Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) has implemented a strict, largely non-smoking policy, particularly within its terminal buildings. As of April 1, 2020, all indoor areas throughout the airport, including previously designated smoking rooms and lounges, became entirely smoke-free. This significant change was a direct result of a supreme court ruling in the Netherlands, which mandated the closure of smoking areas in all Dutch food service establishments. Schiphol, aligning with this legal decision and demonstrating its ambition to become a non-smoking terminal, consequently eliminated all indoor smoking facilities. This means that travelers who have passed through security will find no options to smoke anywhere inside the terminal, making it crucial for smokers to plan accordingly before their flights or during layovers. Despite the comprehensive indoor ban, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is not entirely smoke-free. Visitors and travelers can still find designated outdoor smoking areas before entering the main terminal building. The primary location for these facilities is on Jan Dellaertplein, the large square situated directly outside Schiphol Plaza. These areas are clearly marked by white dotted lines on the ground and are equipped with ashtrays, making them easy to identify. Additionally, similar designated smoking spots are available on the departures level, also located outside the terminal. These outdoor zones provide the only opportunity for a cigarette or cigar at AMS, emphasizing the need for smokers to utilize them before proceeding through security checkpoints. For travelers with connecting flights or those already past security, it is important to understand that exiting the secure area to smoke and then re-entering would require going through security screening again. This process is often time-consuming and impractical, especially for short layovers, effectively making smoking impossible once airside. The airport has also indicated plans to potentially move these outdoor smoking areas further away from the main entry and exit points of Schiphol Plaza, suggesting a continued trend towards minimizing smoking visibility and convenience. While tobacco products are still available for purchase at the airport, their consumption is strictly regulated to the designated outdoor zones. Vaping policies are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, but given the stringent ban on traditional smoking indoors, it is highly probable that vaping is also prohibited within the terminal buildings. Travelers are advised to assume a similar restriction applies to e-cigarettes and other vaping devices indoors. The airport maintains a firm stance on safety, explicitly stating that perimeter roads and aprons must remain smoke-free zones to ensure operational security. Therefore, adherence to the designated outdoor areas is not just a matter of policy but also safety. Travelers should always check the latest official airport guidelines for any updates, though the 2020 changes appear to be a permanent fixture of Schiphol's policy.