Lois Larson
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the 10th busiest airport in the United States, serving over 50 million passengers annually. In this article, we will explore whether smoking is permitted on the airport premises. In 1985, Florida implemented the Clean Air Act to protect individuals from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and vapour. As a result, smoking is generally not allowed in most public spaces. Orlando International Airport has designated smoking areas outside the terminal building on Level 1 (arrivals) and Level 3 (departures). These areas are marked with signs and ashtrays, and smokers must remain at least 20 feet away from any entrances or exits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smoking allowed inside the airport | No |
| Smoking allowed outside the airport | Yes |
| Floors with designated smoking areas | Level 1 (arrivals) and Level 3 (departures) |
| Location of designated smoking areas | Across the street from Concourses A, B, C, and D2 |
| Smoking allowed in terminal building | No |
| Smoking allowed on airside shuttle trains | No |
| Smoking allowed at the gates | No |
| Smoking allowed on the planes | No |
| Smoking allowed in cafes | No |
| Fine for smoking in non-smoking areas | Up to $500 for individuals and $2,000 for businesses |
| Distance to be maintained from entrances or exits of the terminal building | 20 feet |
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What You'll Learn
Orlando Airport's smoking areas
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a non-smoking facility, in accordance with Florida's Clean Indoor Air Act. Smoking is only allowed outdoors on the 3rd level (departures) and outdoors on the 1st level (ground transportation) in designated areas. These areas are marked with signs and ashtrays and are situated across the street from the terminal.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere else on the airport grounds, including inside the terminal building, on the airside shuttle trains, at the gates, or on the planes. This also applies to electronic cigarettes and vaping devices. If you are caught smoking in a non-smoking area, you could face a fine of up to $500 for individuals and $2,000 for businesses.
It is important to note that these designated smoking areas are subject to change. In 2019, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority discussed changes to the smoking and vaping policy at Orlando International Airport. As a result of public requests, the airport decided to move the designated smoking areas to the ends of the curbs to comply with Florida law, which requires individuals to stay at least 20 feet away from any entrance or exit of the terminal building.
If you are a traveller who wishes to smoke before boarding your flight or during a layover, it is recommended that you allow enough time to pass through security and reach the designated smoking areas outside the airport.
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Smoking fines
Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the Orlando International Airport (MCO) terminal building, on the airside shuttle trains, at the gates, or on the planes. This includes electronic cigarettes and vaping devices.
Designated smoking areas are available outside the terminal building on Level 1 (arrivals) and Level 3 (departures) across the street from Concourses A, B, C, and D2. As per Florida law, smokers must stay at least 20 feet away from any entrance or exit of the terminal building. These areas are marked with signs and ashtrays.
If you are caught smoking in a non-smoking area, you could face a fine of up to $500 for individuals and $2,000 for businesses.
Orlando International Airport is not the only airport enforcing such regulations. Due to Florida's Clean Indoor Air Act, smoking is prohibited inside the majority of public and private establishments, including restaurants.
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Florida's Clean Indoor Air Act
In 1985, the Florida Legislature enacted the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act (FCAA) to protect people from the health hazards of secondhand tobacco smoke and vapour. The FCAA was implemented to uphold the Florida health initiative in s. 20, Art. X of the State Constitution. The Act does not apply to mould exposure and poor indoor air quality.
The FCAA was amended in 2003 to prohibit smoking in enclosed indoor workplaces, including most public and private businesses, such as restaurants. This amendment was a response to a 2002 vote, in which 71% of Floridians voted to ban smoking in all indoor workplaces. As a result of this amendment, the Orlando International Airport became a non-smoking facility, with smoking only permitted outdoors on the 3rd level (departures) and 1st level (ground transportation).
In 2019, the FCAA was expanded to include electronic vapour products, which are now prohibited in indoor workplaces. The FCAA is enforced by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Smokers at MCO Airport should be mindful of the limited smoking areas. As of 2009, smoking was only permitted outdoors on Level 3 prior to security check-in.
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Finding the smoking areas
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a non-smoking facility, in accordance with Florida's Clean Indoor Air Act. Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas on Level 1 (ground transportation/arrivals) and Level 3 (departures). These designated areas are marked with signs and ashtrays and are located across the street from Concourses A, B, C, and D2.
To find the smoking areas at MCO, first locate the Concourses A, B, C, and D2. From there, the smoking areas are located across the street on Level 1 and Level 3. You can find benches and ashtrays outside, and you must remain at least 20 feet away from any entrance or exit of the terminal building, as per Florida law.
It is important to note that smoking is not allowed anywhere else at MCO, including inside the terminal building, on the airside shuttle trains, at the gates, or on the planes. This also applies to electronic cigarettes and vaping devices. If you are caught smoking in a non-smoking area, you may face a fine.
Additionally, travellers who wish to smoke before boarding can find dedicated lounges equipped with matches and ashtrays in many airports worldwide and in certain bars and restaurants.
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Alternatives to smoking
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has been a non-smoking facility since July 1, 2003, in accordance with Florida's Clean Indoor Air Act and Amendment 6 to the Florida constitution. Smoking is only permitted outdoors on the 3rd level (departures) and outdoors on the 1st level (ground transportation) in designated areas.
If you are a smoker, there are various alternatives to smoking that can help you quit or reduce your nicotine cravings. Here are some suggestions:
- Candy-like lozenges: These provide a dose of nicotine while keeping your mouth occupied, reducing the urge to smoke. They come in different sizes and doses, and it takes about 10 to 20 minutes to feel the effects.
- Nicotine gum: This also helps reduce cravings and can be used with the 'chew and park' technique. You chew the gum until you feel the effects of nicotine, then hold it between your teeth or cheek for a few seconds. Repeat this process for about 20 to 30 minutes.
- E-cigarettes: While they are not recommended as a first-line strategy, they can be a harm reduction tool for those who have tried to quit smoking and were unsuccessful or those who are not interested in quitting. E-cigarettes do still contain nicotine, and using both cigarettes and e-cigarettes is more harmful than using either alone.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as Varenicline (formerly Chantix) and Bupropion (Wellbutrin or Zyban), are effective in cutting cravings and reducing withdrawal symptoms. These medications work by blocking or partially stimulating the brain's nicotine receptors.
- Alternative activities: Engaging in alternative activities can help distract you from smoking. Some ideas include taking a walk, reading a book, going to the library, visiting a museum, playing with a pet, or doing something creative like taking photographs.
- Oral substitutes: Chewing on a toothpick or brushing and flossing your teeth can provide an alternative oral fixation and help reduce the urge to smoke.
Remember, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or nicotine replacement therapy. They can provide guidance and support tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are designated smoking areas outside on Level 1 (arrivals) and Level 3 (departures).
The designated smoking areas are located across the street from Concourses A, B, C, and D2.
Yes, ashtrays are provided in the designated smoking areas.
No, smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the airport terminal, including the airside shuttle trains, at the gates, or on the planes.
Individuals caught smoking in non-smoking areas can be fined up to $500, while businesses can be fined up to $2,000.
