What To Know
- If you’re a traveler seeking a designated smoking area at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), you’re in for a disappointment.
- The smoking ban at O’Hare is not merely a matter of inconvenience but a matter of health and safety.
- Violating the smoking ban at O’Hare can result in a citation with a fine of up to $250.
If you’re a traveler seeking a designated smoking area at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), you’re in for a disappointment. In 2006, the Illinois Smoke-Free Workplace Act banned smoking in all indoor public places, including airports. This means that there are no smoking areas within O’Hare’s terminals or concourses.
The Great Outdoors: Smoking Oasis or No-Go Zone?
While smoking is prohibited indoors, travelers may wonder if there are any designated outdoor smoking areas at O’Hare. The answer is a resounding no. The airport strictly enforces the smoking ban, and there are no designated outdoor areas where smoking is permitted.
Designated Smoking Lounges: A Thing of the Past
In the past, O’Hare had designated smoking lounges where travelers could light up. However, these lounges were closed down years ago due to the smoking ban. Today, there are no smoking lounges or designated smoking areas anywhere within the airport.
Consequences of Breaking the Rules
Violating the smoking ban at O’Hare can result in consequences. Airport security personnel may issue citations to individuals caught smoking in prohibited areas. These citations can carry fines of up to $250.
Alternative Options for Smokers
Understandably, smokers may find the lack of designated smoking areas at O’Hare inconvenient. Here are a few alternative options to consider:
- Step Outside the Airport: If you have enough time before your flight, you can leave the airport and smoke in a designated smoking area outside. However, be sure to allow ample time to return to the airport before your departure.
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): NRT products, such as patches, gum, or lozenges, can help reduce nicotine cravings and make it easier to abstain from smoking for extended periods.
- E-Cigarettes: While e-cigarettes are not permitted in all indoor public places, they may be allowed in designated outdoor areas at O’Hare. Check with airport staff for specific regulations regarding e-cigarette use.
Health and Safety Concerns
The smoking ban at O’Hare is not merely a matter of inconvenience but a matter of health and safety. Secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard, and the ban aims to protect the health of airport employees, travelers, and visitors.
The Future of Smoking at O’Hare
It is unlikely that designated smoking areas will be reinstated at O’Hare in the foreseeable future. The smoking ban is a public health measure that has been widely supported by the airport and the City of Chicago.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Are there any exceptions to the smoking ban at O’Hare?
A: No, there are no exceptions to the smoking ban at O’Hare. Smoking is prohibited in all indoor and outdoor areas of the airport.
Q: What is the penalty for violating the smoking ban at O’Hare?
A: Violating the smoking ban at O’Hare can result in a citation with a fine of up to $250.
Q: Can I use e-cigarettes at O’Hare?
A: E-cigarettes may be allowed in designated outdoor areas at O’Hare. However, it is important to check with airport staff for specific regulations regarding e-cigarette use.
