminals are huge, and the distance between the curb and the security point may take some time, so make sure that you give yourself enough time.
- Knowing your terminal. Find out in advance about the location of the smoking area for your terminal because it is important if you have to change planes.
- Checking waiting times at security. You will find live waiting times for security screening at DFW online, and this will allow you to assess whether it is worth going out or not on a layover.
- Have your boarding pass and ID with you. You will need them when getting back to your plane via the security point.
- Taking care of disposing of your cigarettes. Always use the ashtrays provided for this purpose and never throw your butts on the floor or into normal garbage bins.
- Choosing nicotine gum or patches instead on long travel days.
What Happens If You Smoke in a Prohibited Area?
The airport employees will be able to ask you to cease smoking. Moreover, smoking in a prohibited zone can bring certain penalties. There is information about fine amounts in different sources; however, the amounts do not coincide. Therefore, if you need to know the exact prices, contact either DFW or the airline. In addition to fines, the smoke and vapor can trigger sensitive smoke alarms that can interrupt work in a concourse.
Conclusion
Smoking at DFW Airport is strictly regulated. According to the regulation, it is banned everywhere inside the airport terminals, lounges, and gate zones; it is allowed in special outdoor zones before security. There are no smoking rooms indoors, and the Skylink train cannot take you to the smoking zone; thus, one can smoke during a layover only outside the security zone. If you depart from DFW, smoke before passing through TSA checkpoints. If you connect there, think thoroughly about your layover period. With some preparation, such as a study of the terminal map, time margin, and awareness about vaping, your trip will become much easier and enjoyable.
Questions Frequently Asked
No. There are no smoking lounges or smoking rooms either outdoors or indoors at any of the terminals, including airline lounges. One can only smoke in the designated outdoor areas.
No. There are no smoking zones in the secure zone. If one needs to smoke, one has to leave the secure zone and pass the security check once again after that.
Vaping and e-cigarettes are prohibited in the same way as smoking. One can use them only in the outdoor designated smoking areas.
No. The Skylink operates inside the secure zone between the terminals, while smoking zones are located outdoors in the public zone. Therefore, access to one means leaving the secure zone completely.
It depends on how much time one has. One will have to leave, smoke, pass the TSA, and, in the case of international flights, pass customs clearance as well.