Where to Find Smoking Areas at U.S. Airports?

For travelers facing long layovers or connecting flights, access to a designated smoking area can offer a much-needed break. However, due to increasing health concerns and evolving public policies, smoking accommodations in U.S. airports have undergone significant changes in recent years. Many airports have phased out indoor smoking lounges, replacing them with limited outdoor zones or removing options entirely. 

This comprehensive guide explores where smoking and vaping are still permitted, highlights differences in policies across major U.S. airports and states, and outlines what future trends suggest for smokers on the go. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning a rare trip, understanding current airport smoking rules can help you prepare and avoid surprises. Staying informed ensures a smoother, less stressful travel experience while respecting modern public health standards.

Location of Smoking Areas available at the U.S. Airports

Here’s a list of airports where there are designated smoking areas for all the passengers. 

Airport NameDesignated Smoking Area/Location
Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS)Outside of the terminals, at least 25 feet from the entrance
Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)The outside curb area of the upper and lower level roads in front of the terminal. 
Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT)Outdoor areas at the terminal curbside
Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT)Allowed outside, 100 feet away from the terminal’s doorway.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) Outside of the terminals
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)Outside terminals, no indoor smoking facility. 
Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)Outside the terminals and in 1 lounge
Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW)Designated areas outside terminals 
Denver International Airport (DIA)Outdoor areas near Jeppesen Terminal.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)Outside areas near terminal gates.
Geneva Airport (GVA)Allowed in the lounge (after security)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)Outdoor smoking locations near terminal doors.
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT)Smoking room & outside the terminals.
Hamad International Airport (DOH)Smoking rooms and lounges are available 
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)Completely smoke-free indoors. Designated smoking areas are located outside of terminals. 
Honolulu International Airport (HNL) Designated outdoor smoking locations
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)No smoking area inside the airport.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)Outdoor smoking areas
Kansas City International Airport (MCI)Outside areas near terminal gates.
La Guardia Airport (LGA)Departures Area (Terminal C)
Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) Reserved smoking locations outside the terminals.
Las Vegas Airport (LAS)Terminals have enclosed smoking lounges.
Logan International Airport (BOS)Outside of the terminals
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)Completely smoke-free and e-cigarettes are prohibited indoors. Smoking is permitted in three outdoor smoking areas located past security gates at the TB Terminal, Terminal 2, and Terminal 7..
Memphis International Airport (MEM)Designated outdoor smoking locations
Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK)Outside Terminals 1 and 2
Miami International Airport (MIA)Arrivals/Departures across from Concourses D, E, F, H, and J. 
Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP) Designated outdoor smoking locations
Nashville International Airport (BNA)Smoking lounge and Smoking zones outside terminals
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)Designated outside places only.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)Outdoor smoking locations near terminal doors.
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)Outdoor smoking area  on the third level
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)Within the terminal building, after security
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) Designated outdoor smoking locations
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX)Outdoor smoking areas are at the terminal curbside.
Portland (OR) International Airport (PDX)Two authorized smoking spots are outside the terminals.
Reagan-Washington National Airport (DCA)Outside the Terminal buildings, at least 10 feet from the entrance doors 
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)Ground level, on the west side of the building
San Diego International Airport (SAN)Outside Terminal 2 (Gate 211) & Terminal 4 (Gate 402) 
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)Outside smoking places only
Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA)Outside smoking places only
Tampa International Airport (TPA) Outside of the terminals on levels 1 and 2.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)outside the terminals in Concourses B, C, and D.
William P. Hobby Airport(HOU)Outside Levels 1 and 2, at least 25 feet away from the terminal doors

Smoking Rules and Regulations at the U.S. Airports

The majority of the U.S. Airports have imposed no-smoking policies at the airports, which makes them fully smoke-free indoors, including areas beyond security checkpoints. Generally, smoking areas are located outside the terminal buildings, and some airports still provide smoking lounges accessible only to ticketed passengers. There are some rules and policies of the airports that need to be followed by passengers regarding smoking. Here are some points to be considered for smoking at the airports.

