Owais Crawford
Smoking is not permitted inside Chicago O'Hare International Airport. However, there are designated smoking areas outside the terminals. If you are travelling on a connecting flight, you must enter the United States and smoke outside the terminal, before going through security again for your next flight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smoking allowed inside the airport | No |
| Designated smoking areas | Outside the terminals |
| Smoking of marijuana permitted | No |
| Fines for smoking illegally | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Chicago O'Hare Airport smoking areas
Chicago O'Hare International Airport does not permit smoking inside the airport terminals. Due to the City of Chicago's Clean Indoor Air Ordinance, smoking, including vaping, is forbidden within the terminals. However, designated smoking areas are located outside the terminal buildings. These outdoor smoking areas are the only places where smoking is permitted on airport property.
For travellers with connecting flights, it is necessary to exit the terminal, smoke outside, and then re-enter the terminal to go through security again for the next flight. This can be inconvenient, especially during winter at ORD. It is important to note that there are no indoor smoking rooms or areas within bars or restaurants in the airport.
Smoking in prohibited areas can result in fines and possible detention, which may cause travellers to miss their flights. The airport's website and maps may not provide clear information on the designated smoking areas, making it challenging for smokers to locate these areas.
While some travellers may find the lack of indoor smoking accommodations inconvenient, the general trend in the United States is towards discouraging smoking and promoting smoke-free environments. The high cost of cigarettes in many major cities, ranging from $11 to $15 per pack, also contributes to the declining popularity of smoking.
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Smoking indoors at the airport
Smoking indoors at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is prohibited by federal law. The airport does not have any indoor smoking areas for passengers. The Clean Air Act and Chicago's Clean Indoor Air Ordinance prohibit smoking and vaping within the airport premises. This includes the prohibition of e-cigarettes and vaping, which are treated the same as tobacco use.
There are designated smoking areas outside the airport terminals. These areas are located at least 15-25 feet from terminal entrances and exits. However, these outdoor smoking areas do not provide any amenities beyond an ashtray.
The absence of indoor smoking areas at Chicago O'Hare Airport is in line with the trend towards smoke-free policies at airports worldwide. As of 2024, nearly all U.S. hub airports are 100% smoke-free indoors, and internationally, major hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Bangkok have also implemented smokefree indoor policies.
The American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation reports that as of April 1, 2025, 32 of the top 35 busiest U.S. airports have 100% smoke-free indoor air policies, with only three exceptions: Las Vegas's Harry Reid International Airport, Miami International Airport, and Nashville International Airport.
The prioritization of smoke-free environments at airports reflects the changing societal attitudes towards smoking, with smoking rates decreasing and non-smokers now representing the majority in the U.S. and many other countries.
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Smoking outside the airport terminals
Smoking is not permitted inside Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The City of Chicago's Clean Indoor Air Ordinance prohibits smoking of any kind, including vaping, inside the terminals. However, designated smoking areas are located outside the terminal buildings. These areas are small and can be hard to find, but they do exist for those who need them.
If you are travelling through Chicago O'Hare and wish to smoke, you will need to exit the building, walk outside, and cross the pickup and drop-off car lanes to reach the designated smoking areas. After smoking, you will then need to return to the building and go through security again. This process can be time-consuming, especially during the winter months, and there is a risk of missing your flight if you do not allow enough time.
It is important to note that there are no smoking areas, rooms, bars, or restaurants inside the airport. Smoking inside the terminal is not an option, and doing so illegally can result in fines and possible detention. With smoking being less prevalent in the United States, amenities for smokers are becoming less common in public buildings.
For those connecting through Chicago O'Hare on international flights, it is worth noting that you may have the opportunity to step outside after clearing immigration and customs. This can provide an opportunity to smoke before proceeding through security for your connecting flight. However, it is advised to allow ample time for this process to avoid missing your connection.
While the designated smoking areas outside the terminals may not be easily accessible or particularly comfortable, they do provide a legal option for smokers at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. It is important to respect the rules and regulations of the airport and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth travel experience.
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Fines for smoking in the wrong places
Smoking is highly regulated in Chicago, and there are no designated indoor smoking areas at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The City of Chicago's Clean Indoor Air Ordinance prohibits smoking of any kind, including vaping, inside the airport terminals. As a result, travellers must go outside the terminal to smoke.
Due to the strict regulations, smoking in prohibited areas at Chicago O'Hare Airport can result in fines of up to $500 or even possible detention and arrest. These fines and penalties are not unique to O'Hare Airport but apply to all US airports. It is important to follow the rules and only smoke in designated areas to avoid these consequences and potential delays in reaching your gate.
In addition to the financial and legal consequences, smoking in prohibited areas can also have practical implications. Travellers who leave the terminal to smoke must pass through security again upon their return, which can cause delays. It is crucial to plan accordingly and allow enough time to smoke and re-enter the terminal to avoid missing one's flight.
The lack of designated indoor smoking areas at Chicago O'Hare Airport can be frustrating for smokers, especially those with connecting flights. However, it is essential to respect the rules and consider alternative options to ensure compliance with the regulations.
While the airport may not provide designated indoor smoking lounges, it is worth noting that smokers can still find outdoor smoking areas outside the terminal buildings. These areas may not offer many amenities, but they provide a space for smokers to use during their time at the airport.
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Buying cigarettes in Chicago
In Chicago, there are designated smoking areas outside the airport terminals. However, smoking is not permitted inside the airport.
Cigarettes can be purchased in Chicago, but the price varies depending on the county. For example, cigarettes in Cook County are twice as expensive as in DuPage, Will, or Lake County.
Some people choose to buy cigarettes in other states and bring them to Chicago for personal use. This is because cigarettes can be much cheaper in other states. For example, cigarettes in San Antonio, California, are 65% cheaper than in Chicago, and in Medellín, they are 84% cheaper.
However, there is a risk that bringing cigarettes into Chicago from another state could be considered casual smuggling by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This is especially true if you bring in a large quantity of cigarettes, as the Contraband Cigarette Trafficking Act defines contraband cigarettes as 10,000 or more. In this case, you would also need to pay the tax difference to the state of Illinois.
To avoid this, some people choose to buy cigarettes online from other states and pay in cash to avoid detection.
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Frequently asked questions
No, smoking is not permitted inside Chicago O'Hare Airport.
No, there are no designated smoking areas inside the airport.
Yes, there are designated smoking areas outside the airport terminal.
Yes, there are fines and possible detention for smoking illegally in any US airport.
