
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is the 11th busiest airport in the United States, serving over 50 million passengers annually. With such a high volume of travellers passing through its doors, many of whom are smokers, it's important to know the airport's smoking policy. CLT has a designated smoking area outside the terminal on the upper level near the west end of the building. This is the only place where smoking is permitted, and it is clearly marked with signs and ashtrays. This guide will provide all the information you need to know about where to smoke at CLT Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of smoking areas | 1 |
| Location | Outside the terminal on the upper level near the west end of the building |
| Opening hours | 24 hours |
| Covered or enclosed | No |
| Distance from entrances/exits | At least 100 feet |
| Distance from air intake vents/fuelling areas | At least 100 feet |
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What You'll Learn

Charlotte Airport's designated smoking area
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the 11th busiest airport in the United States, serving over 50 million passengers annually. The airport has a designated smoking area outside the terminal on the upper level, near the west end of the building. This is the only place where smoking is permitted at CLT, and it is clearly marked with signs and ashtrays. The area is open 24 hours a day and is not covered or enclosed, so smokers may have to contend with weather conditions. In addition, smokers must stay at least 100 feet away from any entrance or exit of the terminal, as well as any air intake vents or fuelling areas.
Smoking at CLT is governed by the airport's policies, as well as state and local laws. The North Carolina Smoke-Free Law prohibits smoking in all enclosed areas of public places, including airports. This means that smoking is not allowed inside the terminal building, concourses, gates, restrooms, or baggage claim areas. CLT's policies reinforce this, stating that smoking is prohibited in all areas of the airport except for the designated smoking area. This includes electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), vaping devices, and other smoke- or vapour-emitting products.
As an alternative to smoking, travellers can take advantage of the various amenities and services offered by CLT, such as free Wi-Fi, charging stations, restaurants, shops, art exhibits, and lounges. The airport features a single terminal with 5 concourses (A-E) and provides a wide range of dining, shopping, and lounge options. There are 5 lounges in total, including 2 American Airlines Admirals Clubs, a Centurion Lounge, a Minute Suites, and a USO lounge for active military personnel. Priority Pass members also have access to The Club CLT and Gameway.
CLT is a fully connected airport, with all concourses accessible from the main terminal and each other. However, it has been criticised for its narrow walkways and long distances between gates. The airport has 5 security checkpoints and offers TSA PreCheck lanes for expedited security clearance. For international travellers, CLT participates in Global Entry for expedited clearance of pre-approved, low-risk passengers.
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North Carolina Smoke-Free Law
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) Smoking Area
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the 11th busiest airport in the United States, serving more than 50 million passengers annually.
CLT has its own policies regarding smoking on its property, in addition to complying with state and local laws. According to the North Carolina Smoke-Free Law, smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas of public places, including airports. This means that smoking is not allowed inside the terminal building, concourses, gates, restrooms, or baggage claim areas. The law also applies to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), vaping devices, and other products emitting smoke or vapour.
However, CLT does have a designated smoking area outside the terminal on the upper level near the west end of the building. This is the only place where smoking is permitted at the airport, and it is clearly marked with signs and ashtrays. The smoking area is open 24 hours a day, but it is not covered or enclosed, leaving smokers exposed to weather conditions. They must also maintain a distance of at least 100 feet from any entrance or exit of the terminal, as well as air intake vents and fueling areas.
The North Carolina Smoke-Free Law, also known as the Smoke-Free Restaurants and Bars Law, was passed in May 2009 and came into effect on January 2, 2010. This law prohibits smoking in enclosed areas of almost all restaurants and bars, as well as most lodging establishments. An "enclosed" area is defined as having a roof and permanent or temporary walls or side coverings on at least three sides, making up 55% or more of the total combined perimeter surface area.
The law also applies to hotels, motels, and inns if food and drink are prepared and served on the premises. However, there are some exemptions, including lodging establishments that do not serve food or drink and those that only provide lodging to regular boarders or permanent houseguests, unless there are 13 or more such guests who are disabled or aged 55 or older. Casinos are not included under this state law, but some tribal casinos in Western North Carolina have voluntarily implemented smoke-free policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to restaurants, bars, and lodging, the smoke-free law in North Carolina also applies to other public places such as public schools, university campuses, and hospitals. All North Carolina public schools are tobacco-free, and all hospitals in the state have been tobacco-free since 2009, both indoors and outdoors, including parking areas.
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Smoking inside the terminal
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is subject to the North Carolina Smoke-Free Law, which prohibits smoking in all enclosed areas of public places, including airports. This means that smoking is not permitted inside the terminal building or any of its concourses, gates, restrooms, or baggage claim areas. CLT also has its own policies regarding smoking, which align with the state law. As a result, smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), vaping devices, and other smoke or vapour-emitting products, is only allowed in the designated smoking area outside the terminal.
