Jazmin Li
If you're a smoker, travelling can be challenging. While some airports have banned smoking entirely, others provide designated smoking areas. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) permits smoking in certain areas, but these can be challenging to locate and access, particularly for those with mobility issues. This guide will help you navigate the rules and find the smoking areas at LAX, so you can enjoy a cigarette during a layover without incurring fines or missing your flight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smoking allowed | Yes, in designated smoking areas |
| Designated smoking areas | Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), Terminal 6, Gate 64B/66 (Moat), Gate 131, Gate 151, Mezzanine Level, Terminal 7, Gate 130, Terminal 1, Gate 9 |
| Vaping allowed | Yes |
| Cannabis allowed | Yes |
| Smoking prohibited | In all other areas of the airport, including restaurants and lounge areas |
| Official LAX website information | No information on designated smoking areas |
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What You'll Learn
Smoking is allowed in certain terminals
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). However, there are designated smoking areas located outside specific terminals.
The Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) has a smoking area near Gates 131 and 151 and on the mezzanine level. TBIT is separate from the rest of the terminals and can be accessed from Terminal 4 by following signs for Gate 130. This area is located downstairs in the food court, past Panda Express, KFC, and Umami Burger.
Terminal 6 also has a designated smoking area below Gate 64B/66 (Moat). Additionally, Terminal 1, below Gate 9, features a designated smoking area.
If you are flying out of Terminal 7 or 8, it is recommended to allow at least 15 minutes to reach the smoking area in TBIT. Alternatively, you may find it easier to step outside and smoke near the curb or by the parking lot across the main entrance.
It is important to note that the smoking areas at LAX may not be easily accessible for those flying domestically. The official LAX website does not provide information on designated smoking areas, and these areas are relatively new.
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Designated smoking areas
At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas, including restaurants and lounges. However, there are designated smoking areas located outside the terminals. These areas are typically located approximately 25 feet from the terminal entrances to maintain a smoke-free atmosphere inside the airport.
LAX has a relatively hidden airside smoking patio in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, which is separate from the rest of the terminals. This smoking area is accessible to passengers using gates 130 to 225. Additionally, smoking is permitted near Gate 131 and Gate 151, as well as on the mezzanine level of the Tom Bradley International Terminal. For passengers flying out of Terminal 7 or 8, it is recommended to allow at least 15 minutes to reach the smoking area, as it is located outside the secure area.
The official LAX website does not provide information on designated smoking areas, as the availability of these areas may change over time. However, online sources and smoking guides provide valuable insights into finding these areas.
It is important to note that smoking is not permitted in all airports, and some have implemented a 100% smoke-free policy. Airports that do provide designated smoking areas prioritize keeping these areas away from indoor spaces to reduce second-hand smoke exposure for passengers and staff, contributing to a healthier environment.
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No indoor smoking
Smoking is prohibited indoors at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This means that smoking is not allowed in any part of the airport building, including restaurants and lounge areas. However, there are designated smoking areas located outside the airport terminal. These areas are typically located approximately 25 feet from the terminal entrances to maintain a smoke-free atmosphere inside the airport.
The Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX has an airside smoking patio, providing a convenient option for international travellers to smoke without having to leave the secure area. This smoking area is relatively new and is not advertised on the official LAX website due to the city of Los Angeles's aggressive efforts to discourage smoking. Smoking is also permitted at Gate 131 and Gate 151, as well as on the mezzanine level of the Tom Bradley International Terminal.
Additionally, Terminal 6 at LAX used to have an outdoor patio for smoking, but it is not clear if this area is still designated for smoking. As of 2023, there were no designated smoking areas in terminals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8, according to the official airport website. However, there are reports of designated smoking areas available curbside at Terminals 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and B.
It is important to note that smoking is prohibited in pet relief areas located in Terminals 2, 6, and TBIT, and smokers are requested to refrain from smoking in these areas. While LAX provides designated smoking areas, the City of Los Angeles has implemented regulations to discourage smoking and promote a healthier environment.
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Vaping and cannabis allowed
While vaping and cannabis are allowed at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), there are specific smoking areas that travellers must use. California has implemented the Anti-Smoking Ordinance Enforcement, which prohibits smoking in most workplaces. As a result, LAX is a completely smoke-free indoor environment, including restaurants and lounge areas.
The Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX has a relatively hidden airside smoking patio. This is an excellent vantage point for plane spotting, as it is surrounded by tall glass walls. If you are flying internationally and using Gates 130 to 225, you can easily access this smoking area. Additionally, there is a designated smoking area in Terminal 6, located below Gate 64B/66 (Moat).
It is important to note that the official LAX website does not provide information on designated smoking areas. This is because the smoking area is relatively new and goes against the City of Los Angeles's efforts to discourage smoking. However, the smoking area recognises that LAX is an international hub catering to travellers from cultures where smoking is more prevalent.
LAX eventually plans to connect all terminals. Currently, terminals 4-8 and TBIT are connected on the secure side, and terminals 6-8 are connected by a ground-level walkway. Underground tunnels link terminals 4, 5, and 6. If you are flying out of Terminal 7 or 8, allow at least 15 minutes in each direction to reach the smoking area.
While LAX provides designated smoking areas, it is important to be considerate of other passengers and airport staff by only smoking in the designated areas.
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Impact on TSA officials
Smoking is allowed in a relatively hidden airside smoking patio in the Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This is the only designated smoking area at the airport, and it is quite new. While smoking is allowed in this area, vaping and cannabis are also permitted.
The existence of a smoking area at LAX has several impacts on the airport's TSA officials. Firstly, it increases their workload, as smokers must leave and re-enter the security checkpoint, requiring additional screening. This additional screening also increases the waiting time for all passengers passing through security. The impact of this may vary depending on the terminal, as not all terminals offer convenient access to the smoking area. For example, passengers flying out of Terminal 7 or 8 may need to give themselves at least 15 minutes in each direction to reach the smoking area. This extended time and increased workload may affect the performance and efficiency of TSA officials.
The presence of a smoking area also raises concerns about secondhand smoke exposure for TSA officials working near the smoking patio. While the patio is designated as an outdoor smoking area, the impact of secondhand smoke on nearby individuals, including TSA officials, cannot be overlooked. This is especially true in an airport setting, where smoke can quickly dissipate in open spaces.
Additionally, the availability of a smoking area at LAX may lead to challenges in enforcing smoking regulations within the airport. Smokers may be more inclined to smoke in non-designated areas, assuming that the presence of a smoking area implies a more relaxed attitude towards smoking at the airport. This could further burden TSA officials, requiring them to address and resolve these infractions, which could include escorting smokers from the plane or even diverting flights in extreme cases.
The impact of smoking areas on TSA officials extends beyond the immediate physical consequences. The increased workload and challenges in enforcing smoking regulations can contribute to higher stress levels and a more demanding work environment for these individuals. This can impact their overall job satisfaction and well-being.
It is worth noting that LAX has a dedicated TSA PreCheck lane at each terminal for expedited screening, which enrolled passengers can utilize to reduce their time in line. This may help alleviate some of the impacts on waiting times and TSA official workloads caused by the smoking area.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but only in designated smoking areas. The airport is a completely smoke-free indoor environment.
There is a smoking patio in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. There is also a designated smoking area in Terminal 7, on the southern side near the exit to the parking garage.
No, smoking is prohibited in all other areas of the airport, including restaurants and lounge areas.
