Airports With Indoor Smoking Lounges: Where You Can Still Light Up
Finding a place to smoke at airports has gotten complicated with all the bans and policy changes flying around. As someone who has spent more hours in terminals than I care to count, I learned everything there is to know about which US airports still let you light up indoors. Today, I will share it all with you.
Fair warning before we dive in: this changes constantly. Airports close these lounges all the time with little notice. Always double-check before you build your travel plans around a smoke break. I have personally shown up expecting a lounge that had been shut down two weeks earlier. Not fun.
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. ATL is surprisingly generous for smokers — maybe the most generous major airport in the country. They have got smoking lounges past security in basically every concourse — T, A, B, C, D, E, and F. That is pretty remarkable for the world’s busiest airport, handling over 90 million passengers a year.
The lounges are enclosed, properly ventilated, and scattered throughout so you are never too far from one if you need it. I have used the ones in Concourse B and D personally, and they were clean and functional. Plus, both the Marriott Gateway and Renaissance Concourse hotels (connected via the ATL SkyTrain) have designated smoking rooms if you are staying overnight between connections.
Denver International (DEN)
Denver has the Smokin’ Bear Lodge Smoking Lounge. Gotta love that name, right? Very on-brand for Colorado. Here is the catch though — it is outside the secure area. So if you have already cleared security, you would have to exit and go through the whole TSA process again.
For folks who just landed or have super long layovers where re-screening is not a big deal, it is a solid option. I used it once during an eight-hour weather delay and it was a lifesaver. Just do not cut it close with your flight time — DEN security lines can be brutal during ski season.
Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
DFW has nine smoking lounges scattered around the terminals. Nine! That is impressive by any standard and makes it one of the most smoker-friendly major airports I have ever been through. They are all enclosed, ventilated, and generally well-maintained from what I have experienced across multiple visits.
One important note though: three of them close at midnight. The ones at gates B29, C8, and E36 shut down late night. If you have got a red-eye, plan accordingly and make sure you know which lounges stay open around the clock.
Las Vegas McCarran (LAS)
It is Vegas, so of course they have got smoking options. Three designated indoor smoking areas spread across the C and D gate areas. This being Las Vegas, they are not going to make you go outside in the desert heat — that would be downright cruel in July.
Specifically, look for them at C Annex, the north end of C Gates, and the south end of D Gates. That is what makes the Vegas airport endearing to us smokers who travel — the city genuinely understands its clientele and accommodates accordingly.
Miami International (MIA)
Miami has got a designated smoking lounge outside Terminal D, near gate D36. It is enclosed and gives you somewhere to go without leaving the secured area, which is a huge plus.
Actually, there is also a TGI Friday’s on Concourse D that has an outdoor smoking patio where you can order food and drinks. That is probably the most civilized smoking situation at any US airport — actual table service while you smoke. I sat there during a three-hour layover with a cold beer and a burger, watching planes taxi by. Not bad at all, Miami.
Washington Dulles (IAD)
Dulles has outdoor smoking areas post-security. Emphasis on outdoor — you are at the mercy of DC weather, which can be absolutely brutal in summer humidity or winter cold. But at least you do not have to leave the secured zone and go back through TSA.
Better than nothing, especially for international travelers who might not have time to re-clear security on tight connections through Dulles.
Nashville (BNA)
Nashville has got the Graycliff Boutique and Lounge on Concourse B. This one charges an entry fee, but from what I have heard and experienced firsthand, it is worth it. Climate-controlled, comfortable, proper ventilation that actually works. Premium tobacco products available if you want to upgrade from your regular smokes for a treat.
If you are going to pay for a smoking lounge experience, this is apparently one of the better ones in the entire country. Very Nashville — they know how to make an experience out of just about anything.
The Bottom Line
Smoking options at airports are shrinking every year, and that is just the reality of the situation. What is available today might be gone next month with zero warning. Before you travel, I would strongly suggest checking with the specific airport directly — websites, phone calls, whatever works. Do not rely on articles alone, including this one.
These lounges exist because there is still demand, but the trend is clearly moving toward completely smoke-free airports across the board. Enjoy them while they last, I suppose.
And hey, if your layover airport is not on this list? You have usually got outdoor options pre-security. Just factor in the time to get back through TSA. Give yourself at least an extra 45 minutes to an hour, more during peak travel times and holiday weekends. I have learned that lesson enough times to know it by heart.
Safe travels, and happy smoking where it is still allowed.
