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If smoking is one of your habits, it’s important to know in advance the regulations regarding this matter at your destination – both inside the airport and on the island – so you can travel without any inconvenience. This brings us to a frequent question: Is there a smoking area at Lanzarote Airport?
General rules on smoking in Spanish airports
In Spain, there are very few spaces within airports where smoking is allowed, and this is only possible once you have passed through the security controls.
Law 28/2005 and its amendment, Law 42/2010 of 30 December, on health measures against smoking, states in Article 7 the areas where smoking is prohibited.
Section Q of this legislation specifies that smoking is not allowed in:
“Airports, except in outdoor areas, on aircraft departing from and arriving in Spanish territory, and on all flights operated by Spanish airlines, including those shared with foreign airlines.”
Smoking banned indoors
Smoking is forbidden inside all airport buildings, whether in public areas, corridors, waiting rooms, cafés or VIP lounges. This applies to traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and other vaping devices.
Therefore, designated outdoor smoking areas are provided on specific terraces.
Smoking is strictly prohibited on flights to and from Spain. This includes the use of e-cigarettes.
Conditions for outdoor smoking areas
All smoking areas are outdoors. There are no indoor spaces within airport terminals where passengers can smoke. This is to prevent non-smokers from being affected by cigarette smoke.
These designated areas are on specific terraces, clearly signposted, and equipped with ashtrays.
Smoking at Lanzarote Airport: is it allowed?
Yes, it is. At César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport, there are two outdoor terraces where passengers can smoke while having a drink or something to eat.
If you smoke in non-designated areas, you could be fined. Minor offences, such as smoking once in a prohibited area, may be fined up to 30 euros. More serious offences, such as smoking in restricted zones or tampering with smoke detectors, can result in fines ranging from 600 to 10,000 euros.
Respecting these rules is crucial to avoid fines and ensure the comfort of other travellers.
Smoking areas at Lanzarote Airport
Inside the terminal, smoking is only allowed in the outdoor areas set aside for this purpose: one is free to use, and the other requires payment.
Free terrace between Gates 1 and 2 (Terminal 1)
The smoking terrace is located in Terminal T1, on the first floor, in a public area. It is next to Gate 12, overlooking the runway.
Here, on this free terrace, you can smoke and enjoy café services.
VIP area in the Guacimeta Lounge
The Guacimeta Lounge at ACE (Lanzarote Airport) is located in the boarding area, on the first floor. It includes a separate outdoor area for smokers.
Access to this VIP area is available to passengers who are members of Mastercard Priority Pass or those travelling in Business Class, who can enter free of charge. Otherwise, access costs just over 30 euros per person.
This VIP terrace offers a beautiful view of the ocean, and a range of services such as flight information, digital newspapers, TV, Wi-Fi, and meals.
Outside the airport building, smoking is only permitted in designated areas, which are clearly marked.
Location of smoking areas at Lanzarote Airport
How to access the smoking areas
As mentioned, there is a free-access terrace and a VIP smoking terrace that requires paid entry. The free-access terrace is located between Gates 1 and 2.
The paid smoking terrace is within the Guacimeta VIP Lounge, near Gates 1 and 2.
Advantages of the smoking area at Lanzarote (ACE) Airport
Those with access to the VIP area at César Manrique-Lanzarote International Airport, which includes a smoking terrace, can stay there for up to three hours before boarding.
Whether you are visiting Lanzarote for just three days or staying longer, this information can be very useful. In the event of flight delays, this time may be extended.
You will also benefit from personalised service, free Wi-Fi, a catering service with hot and cold dishes, including gluten-free options. There are leisure areas, access for people with reduced mobility, and pets are allowed, as long as they remain in their travel carriers.
Control and security measures
To ensure compliance with Spanish laws prohibiting smoking in most parts of airports, there are clear signs inside the terminal indicating non-smoking areas, as well as the two designated smoking zones.
Airport security personnel are vigilant and prepared to approach anyone smoking in non-designated areas.
Alternatives if you don’t wish to use the terraces
If you do not wish to use the two smoking areas inside the airport, your alternative is to wait until you leave the terminal, and then find an outdoor smoking area before getting into your Lanzarote airport transfer vehicle.
Comparison with other smoking areas in Canary Islands airports
If you plan to visit the Canary Islands and are a smoker, it is worth knowing how smoking zones work at other airports.
Smoking areas at other Canary Islands airports
At Gran Canaria Airport, as well as at La Palma Airport, you can smoke on an outdoor terrace. Gran Canaria Airport also has a café in this area. At Tenerife South Airport, smoking is only permitted in the VIP lounge, while Tenerife North Airport does not have any smoking areas.
Fuerteventura Airport also has two outdoor smoking areas, but only once you have passed through security.
Common restrictions across the region
Throughout the Canary Islands, smoking restrictions in airports follow Laws 28/2005 and 42/2010, mentioned above. Smoking inside the terminal is not allowed, except in designated and clearly marked areas.
There are outdoor smoking areas outside the terminal, clearly marked and equipped with ashtrays, usually near the entrance.
Tips for Smokers Travelling to Lanzarote
In Lanzarote, smoking is not allowed in most public spaces. If you are travelling to the island, it is important to note that you cannot smoke on beaches, parks, restaurants, bars, terraces, public transport, hospitals, and schools.
Regarding private spaces, there are generally no such restrictions, but before booking a hotel or accommodation, remember to ask about the rules regarding smokers.
In this context, the best advice we can give you is to be aware and respect both the rules of the places you visit and the people around you who might be affected by cigarette smoke.
As is the case with most airports in Spain, Lanzarote Airport is a smoke-free space; however, smokers who come to this terminal still have the possibility of doing so, with a couple of outdoor spaces where they can easily do so while waiting for their flight.
Despite this, when smoking at an airport, we must remember the rules of coexistence and safety, since we are in a public space. By considering others and our well-being while travelling, we can enjoy a peaceful and pleasant journey.
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)