Since the arrival of low-cost airlines passengers have learnt very quickly that if you require any extras you now need to pay for them. Such costs range from having to pay to check-in, for the privilege of booking hold baggage or even sitting with friends and family onboard the aircraft to paying for a glass of water and a sandwich in-flight.
In recent years, airports have begun to follow suit. If you want the convenience of being dropped off or picked up close to the terminal, you will pay a premium. If you want a clear plastic bag for your toiletries, you can buy one from an electronic dispenser. If you want to jump the security queues and access the fast track lanes, you can pay for the privilege. Well, Belfast International Airport in Northern Ireland has now introduced a new charge. If you want a cigarette while in the passenger terminal, you will have to pay £1 for the pleasure!
The airport has developed a designated smoking area after responding to passenger requests, but requires the users of what it describes as a “specialist facility” help fund it. In a statement the airport had the following to say about its new tobacco tax. “We recognised that there was a demand for a smoking facility from some customers given that all public places (including airports) are now, and have been for a number of years, non-smoking. However, providing a specialist facility for a relatively small number of users is expensive to build and to maintain so it is not unreasonable that a small charge should be levied for the use of the facility.” According to the airport passengers can simply slot a £1 coin into a machine which operates the doors of the smoking area.
Many people are already claiming this as a bit of a gimmick, although others are suggesting it is an innovative way of looking after the interests of the travelling public, which after all are the blood of any airport. And if they are happy after a £1 nicotine fix, maybe they will be more relaxed and happier spending money in the airport’s shops!
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