Denver Airport Smoking Areas: Check DIA Rules & Location

Denver International Airport (DEN), also abbreviated as DIA, is one of the busiest and largest airports in North America. Navigating this massive hub can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you are craving a quick nicotine fix between flights.

Denver International Airport is a completely smoke-free facility indoors, which means you won’t find smoking lounges or designated smoking patios beyond the TSA security checkpoints. Well, to help smokers, there are designated smoking areas at Denver Airport located outside the main Jeppesen Terminal (pre-security) on Levels 4, 5, and 6. And, if you are already at your gate or on a layover, you must physically exit the secure terminal area, go outside to smoke, and clear TSA security all over again to catch your flight.

Scroll more to get detailed insights on the Denver Airport smoking areas!

Is Smoking Allowed Inside Denver International Airport (DIA)?

Yes, but only in designated outdoor smoking areas.

To keep things perfectly clear for your next trip, DEN enforces a strict public health policy regarding smoking and vaping. Here is a quick breakdown of the official smoking rules at DEN:-

• 100% Smoke-Free Indoors:- There is absolutely no smoking or usage of e-cigarettes/vapes permitted anywhere inside the airport buildings, concourses, or transit tunnels.
• Vaping, Tobacco, and E-Cigarettes are Treated the Same as Smoking:- The airport policy makes no distinction between traditional tobacco cigarettes and electronic vaping devices; both are strictly banned indoors.
• Pre-Security Restrictions:- All official smoking locations are restricted to the exterior of the Jeppesen Terminal before you walk through the security lines.

• Recompiled Security Re-entry:- If you decide to leave the secure gate zones to use the Denver airport smoking areas, you will be required to show your boarding pass and go through the standard security screening process a second time.

Official Smoking Areas at Denver Airport

If you have time before your flight or a significantly long layover, you can access the designated outdoor smoking zones where cigarette disposal receptacles are provided. These areas are balanced across both sides of the main terminal building.

West Side of Jeppesen Terminal

The designated smoking areas are located near:-

• Level 4: Right outside Doors 400 and 416
• Level 5: Right outside Doors 500 and 516
• Level 6: Right outside Door 616

East Side of Jeppesen Terminal

Passengers can also use the designated smoking locations near:-

• Level 4: Right outside Doors 401 and 417
• Level 5: Right outside Door 517
• Level 6: Right outside Doors 601 and 617

The DEN Plaza

In addition to the terminal doors, you can find space at the DEN Plaza. This is the large open outdoor area connecting the main DEN terminal to the Westin Hotel. Smoking is allowed outside the south center doors of the terminal, situated far to the right or the far left, right before you walk onto the main plaza entrance.

These are the primary DIA smoking areas available before entering the terminal.

Denver Airport Smoking Areas Map: Never Lose Your Way

Because DIA is divided into the East Side and West Side, locating these doors is relatively straightforward. When looking at a Denver Airport smoking areas map or digital directory inside the terminal, remember that Level 6 is for passenger drop-off (departures), Level 5 is the main baggage claim and security checkpoint hub, and Level 4 is for passenger pickup (arrivals).

If you are standing inside the Jeppesen Terminal, simply look at the exit doors. Even-numbered doors (like 500 or 516) are always on the West Side, while odd-numbered doors (like 501 or 517) will always point you to the East Side.

Is There Any Smoking Area at Denver Airport After Security?

The answer is no.

Over the years, there have been plenty of Denver smoking lounges. But the last room, “The Smokin’ Bear Lodge Smoking Lounge” in Concourse C, closed its doors permanently on March 1, 2018.

Now, Denver International Airport (DIA) is 100% smoke-free indoors, and there are no smoking areas inside the building. Travelers who are urged to smoke must exit the area and re-enter the airport after clearing security.

Smoking Alternatives to Use When Traveling

Because leaving the gate area, riding the underground train back to the Jeppesen Terminal, walking outside, and waiting in a massive TSA security line can easily take 45 to 60 minutes, leaving the secure zone isn’t always realistic. If you have a tight connection, here are a few alternatives to help manage cravings during your journey:

• Nicotine Pouches
• Nicotine Gum 
• Nicotine Lozenges

Contact Denver Airport Customer Service for Help!

Navigating terminal updates or finding your way around a changing layout can be tricky. If you ever find yourself lost or need immediate clarification on directions to smoking areas at Denver Airport, the airport staff is incredibly helpful. You can get in touch with them using the following details:-

• Denver Airport Customer Service Phone Number: (720) 730-IFLY (4359)
• Customer Support Text Line: (720) 902-9351
• Official Website: flydenver.com 
• Flyer’s Guide to DEN:- https://www.airporstinsights.com/den-airport/ 

Wrap Up!

To protect the health of millions of passengers, Denver International Airport (DEN) has firmly committed to keeping its indoor air clean. While this is great news for your lungs, it does mean smokers have to plan ahead. Remember to utilize the exterior DIA smoking areas on Levels 4, 5, and 6 of the Jeppesen Terminal before you head to security.

If you are already past the checkpoints, pack some nicotine alternatives or ensure you have at least a two-hour window to handle the trek out and back through TSA. 

Safe travels!

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