
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a smoke-free airport, with no designated smoking areas. This includes smoking tobacco and e-cigarettes. While smoking is forbidden inside the terminals, it is permitted outside the terminal buildings, at least 15 feet away from the perimeter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smoking allowed at Chicago Airport | No |
| Smoking allowed outside the terminals | Yes |
| Distance to maintain while smoking outside the terminal | 15 ft |
| Availability of designated smoking areas | No |
| Smoking e-cigarettes allowed | No |
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What You'll Learn

Chicago O'Hare International Airport is smoke-free
For travellers who struggle with long periods without smoking, it is recommended to use nicotine patches. Alternatively, some travellers may prefer to travel by train or bus, as these often have designated smoking areas. It is worth noting that smoking areas in airports are becoming increasingly rare, with 32 of the top 35 US airports implementing 100% smoke-free indoor air policies as of April 1, 2025.
If you do choose to smoke outside the terminal at O'Hare Airport, it is important to dispose of your cigarette butts appropriately. Bring a portable ashtray or use a can of Cola to collect the ashes, then throw away the leftovers in the trash. Do not dispose of cigarette butts in the restroom or other facilities, as this can cause problems.
Additionally, keep in mind that smoking in the wrong places at O'Hare Airport can lead to complaints from non-smokers and possible intervention from airport staff or the police. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the rules and only smoke in the designated outdoor areas.
Overall, while Chicago O'Hare International Airport does not offer designated smoking areas, it is important to respect the rules and consider alternative options, such as nicotine patches or choosing travel methods with designated smoking areas.
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There are no designated smoking areas inside the airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a smoke-free airport, including e-cigarettes and vaping. There are no designated smoking areas inside the airport. This means that neither domestic Terminals 1, 2, and 3, nor international Terminal 5 have smoking lounges.
If you are a smoker, you will need to go outside the terminal to smoke. It is important to note that smoking in public buildings is forbidden in Chicago, so you must go outside the terminal building and ensure you are at least 15 feet away from the terminal perimeter. It is also recommended that you take a portable ashtray or can of cola with you to dispose of your cigarette butts, as there are no ashtrays inside the airport.
If you are unable to smoke outside the terminal, you may want to consider using a nicotine patch to help reduce withdrawal symptoms. Alternatively, if you are a US resident, you may want to consider giving up smoking altogether, as it is becoming harder to find designated smoking areas in the country.
While some airports in the US permit vaping in designated areas, it is important to check the regulations of your specific airport before assuming that vaping is allowed. Overall, only 3 of the top 35 busiest US airports permit indoor smoking as of April 1, 2025. These are Las Vegas's Harry Reid International Airport, Miami International Airport, and Nashville International Airport.
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Smoking is allowed outside, 15 feet from the terminal perimeter
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is a smoke-free airport, including e-cigarettes. While smoking is not allowed inside the terminals, it is permitted outside, at least 15 feet from the terminal perimeter. There are no designated smoking areas or ashtrays within the airport, so smokers are advised to bring a portable ashtray or can of cola to dispose of cigarette butts.
If you are planning to smoke outside the terminal, ensure you have enough time before your flight as you will need to pass through security again before reaching your gate. It is important to respect the non-smoking policy inside the terminals to avoid causing discomfort to non-smokers and potential complaints to airport staff or police involvement.
For those seeking alternatives to smoking during their time at the airport, nicotine patches can help reduce withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, considering other travel options like train or bus journeys may provide more opportunities for smoking breaks.
It is worth noting that smoking regulations vary across airports in the United States. While Chicago O'Hare International Airport does not have designated smoking areas, other major airports, including Las Vegas's Harry Reid International Airport, Miami International Airport, and Nashville International Airport, offer indoor or outdoor smoking areas.
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E-cigarettes are treated the same as tobacco use
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a smoke-free airport, which includes e-cigarettes. There are no designated smoking areas within the airport, and smoking is only permitted outside the terminal buildings. This means that e-cigarettes are treated the same as tobacco use at the airport.
If you are planning to smoke near the airport, it is important to note that smoking is not allowed within 15 feet of the terminal perimeter. It is also recommended to be considerate of non-smokers, especially children, and to avoid blowing smoke in their direction.
To comply with the smoking restrictions at the airport, smokers are advised to use nicotine patches or consider alternative modes of transportation, such as trains or buses, which may offer more flexibility for smokers. Additionally, for those travelling internationally, it is worth noting that the availability of designated smoking areas varies across different airports.
While Chicago and New York City have considered a law that would treat e-cigarettes as tobacco products, resulting in a ban at airports and other public places, the current regulations on e-cigarettes remain unclear. Local laws may impose their own rules for the sales and use of e-cigarettes, contributing to the inconsistency in airport policies.
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Smoking indoors in public buildings is forbidden in Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is smoke-free, including e-cigarettes. There are no designated smoking areas in the airport, and smoking indoors in public buildings is forbidden in Chicago. This includes government buildings, bars, restaurants, shopping malls, recreational facilities, public transportation facilities, laundromats, apartment buildings, and condominium buildings. The Clean Indoor Air Ordinance, in effect since 2008, prohibits smoking in virtually all enclosed public places.
Smoking is also prohibited within 15 feet of the entrance to these establishments, and the same rule applies to Chicago O'Hare Airport. If you wish to smoke, you must go outside the terminal and be at least 15 feet away from the building. It is important to note that vaping and the use of e-cigarettes are also included in the smoking ban in Chicago.
For those struggling with the smoking restrictions, nicotine patches are recommended to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Alternatively, smokers may prefer to travel by train or bus, where smoking areas may be more accessible. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find designated smoking areas in the country, and quitting smoking may be a better long-term option.
The Chicago Department of Public Health is responsible for enforcing the smoking laws, and failure to comply may result in fines or even arrest.
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Frequently asked questions
No, there are no cigarettes available for purchase at Chicago O'Hare Airport. The airport is smoke-free, including e-cigarettes.
No, there are no designated smoking areas at Chicago O'Hare Airport. Smoking is forbidden inside the terminals and within 15 feet of the terminal perimeter.
If you smoke in a non-designated area, you may face legal consequences, including a fine or even arrest. Non-smokers may also complain to airport staff, who can call the police.
Smokers can use nicotine patches to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, designated smoking areas may be available immediately outside the airport perimeter, but this is determined by state or city law.











