  • Smoking is strictly prohibited inside all the airport terminals in the US. including public indoor areas. It focuses to safeguard people and comply with state clean air laws.
  • Smoking is now only allowed in specific designated outdoor smoking areas, which are located outside terminal entrances and exits. Smoking outside the designated area is considered a violation and leads to fines and punishment.
  • Moreover, electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are also restricted at the airports. It is also allowed in designated outdoor smoking areas due to concerns about secondhand vapor and fire risks.
  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits smoking on all commercial aircraft operating within or from the U.S, but the FAA has not restricted smoking within airport terminals. 
  • Generally, designated smoking areas are located intentionally away from the main entrance and crowded zones. As these areas can be found 20 to 50 feet from the terminal, to avoid passive smoking. 
  • Airports are required to provide clear signage indicating where smoking is permitted. These designated areas often include smoking receptacles or ashtrays to ensure proper disposal of cigarette butts and to maintain cleanliness. The signage also helps to inform non-smokers of the boundaries of smoking zones. 
  • The local law enforcement and airport authorities are responsible for imposing smoking regulations. The security staff of the airport ensures indoor and outdoor compliance. 
  • In case of violation of smoking rules, there are repercussions such as fines, ranging from $50 to $500, depending on the state or city law. Repeat offenses or refusal to comply may lead to removal from the premises or referral to local law enforcement.
  • Some of the airports still allow indoor smoking within specific lounges and areas. However, these exceptions are extremely limited and usually inaccessible to most domestic travelers or not situated within the main terminal areas.
  • Smoking policies are subject to change based on public health guidelines, airport renovations, or legislative changes. Airports regularly update their policies, especially during events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when additional health measures may be enforced. Travelers are advised to confirm the latest rules through official airport channels before flying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the smoking areas in airports?

Designated smoking areas are located outside of terminals at least 25 feet away from the Terminal entrance.

Is there a smoking area after security in airports?

Smoking and vaping are permitted in designated areas outside the terminal building. Once you have gone through security, you will not be able to smoke or vape anywhere on the premises.

Are there any airlines that still allow smoking?

No, major commercial airlines do not allow smoking on their flights. Smoking was once common, but it has been banned on all commercial flights due to health and safety concerns

Can you smoke in the airport bathroom?

No, smoking, including vaping, is not permitted in airport bathrooms or anywhere inside airport terminals. Designated smoking areas are located outside the terminal buildings. 

Can you smoke on first-class flights?

Smoking in aircraft, including electronic cigarettes, is prohibited worldwide due to strict health and safety regulations. Ashtrays and no-smoking signs remain present in aircraft for safety reasons and to comply with safety standards

Can you smoke in a private jet?

Yes, it is possible to smoke on a private jet. Some private jet companies or owners may allow smoking, while others may not, and it’s often subject to additional fees for cleaning and potential damage. 

Does JFK have a smoking area?

Yes, JFK Airport has designated smoking areas, but they are located outside the terminal buildings. New York City law prohibits smoking indoors, including in terminals and aeronautical operations areas. 

What is the penalty for smoking in the airplane bathroom?

No person may smoke in any aircraft lavatory, as the Federal law provides for a penalty of up to $2,000 for tampering with the smoke detector installed in this lavatory. 

Why are airports getting rid of smoking areas?

Smoking rooms do not stop secondhand smoke from wafting throughout an airport. This makes the air quality unsafe for people around. Even low exposure can trigger a heart attack, stroke, or asthma attacks in those at risk.

Are there smoking areas on long flights?

Despite a prohibition on smoking, functioning ashtrays must be conspicuously located on the doors of all airplane bathrooms. This is because there must be a safe place to dispose of a lit cigarette if someone violates the no-smoking rule.

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