Mark
Strata Poster
Here is one that I wanted to find out particularly what the non-smokers think, since I think I know what the smokers will say... I wanted to know what non-smokers think since many of them were instrumental in the ban.
Everyone knows that since 1998, smoking has been banned in all enclosed public spaces and government buildings etc (except for Prisons) and this includes Airports.
For instance, London Gatwick Airport, once upon a time, had an enclosed smoking area in the departure lounge that had extractor fans etc for the smokers prior to the ban. Nowadays, in all BAA airports, all smoking areas have been removed from the departure lounges and the only smoking area is outside, before you pass through airport security.
As you can imagine, this can a real nightmare. Sometimes the queue for security is insane and that alone often leaves me wanting a cigarette. I have had times when it has taken over an hour to get through security. Sometimes, it just isn't possible to simply escape back out for a quick cigarette and go through security again.
Bear in mind, especially on long haul flights, you are told to arrive 3/4 hours before the flight (for a flight to Florida for instance). The flight itself is 9 hours. The 9 hours without a cigarette is always daunting for me at the very least and despite huge advances in NRT I find myself very stressed by the whole experience. I don't particularly enjoy flying at the best of times, more so when nicotine deprived. Chuck in the amount of time beforehand for check in and security and then the time after the flight for more security and then luggage collection and you are looking at roughly a 16 hour stint without a ciggie. This equals, for very many smokers, very stressed out people.
Some UK airports have managed to supply outdoor smoking areas, even after you pass security. Glasgow Prestwick being one of them. Personally, I am not asking for much, a balcony outside in the pouring rain will do me fine, anywhere would, providing it means I don't have to do security again. It would also mean that I would be able to smoke right up until about 15 minutes before boarding and thus minimise the time without a cig which equals a much more pleasant Mark
This whole smoking ban thing is all part of the EU rules etc, however, in a relatively new terminal in Madrid (part of the EU) airport they have a fantastic indoor provision for smokers. It has 12 foot high glass walls and extractor fans and so on. When I was there, even the non smokers (Rob and Martyn) commented that you couldn't smell it, even when I opened the door to come back out again. Ingenious, it really is. :roll: If they can do it there, why can't they here?
So my question, for the non smokers really...
Do you think there should be a designated area for smokers within the airport? Would you mind if there was one?
Everyone knows that since 1998, smoking has been banned in all enclosed public spaces and government buildings etc (except for Prisons) and this includes Airports.
For instance, London Gatwick Airport, once upon a time, had an enclosed smoking area in the departure lounge that had extractor fans etc for the smokers prior to the ban. Nowadays, in all BAA airports, all smoking areas have been removed from the departure lounges and the only smoking area is outside, before you pass through airport security.
As you can imagine, this can a real nightmare. Sometimes the queue for security is insane and that alone often leaves me wanting a cigarette. I have had times when it has taken over an hour to get through security. Sometimes, it just isn't possible to simply escape back out for a quick cigarette and go through security again.
Bear in mind, especially on long haul flights, you are told to arrive 3/4 hours before the flight (for a flight to Florida for instance). The flight itself is 9 hours. The 9 hours without a cigarette is always daunting for me at the very least and despite huge advances in NRT I find myself very stressed by the whole experience. I don't particularly enjoy flying at the best of times, more so when nicotine deprived. Chuck in the amount of time beforehand for check in and security and then the time after the flight for more security and then luggage collection and you are looking at roughly a 16 hour stint without a ciggie. This equals, for very many smokers, very stressed out people.
Some UK airports have managed to supply outdoor smoking areas, even after you pass security. Glasgow Prestwick being one of them. Personally, I am not asking for much, a balcony outside in the pouring rain will do me fine, anywhere would, providing it means I don't have to do security again. It would also mean that I would be able to smoke right up until about 15 minutes before boarding and thus minimise the time without a cig which equals a much more pleasant Mark
This whole smoking ban thing is all part of the EU rules etc, however, in a relatively new terminal in Madrid (part of the EU) airport they have a fantastic indoor provision for smokers. It has 12 foot high glass walls and extractor fans and so on. When I was there, even the non smokers (Rob and Martyn) commented that you couldn't smell it, even when I opened the door to come back out again. Ingenious, it really is. :roll: If they can do it there, why can't they here?
So my question, for the non smokers really...
Do you think there should be a designated area for smokers within the airport? Would you mind if there was one?