This designated smoking area is located on the upper level near the west end of the building and is clearly marked with signs and ashtrays. It is important to note that this area is not covered or enclosed, leaving smokers exposed to various weather conditions. Additionally, smokers must maintain a distance of at least 100 feet from any entrance or exit of the terminal, as well as any air intake vents or fuelling areas.
While CLT offers various amenities like free Wi-Fi, charging stations, restaurants, shops, art exhibits, and lounges, smokers are limited to this single designated outdoor area. This restriction applies to all passengers, including those with short layovers who may prefer not to go outside. For those seeking alternatives to smoking, the airport's website provides information on smoking alternatives, and there are also airport clubs and lounges that may have specific rules.
As CLT is a major hub for American Airlines with a single terminal and 5 concourses (A-E), it is important for smokers to be aware of the designated smoking area's location and the airport's policies. With over 50 million passengers served annually, understanding and adhering to the smoking regulations at CLT are crucial to ensuring a pleasant experience for all travellers.
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Smoking in rental cars and shuttle buses
Smoking is strictly prohibited in all rental cars and shuttle buses at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). This is in accordance with the North Carolina Smoke-Free Law, which bans smoking in all enclosed areas of public places, as well as the airport's own policies. Violators of this law may be subject to a fine of up to $50.
The law and airport policy apply to all forms of smoking, including cigarettes, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), vaping devices, and any other products that emit smoke or vapour. It is important to respect the comfort and health of other passengers and staff by refraining from smoking in these enclosed areas.
Smokers travelling through CLT are advised to use the designated smoking area located outside the terminal on the upper level near the west end of the building. This area is clearly marked with signs and ashtrays, and it is the only place where smoking is permitted at the airport. It is open 24 hours a day, but it is not covered or enclosed, so smokers may need to prepare for various weather conditions.
When using the designated smoking area, smokers must maintain a distance of at least 100 feet from any entrance or exit of the terminal building, as well as any air intake vents or fuelling areas. This helps ensure that second-hand smoke does not affect other individuals in the vicinity.
By following these guidelines, smokers can enjoy their cigarettes or vaping devices while also respecting the comfort and health of others at CLT. It is important to adhere to the airport's policies and local laws to avoid any fines or disruptions during your travel experience.
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Alternatives to smoking
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) has a designated smoking area outside the terminal on the upper level near the west end of the building. This is the only place where smoking is permitted at the airport and it is clearly marked with signs and ashtrays. The smoking area is open 24 hours a day but is not covered or enclosed, meaning smokers may have to deal with weather conditions.
If you are looking for alternatives to smoking at the airport, vaping and heated tobacco products are generally sold at airports and can be used in the designated smoking area. However, it is important to note that the use of these products at airports is treated the same as using cigarettes, and you will need to abide by the same rules and restrictions.
Some other alternatives to smoking include:
- Nicotine pouches: These provide a smoke-free, vapour-free, and tobacco-free way to consume nicotine. They are often sold at airports and can be a convenient alternative if you have forgotten to pack your usual smoking devices.
- Heated tobacco products: Devices like IQOS heat specially-designed tobacco sticks like HEETS. These products are available at some airports, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Bristol. However, be sure to check the local laws and regulations of your destination as rules regarding heated tobacco and e-cigarettes can vary across the world and may be heavily restricted or banned in certain areas.
- Vaping: Vaping is another common alternative to smoking. While vaping devices may be sold at airports, their use is typically restricted to designated smoking areas.
- Smoke-free products: Depending on your location, you may have access to smoke-free alternatives such as nicotine gum or patches. These can help satisfy nicotine cravings without producing smoke or vapour.
- Relaxation techniques: If smoking is a way to manage stress, consider alternative stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation. These techniques can help you manage cravings and reduce the urge to smoke.
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Frequently asked questions
Charlotte Airport has a designated smoking area outside the terminal on the upper level near the west end of the building. This is the only place where smoking is permitted.
No, due to the North Carolina Smoke-Free Law, smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas of public places, including airports.
Yes, CLT offers a variety of amenities and services such as free Wi-Fi, charging stations, restaurants, shops, art exhibits, and lounges.
No, smoking is not permitted in or near the airport's clubs and bars. The designated smoking area is outside, upstairs near the west end of the terminal building.
CLT's smoking policy is governed by the airport's rules as well as state and local laws. Smoking is banned inside the terminal and any of its concourses, gates, restrooms, or baggage claim areas. Smokers must use the designated smoking area and stay at least 100 feet away from any entrance or exit of the terminal.











































