Lax Airport Smoking Areas: What You Need To Know

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has designated smoking areas outside the terminals before security. While some travellers have complained about the lack of clear signage, the smoking area in the Tom Bradley Terminal can be found by following signs for Tom Bradley International Terminal in Terminal 4 and then following signs for Gate 130. This area is located outdoors past the food court and has been described as decent-sized with glass walls overlooking the tarmac. There is also a smoking area that can be accessed from Terminals 4 and 5, which takes around 6 to 15 minutes to walk to.

Smoking areas at LAX are hard to find

Smoking areas at LAX airport are few and far between, and they can be challenging to locate. While there are designated smoking areas outside the terminals, they are not easy to find, and this can lead to smokers ending up smoking in the bathrooms.

Where to find the smoking areas

One of the designated smoking areas at LAX is located in the Tom Bradley Terminal, also known as Terminal B. This outdoor smoking area can be found by following the signs to Gate 130 and then looking for the food court. It is past the Panda Express, KFC, and Umami Burger outlets. There are large red signs pointing towards this open-air smoking area, which has glass walls overlooking the tarmac. However, there are no seats in this area.

Another option for smokers is to go outside the terminal and smoke by the parking lot across the main entrance. This option requires going back through security, so it is important to ensure that the security check is not too busy. The whole process can take around 15 minutes out and back.

Vaping and cannabis

Vaping and cannabis are allowed in the designated smoking areas at LAX. However, e-cigarette use is not permitted inside any of the terminals or lounges.

Vaping and cannabis are allowed at LAX

It is worth noting that vaping devices are allowed in carry-on baggage, but passengers must take effective measures to prevent the accidental activation of the heating element. Each lithium-ion battery must not exceed a Watt-hour rating of 100 Wh, and lithium metal batteries must not contain more than 2 grams of lithium. It is always a good idea to check with your airline about any limitations on the number of devices that can be carried for personal use.

In terms of cannabis, while it is illegal under federal law, LAX allows travelers over the age of 21 to carry up to 28.5 grams of marijuana and 8 grams of concentrated marijuana in their carry-on bags, in accordance with California's Proposition 64. However, it is important to remember that marijuana laws vary from state to state, and travelers are responsible for checking the laws of their destination. Once travelers reach a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint, federal regulations take effect. If marijuana is discovered during screening, law enforcement will be notified, and it will be up to their discretion whether to allow passengers to continue traveling with it.

Smoking areas at LAX are located outside the terminal

If you're looking for a place to smoke at LAX, you'll need to head outside the terminal. While smoking areas at LAX may be hard to find, they do exist, and you can find some relief during a long layover without having to head out to the curb and go through another security check.

There is a designated smoking area outside the United Baggage claim, between the signs for United and United Express. You will have to clear security again, but it's been described as "mellow." From Terminal 5 (gate 56), it's about a 15-minute walk to the smoking area in TBIT. There are maps to help guide you through the terminals.

If you're in Terminal 4, follow the signs for the Tom Bradley International Terminal (also known as Terminal B). Once you enter TBIT from Terminal 4, follow the signs for Gate 130. You'll find the smoking area in the food court area. Go past Panda Express, KFC, and Umami Burger, and you'll see the sign. This area is open 24 hours a day, and you can access it by walking from other terminals.

If you're in Terminal 2, you can take a shuttle to the smoking area. It's also been suggested that you look for the KFC in the food court and follow the signs from there.

E-cigarettes are not permitted in LAX terminals

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a completely smoke-free indoor environment. This includes e-cigarettes, which are strictly prohibited inside all parts of the airport and its premises. If an e-cigarette device emits an odour or vapour, it will be regarded as a violation of the no-smoking policy.

LAX has designated outdoor smoking areas at each terminal building, which are located outside Terminals 1, 2, 5, 6, and B. These areas are designed to provide an alternative for passengers who wish to smoke or vape. While the outdoor smoking areas offer a convenient option for smokers, it is important to note that the air around these areas can be potentially hazardous. Therefore, it is recommended to not linger for too long and to follow the instructions provided by the airport staff.

The Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at LAX has a relatively new and discreet airside smoking patio. This area offers a more appealing option for smokers, as it is located indoors and can be accessed without leaving the security checkpoint. It is important to note that the smoking area in TBIT may not be easily accessible for those flying domestically, as it primarily caters to international travellers using Gates 130 to 225.

While LAX provides designated smoking areas, it is important to respect the rights of non-smokers and refrain from smoking outside airport entrances or in non-designated areas. The official LAX website intentionally does not provide information on smoking areas, as it aligns with the City of Los Angeles's efforts to discourage smoking. However, the availability of designated smoking areas at LAX recognises the airport's role as an international hub, accommodating travellers from diverse cultures with varying smoking prevalence.

LAX smoking areas are open-air

Yes, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has smoking areas. While the official LAX website offers no information on designated smoking areas, this is likely by design, as the smoking area is relatively new and goes against the City of Los Angeles's efforts to curb smoking. However, the smoking area is necessary as LAX is an international hub that caters to travellers from cultures where smoking is more prevalent.

The smoking area at LAX is an open-air patio located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). This area is relatively hidden and airside, providing a better alternative to smoking outside the airport entrances or at the curb, which would require another security check. The patio can be accessed from Terminals 4-8 and TBIT, which are connected on the secure side, as well as Terminals 6-8, which are connected by a ground-level walkway. If you are flying out of Terminal 7 or 8, give yourself at least 15 minutes in each direction to reach the smoking area.

The outdoor patio is enclosed by high glass walls, allowing plane spotters to watch aircraft land while they smoke. While smoking, be considerate and extinguish your cigarettes in the provided ashtrays rather than on the ground. It is worth noting that this area is not limited to cigarettes, and the smell of cannabis has been reported in the area.

To find the smoking area, look for signs directing you to the secure outdoor areas in the terminals. Specifically, go past the KFC in the food court area, and follow the signs to the child-playing area and restrooms. The smoking area is located outside, past this point.

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