Berlin-Tegel International Airport (TXL)

Berlin-Tegel International Airport (TXL), while now closed, historically offered a somewhat accommodating environment for smokers, albeit with specific designated areas. The airport's policy was generally "Allowed" for smoking, both before and after security, but strictly within these specified zones. Travelers should note that the airport's unique hexagonal design, particularly for Terminal A, meant that each gate often had its own check-in, security, and waiting area, which influenced the accessibility of smoking spots. Before passing through security, passengers could find designated smoking areas located outside the terminals. For those departing from Terminals A and B, these outdoor zones were conveniently accessible through doors situated opposite each check-in and security entrance. Additionally, Terminal A featured a public Visitors' Terrace on the second floor where smoking was permitted. However, accessing this terrace required an extra security check, which was an important consideration for travelers on a tight schedule. After security, smoking options were available in several terminals. Terminal A housed two Lufthansa lounges (including the Senator lounge) located above the main hall, both of which were confirmed to have dedicated smoking rooms for their guests. For non-Schengen flights departing from Terminal C, specifically in the C60-89 section near Gate 89, there was a notable smoking area. This spot was often described as a beer garden, possibly associated with "Hermann’s," and was accessible after passport control for those leaving the EU. Furthermore, a new smoking area was established in Terminal D, past security, primarily catering to passengers flying with Eurowings. This area was typically an enclosed smoking room. It's important for travelers to be aware of the specific locations and access requirements. While the airport provided options, they were not always immediately obvious or universally available across all sections, especially for flights within the EU where one traveler reported no smoking area in Terminal C. The information provided by various travelers between 2017 and 2020 indicates that the airport management made efforts to provide smoking facilities, adapting to the needs of passengers within the constraints of airport regulations. Vaping policy was not explicitly detailed, so it's generally safest to assume it falls under the same restrictions as traditional smoking. Always look for clear signage indicating designated smoking zones.