Jazmin Li
Smoking is prohibited in airports and on airplanes. However, some airports have smoking rooms or outdoor smoking areas. As of 2024, nearly all U.S. hub airports are 100% smoke-free indoors, including Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Salt Lake City, JFK, and Newark. Some airports, like Indianapolis, are also smoke-free outdoors. A few U.S. airports that still allow indoor smoking include McCarran Las Vegas, Memphis, Nashville, and Cincinnati-Northern KY. When travelling internationally, it is necessary to check the smoking policies of each individual airport.
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What You'll Learn
Smoking rooms at airports
While it is challenging to find an airport with smoking rooms, some airports do have designated smoking areas. For example, Kolkata Airport has a spacious smoking lounge with multiple exhaust smoke extraction systems, which can accommodate 20 people at once. Mumbai Airport in India also has smoking lounges in both the departure and arrival terminals.
In the United States, there are reportedly only 4-5 airports left with smoking rooms. One source mentions that Las Vegas Airport has smoking rooms, and another states that Dulles International Airport has a post-security smoking room. Atlanta Airport reportedly used to have smoking rooms, but it is unclear whether these are still present.
Some airports have smoking areas outside the airport near ticketing and baggage claim. Additionally, some airports have smoking lounges inside airport bars, particularly after passport control. For example, Schiphol Plaza in the Netherlands has smoking areas outside before passport control, and most smoking lounges are located inside airport bars after it.
It is important to note that smoking is not permitted in public areas at most airports, and smokers must use the designated smoking lounges. These lounges are often fitted with smoke extractors and are located in the departures terminals.
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Smoking outside during a layover
If you're looking to smoke outside during a layover, it's important to keep in mind that the rules and facilities available can vary depending on the airport. Some airports may have designated smoking areas within the terminal, while others may only allow smoking outside the terminal or in specific outdoor areas. It's always a good idea to check the airport's website or smoking policy in advance to know what to expect.
When you're dealing with a layover, time is of the essence. Keep in mind that if you choose to go outside the terminal to smoke, you'll need to factor in the time required to exit and re-enter security. This process can take a significant amount of time, especially during peak travel periods or at busy airports. Weigh the benefits of having a smoke against the potential hassle and time loss of going through security checks again.
Some airports may have smoking rooms or lounges located within the terminal. These areas are designed to accommodate smokers and often feature exhaust smoke extraction systems to improve air quality. Examples include Kolkata Airport, Las Vegas Airport, and Atlanta Airport, although it's always a good idea to check ahead of time as smoking room availability can change.
If you decide to leave the airport during your layover to smoke, be mindful of the time required to get in and out of the airport, especially if you're dealing with a shorter layover. Additionally, be sure to familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations regarding smoking in the area. For example, smoking in certain public areas or near airports may be prohibited and subject to fines or other penalties, as one traveller experienced at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
To make your layover smoking experience as smooth as possible, consider the following tips:
- Check the airport's website or smoking policy in advance to know the designated smoking areas.
- Factor in the time required to exit and re-enter security if you go outside the terminal.
- Look for airports with smoking rooms or lounges to avoid having to leave the terminal.
- If you leave the airport during your layover, be mindful of local smoking laws and regulations to avoid penalties.
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Airports with lenient marijuana policies
While federal law prohibits marijuana, and TSA security stations are under federal jurisdiction, certain airports have more lenient marijuana policies. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) allows passengers to carry up to 28.5g of cannabis, as per the laws in California. Seattle-Tacoma Airport has a similar policy, and Portland International Airport allows passengers to carry marijuana if they are flying within Oregon. New York airports have also made it legal to possess less than three ounces of marijuana.
However, some adult-use states still have airports that prohibit marijuana on their property, such as Denver International Airport and McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. It is important to note that even in airports with lenient policies, passengers must be aware of federal laws and the laws of the state they are travelling to or from. Internationally, CBP agents have the authority to enforce federal law prohibiting marijuana across borders.
In terms of smoking once through airport security, it depends on the airport. Some airports have smoking rooms, such as Las Vegas Airport, Atlanta Airport, and Kolkata Airport. However, many airports have removed their smoking rooms in recent years. If you have a long layover, you may be able to leave the airport and go outside to smoke, but you will need to go back through security, which may not be worth the hassle.
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Airports that prohibit marijuana
While marijuana laws vary from state to state, it is prohibited at the federal level, and TSA security stations abide by federal laws. Therefore, transporting marijuana through a TSA checkpoint could lead to criminal charges. However, TSA workers do not search for marijuana, and their screening procedures are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. If any illegal substances are discovered, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.
Some airports have their own rules or warnings about carrying marijuana. For example, Denver International Airport in Colorado and McCarren International Airport in Las Vegas prohibit marijuana on their property. In contrast, New York airports have made it legal to possess less than three ounces of marijuana. Similarly, as of 2018, California law allows individuals 21 years or older to possess up to 28.5 grams of marijuana for personal consumption, and Los Angeles Airport Police Division (APD) officers will not arrest individuals complying with state law.
It is important to note that TSA officers are required to report any suspected violations of the law to local, state, or federal authorities. Marijuana and certain cannabis-infused products, including Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, remain illegal under federal law, except for products containing no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis or those approved by the FDA.
While there may be a lack of enforcement due to limited resources, it is still a serious issue, and federal authorities do not support marijuana possession or use. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the laws and regulations of the specific state and airport when considering traveling with marijuana.
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Bringing cigarettes through security
It is permitted to bring cigarettes through airport security, but they must be stored in a secure and manageable location, such as a carry-on bag. It is recommended that cigarettes are kept in their original packaging to prevent any suspicion of smuggling attempts. Some airports even require this. Loose cigarettes may result in delays or confiscation.
In addition, most countries have a maximum quantity of cigarettes allowed for each person per trip for personal use. For example, if you bring more than 200 cigarettes to the United States, you may have to pay an additional amount for bringing in goods above the personal exemption limit. Customs authorities use advanced X-ray scanners and random checks to detect cigarettes during inspections. Attempting to smuggle cigarettes or exceed the quantity limit can result in financial penalties and legal consequences.
It is important to note that while you can bring cigarettes through airport security, smoking is not permitted in airports or on planes. If you need to smoke, you may have to go outside the airport and back through security, which may not be worth it if you have a short layover or the airport is busy.
Some airports, such as Las Vegas, Kolkata, and Dulles International, have smoking rooms. However, it is becoming less common for airports to have designated smoking areas, so it is best to assume you will not be able to smoke until you reach your destination.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot smoke in the airport after passing through security. However, some airports have smoking rooms or lounges, such as McCarran Las Vegas, Memphis, Nashville, and Kolkata Airport.
Yes, you can smoke before going through security. You will have to go outside the airport to do so.
Yes, cigarettes are not contraband, so you can bring them in your bag or pocket. You can also bring a lighter.
If you have a long layover, you may be able to leave the airport and smoke outside. However, you will have to go back through security, so it may not be worth it if the airport is busy or your layover is short.
Yes, you could try nicotine gum or patches.
