LAX has opened a new pet relief area on the site of a former smoking patio in Terminal 6. The “Pet Park” is LAX’s third: there is also one beyond security in the Tom Bradley International Terminal and another outside baggage claim between Terminal 7/8. Does this mean the smoking area is back?
Terminal 6 is transforming fast–it seems that every time I walk through there are new restaurants, more natural light, new gates, and now this:
But I have a confession to make…I don’t care about pet relief zones. I don’t own a dog and if I did I would not travel with him. I’m also not very sympathetic to so-called “emotional support” animals though I would certainly pull that trick if I wanted to travel with a pet…
I am concerned about smoking, as I have written about before. I am not a smoker and find the habit rather disgusting, but also hate to enter airport terminals through clouds of smoke (the huddled masses of smokers forced outside) and think that failing to offer airside smoking lounges in major U.S. international airports is culturally insensitive and a poor business move.
> Read More: Why I Mourn the Loss of Airport Smoking Lounges
So when I saw the new patio, there was some hope that it might also be a place to smoke. But no, there are no less than four “No Smoking” signs inside the new dog park.
Not that I would ever urge breaking the law, but there are no cameras out there and for the traveler who may need a few puffs between flights and does not have time to step out to the curb, well…
In all seriousness, I wish LAX and other large airports would bring back smoking areas. No passengers would need to go near them except by choice and employees would not have to deal with any smoke either, emptying ashtrays only at night after the last flight had departed.
What do you think? Yea or nea on airport smoking?
And for you dog lovers, LAX has you covered if you’re flying through T4/5/6/7/8.
I don’t smoke, but your proposal sounds very sensible.
I do travel with my pet and I was annoyed that there were smokers smoking in the area designated for pets. I am a non-smoker and I did not enjoy breathing in their smoke. The dogs don’t want to smoke either. I agree with you, there should be a separate area for smokers to smoke. And the no smoking in the pet areas should be enforced. If I had known, who to contact to report it, I would have.
Snitch. No need to grass is there?
Yay on smoking areas post-security.
Airports are losing out on a concessions revenue earning opportunity. They could have them sponsored and make some revenue from that sponsorship. Plus with the money spent by the concession they would be nice and clean. Nothing worse then being in an enclosed smoking area with poor ventilation and then smelling like crap for your 1, 2, or God forbid 7+ hour flight. Yuck, and I’m a smoker although now have been smoke free for over 3 years being totally electronic as in vape. I don’t smell anymore and actually feel better health wise and my cardiologist approves!
I’m warching a woman smoking in the delta terminal3 pet area. She is the 4th person within 20 mins. Dog poop smells better. What’s wrong with people
For anyone reading this, there IS a smoking area airside at LAX. It’s in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, which is accessible by walking from other terminals. A lovely terrace as well.
Great, article!! Thank you.
Short rant:
If your yappy dog has a special place, so should the smokers. Humans paid for it! Terminal 6 pet area is great for smokers, no issues today, had whole place to myself. Pet owners – deal with it!