Lois Larson
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a smoke-free indoor environment, meaning smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas of the airport, including restaurants and lounges. However, designated outdoor smoking areas are available at each terminal building. The Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) has a discreet airside smoking patio, which can be accessed from Terminals 4-8. This area is relatively new and not advertised on the official LAX website due to the City of Los Angeles's efforts to curb smoking. Other designated smoking areas are located outside Terminals 1, 2, 5, 6, and B. It's important to note that vaping and e-cigarettes are included in the airport's no-smoking policy and are strictly prohibited indoors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smoking allowed | Yes, in designated outdoor smoking areas |
| Smoking allowed inside the airport | No |
| Vaping allowed | No |
| Smoking areas | Terminal B International, behind Unami Burger in Tom Bradley Terminal, outside United Baggage claim, in between the signs for United and United Express, Gate 130 |
| Time taken to reach the smoking area | 15 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Where to smoke at LAX
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a completely smoke-free indoor environment. This means that smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas of the airport, including restaurants and lounges. However, the airport provides designated outdoor smoking areas for guests who wish to smoke. These areas are located outside each terminal building.
If you are flying out of Terminals 7 or 8, the nearest smoking area is around a 15-minute walk away, in the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). This area can also be accessed from Terminals 4, 5, and 6 via underground tunnels or a ground-level walkway. The TBIT smoking area is located behind the Unami Burger restaurant in the food court area, past Panda Express, KFC, and Umami Burger.
Alternatively, if you are short on time, you can step outside the terminal to smoke and then go through security again. However, please be considerate of others and do not smoke near the airport entrances, as others may inhale your smoke.
It is important to note that vaping and e-cigarettes are included in the airport's no-smoking policy and are strictly prohibited inside all parts of LAX Airport and its premises.
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Is vaping allowed at LAX?
Vaping is allowed at LAX, but only if the vaping device is stored in carry-on baggage. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires passengers to take effective measures to prevent the accidental activation of the heating element of the device when transporting it. For example, each lithium-ion battery must not exceed a Watt-hour rating of 100 Wh; or for lithium-metal batteries, a lithium content of 2 grams. It is worth noting that the final decision on whether a vaping item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer.
LAX does not provide airport maps, and the official LAX website offers no information on designated smoking areas. However, there are smoking areas in and around the airport. For example, there is a relatively hidden airside smoking patio in the Tom Bradley International Terminal (also known as Terminal B). This is accessible from Terminals 4-8 and TBIT on the secure side. Terminals 6-8 are connected by a ground-level walkway, and underground tunnels link Terminals 4, 5, and 6. There is also a smoking area behind Unami Burger in the Tom Bradley Terminal.
If you are flying out of Terminal 7 or 8, give yourself at least 15 minutes to reach the smoking area. It may be easier to step outside to smoke and then clear security again. There is also a designated smoking area outside the United Baggage claim, between the signs for United and United Express.
One source suggests that vaping is allowed at LAX, but this may be outdated information.
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Smoking areas at the Tom Bradley International Terminal
The Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) does have a designated smoking area. However, it is relatively hidden and not easy to access from all terminals.
To get to the TBIT smoking area, travellers should follow signs for "Tom Bradley International Terminal" or "Terminal B" from their respective terminals. Once in TBIT, head towards Gate 130 and the food court area. From there, keep going past Panda Express, KFC, and Umami Burger, and the sign for the smoking area will be visible. It is worth noting that this is a considerable walk from some terminals, especially Terminal 7, and may not be worth it for a quick smoke.
The smoking area at TBIT is an airside patio, which is a better alternative to smoking outside on the curb. Historically, the airport had outdoor patios in Terminal 2 and Terminal 6, but these may no longer be available for smoking. The TBIT smoking area is relatively new and not officially advertised, as it goes against the City of Los Angeles's efforts to curb smoking. Nevertheless, it caters to travellers from cultures where smoking is more prevalent.
It is important to note that smoking is not permitted in pet relief areas or outside airport entrances, as second-hand smoke affects everyone walking by.
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Smoking areas in Terminals 1 to 8
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a completely smoke-free indoor environment. However, there are designated outdoor smoking areas at each terminal building. These include Terminals 1, 2, 5, 6, and B.
The Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) has a discreet airside smoking patio. It can be found by following signs for Gate 130, and then heading to the food court area. Keep going past Panda Express, KFC, and Umami Burger, and you will see a sign for the smoking area.
Terminals 4-8 and TBIT are connected on the secure side, so if you are travelling from any of these terminals, you can access the smoking area. If you are flying out of Terminal 7 or 8, give yourself at least 15 minutes to get to the smoking area. Alternatively, you can step outside to smoke and then go through security again.
There is also a smoking area outside United Baggage Claim, in between the signs for United and United Express. You will have to clear security again, but it has been described as a mellow process.
In the past, Terminal 2 and Terminal 6 had outdoor patios for smoking, but these have now been transformed into pet relief areas where smoking is strictly prohibited.
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The lack of airport maps at LAX
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is spread across eight terminals in a U-shape, with the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) also serving the airport. While the airport does provide maps, they do not indicate the locations of designated smoking areas. This is by design, as the smoking area is relatively new and the City of Los Angeles has made aggressive efforts to discourage smoking.
Additionally, the absence of designated smoking area maps can contribute to an unpleasant experience for non-smokers. Without clear indications of smoking areas, some travellers may resort to smoking outside airport entrances or in non-designated areas. This can result in second-hand smoke exposure for individuals passing by, including families with young children or individuals with respiratory issues.
To address this issue, travellers have shared tips and updates online regarding the location of smoking areas. For example, as of August 2024, the only smoking area after security in the Los Angeles airport is located in Terminal B (Tom Bradley International Terminal). Travellers can follow signs for "Tom Bradley International Terminal" in Terminal 4 and other terminals, which are often labelled as "Terminal B." Once in TBIT, they should aim for Gate 130 and the nearby food court area, where they can find the smoking area.
Despite the challenges posed by the lack of airport maps at LAX, travellers can utilise online resources and tips from fellow smokers to locate designated smoking areas. However, it is essential to recognise that smoking areas may change over time, and the information found online may not always be up to date. Therefore, travellers should also be mindful of non-smoking areas and respect the comfort and health of their fellow travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
No, LAX is a completely smoke-free indoor environment. Smoking is prohibited in all parts of the airport, including restaurants and lounge areas.
Yes, there are designated outdoor smoking areas at each terminal building.
The Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) has a smoking area near Gate 130 and the food court. It is surrounded by tall glass walls, providing a good view of aircraft landings.
Yes, there are smoking areas outside Terminals 1, 2, 5, 6, and B. Terminal 7 also has a designated smoking area, although it is located outside the terminal, near the United Baggage claim.
No, vaping is strictly prohibited inside all parts of LAX Airport and its premises.
