Jazmin Li
Smoking policies vary across airports, and while smoking on airplanes flying to, from, or within the United States has been banned since 2000, Salt Lake City International Airport has also implemented a 100% smoke-free indoor air policy. However, smoking and vaping are permitted in designated outdoor areas outside the terminal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Indoor smoking allowed | No |
| Smoking and vaping allowed in designated outdoor areas | Yes |
| Smokefree zones outside entrances and semi-enclosed areas | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Salt Lake City International Airport has a 100% smoke-free indoor air policy
The airport implemented this smoke-free policy to protect the health of passengers, pilots, flight attendants, and employees. Secondhand smoke exposure can be harmful, and by eliminating indoor smoking, the airport provides a healthier environment for everyone. This decision aligns with the declining smoking rate in the United States, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control, with a significant drop from 17% in 2014 to 15% in 2015.
Prior to this policy, Salt Lake City International Airport had smoking rooms, with five post-security smoking lounges promoted as a convenience for connecting smokers. However, the airport began phasing out these smoking rooms in July 2016, with the last lounge closing in December of the same year, completing the transition to a smoke-free environment. The former smoking lounge spaces have been repurposed into amenities such as seating, tables, and power charging stations.
Additionally, Salt Lake City International Airport is not alone in its smoke-free initiative. As of 2025, more than 600 U.S. airports are 100% smoke-free. Some airports are also establishing smoke-free zones outside entrances and in semi-enclosed areas like garages and shuttle stops, further expanding smoke-free environments. This trend demonstrates a growing commitment to providing healthy and smoke-free spaces for travellers and employees.
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Smoking and vaping are permitted in designated outdoor areas
Salt Lake City International Airport has implemented a 100% smoke-free indoor air policy. This means that smoking and vaping, including e-cigarettes, are only permitted in designated outdoor areas outside the terminal. These designated smoking areas are located on the west side of the building on the ground level, 25 feet from entrances. This policy aligns with the airport's $1.8 billion terminal remodel program, which does not include smoking rooms, and prioritizes the health and well-being of both travellers and employees.
The transition to a smoke-free environment at Salt Lake City Airport began in July 2016, with the phasing out of smoking rooms. By the end of that year, the airport had successfully implemented its smoke-free indoor air policy, joining hundreds of other smoke-free airports worldwide. This move was led by Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski, who emphasized the public health benefits of such a policy.
The designated outdoor smoking areas at Salt Lake City Airport are clearly marked and easily accessible. They are located outside the terminal, away from entrances and enclosed areas, to minimize second-hand smoke exposure for non-smokers. This setup follows the trend in many airports that are adopting smoke-free zones outside entrances and in semi-enclosed areas.
Smokers at the airport should be mindful of these designated areas and respect the smoke-free indoor policy. It is important to prioritize the health and comfort of all individuals within the airport, and designated smoking areas help achieve this. For those who wish to smoke or vape before their flight, locating the designated outdoor areas using the Airport Terminal Map is recommended.
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Salt Lake City once had five post-security smoking rooms
Salt Lake City International Airport once boasted five post-security smoking rooms, catering to smokers making connections. However, in 2016, the airport began phasing out these smoking lounges, with the final lounge closing in December of that year. This move brought Salt Lake City Airport in line with a growing number of airports worldwide that prioritise smokefree indoor air for the health and comfort of all passengers and staff.
The decision to eliminate smoking rooms from the airport was led by Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski, who emphasised the public health implications of second-hand smoke exposure. The former smoking lounges have since been repurposed to provide additional seating, tables, and power charging stations, benefiting all travellers.
While some smokers may have found these designated smoking areas convenient, the transition to a 100% smokefree indoor policy has been widely applauded by public health advocates and organisations like the American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation. This shift reflects the declining smoking rates in the United States, with a notable drop of 2% between 2014 and 2015, representing the most significant decline in over two decades.
Today, smoking and vaping, including e-cigarettes, are permitted only in designated outdoor areas located outside the terminal, 25 feet from entrances. This aligns with the broader trend of airports adopting smoke-free zones outside entrances and in semi-enclosed areas to accommodate those with asthma and other respiratory concerns.
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Smoking is banned on all flights to/from/within the US
Salt Lake City International Airport has implemented a 100% smokefree indoor air policy. Smoking and vaping are only permitted in designated areas in front of the terminal. The airport started phasing out smoking rooms in July 2016 and successfully completed the transition to a smoke-free policy by the end of that year.
Smoking on flights has been banned in numerous countries around the world, with varying timelines. In the United States, smoking on all flights to, from, or within the country has been prohibited since 2000. This ban includes the use of electronic cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. The push for smoke-free flights in the US began as early as 1969, with consumer advocate Ralph Nader calling for a smoking ban on airlines. In 1971, United Airlines created a non-smoking section, and in 1973, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) mandated the segregation of smokers and non-smokers on passenger aircraft. Despite resistance from tobacco companies and some airlines, the movement towards smoke-free flights gained momentum. By 1987, Congress banned smoking on flights of two hours or less, and in 1990, this ban was extended to flights of less than six hours. In 1994, Delta became the first US airline to ban smoking on all worldwide flights. Finally, in 2000, the US federal government implemented a complete ban on smoking on all domestic and international flights touching US territory.
The ban on inflight smoking in the US is part of a global trend towards smoke-free aircraft. Several countries have implemented similar measures, including Australia, Canada, China, Cuba, Iran, and Japan. These bans were often introduced in response to health concerns and a growing aversion to smoke-filled cabins among passengers. Today, it is rare to find an aircraft that allows smoking, and violations of the ban can result in fines and legal consequences for passengers.
While the era of smoke-filled cabins may be over, it is important to recognize the efforts made by advocates, government regulations, and changing societal norms to achieve this outcome. The transition to smoke-free airports and aircraft has improved the health and comfort of passengers, pilots, flight attendants, and airport employees worldwide.
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Over 600 US airports are now 100% smoke-free
As of 2024, over 600 US airports are 100% smoke-free indoors, including Salt Lake City International Airport. This means that smoking and vaping are only permitted in designated areas in front of the terminal. Salt Lake City International Airport implemented its 100% smokefree indoor air policy in 2016, joining the ranks of airports worldwide that prioritise the health of passengers, pilots, flight attendants, and airport employees.
The transition to smoke-free airports has been a gradual process, with airports phasing out smoking rooms and repurposing them into useful passenger amenities such as seating, tables, and power charging stations. This move is supported by organisations such as the American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation and Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, who advocate for the health and well-being of both employees and travellers.
While great progress has been made, as of 2024, not all US airports have adopted 100% smoke-free policies. Some airports, like Indianapolis, have gone beyond indoor smoke-free policies and have also implemented smoke-free zones outside entrances and in semi-enclosed areas such as garages and shuttle stops. This is especially important for individuals with asthma, as smokefree zones can make a significant difference in their health and comfort during travel.
Despite the remaining challenges, the trend towards 100% smoke-free airports in the US is encouraging, with over 600 airports leading the way in prioritising the health and comfort of all individuals within their premises. This shift reflects the changing social norms and attitudes towards smoking, with 90% of US adults identifying as non-smokers as of 2024.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Salt Lake City Airport has implemented a 100% smoke-free indoor air policy.
Yes, there are designated smoking areas outside the terminal on the west side of the building on the ground level.
Smoking and vaping, including e-cigarettes, are permitted in the designated smoking areas.
The airport implemented this policy to protect the health of passengers, pilots, flight attendants, and airport employees.
Salt Lake City Airport started phasing out smoking rooms in July 2016 and successfully completed the transition to a smoke-free indoor air policy by the end of that year.
