DTW May Add Cigars. Should Lansing Copy It?

Did you see the brand new addition to the Detroit Airport? The airline hub of Michigan is considering adding a cigar lounge to the mix, so could we here in Lansing copy that? Well, in short, I would say no, but that's just me.

What DTW Is Considering

Detroit Metro is weighing a cigar lounge with an enclosed, but also high-ventilated smoking room in the McNamara Terminal. The idea has already had pushback in a poll taken back in June, with 77% of Michiganders opposed to the idea. So, what if we pulled here in Lansing for the same idea?

Does a Lounge Fit LAN’s Brand?

The answer is probably, but why?

Picture LAN. It's compact, efficient, and proudly low-stress. The parking isn't insane, and there is clear security, too. You can grab a coffee without having to sprint to the other side of the terminal.

The Real Costs and Tradeoffs

A cigar lounge would be a swing for Lansing, and a bit pricey, too. The upkeep on ongoing ventilation costs, specialized staffing, and optics of inviting smoking back indoors, when most airpots have moved away from it, even in sealed rooms, you're still choosing smoke over simplicity.

While, of course, there would be those for it. A curated humidor, a quiet leather-chair nook, and maybe some Michigan-made sticks could have a nice feel to it. But the tradeoff isn't a nice one.

My Pick for LAN

You could instead use that space for a kid-friendly play area, more plugs, seating, a local bar, or even a bigger grab-and-go that makes everyone's day easier.

It would be cool to add a pub, with MSU gameday energy, a Great Lakes tasting counter, or even a work-friendly lounge with daylight and fast Wi-Fi, over the idea of a cigar lounge in the airport.

If I get a say in anything, I say we should add a Michigan-centric spirits bar.