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.
Here’s a list of airports where there are designated smoking areas for all the passengers.
Airport Name | Designated 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 |
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.
Designated smoking areas are located outside of terminals at least 25 feet away from the Terminal entrance.
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.
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
No, smoking, including vaping, is not permitted in airport bathrooms or anywhere inside airport terminals. Designated smoking areas are located outside the terminal buildings.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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