It can be quite stressful to deal with flight layovers and terminal rules, especially when someone is looking for areas where smoking is allowed. As one of the busiest airports in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport maintains a strict indoor smoke-free policy to protect passengers’ health.
The airport has permanently closed all previous indoor smoking lounges and the smoking area behind security. For a smooth trip, this guide includes everything you need to know about the designated Atlanta Hartsfield Airport Smoking Area, the smoking policy, vaping rules, step-by-step instructions for your layover break, and tips for navigating the airport safely.
Let’s dive in!
Is Smoking Allowed at the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport?
Smoking is strictly prohibited in all the indoor areas, gates, and concourses at ATL Airport. Also, all indoor smoking rooms and lounges are permanently closed.
If you need to smoke or vape, you must do so at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Smoking Areas located outside the Domestic Terminal (North and South curbside) and the International Terminal. Make sure you are smoking at least 25 feet away from any entrance.
Smoking Areas at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport: Key Locations
Smoking is permitted only outdoors at the terminals before entering security. As per airport regulations, you must remain at least 25 feet away from any terminal entrance, exit, or the vents. Have a look at the table below for smoking areas at ATL Airport.
| Terminal | Location |
| Domestic Terminal North Lower Level | Door LN1 and LN2 |
| Domestic Terminal North Main | Door N1 and between Doors N3 – N4 |
| Domestic Terminal South Lower Level | Door LS1 and LS2 |
| Domestic Terminal South Main | Between doors S1 and S2, between doors S4 and S5 |
| International Terminal | Departures (Upper Level) – Doors D1 and D3, Arrivals (Lower Level) – Doors A1 and A3 |
ATL Smoking Policy
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is 100% smoke-free indoors, meaning all former indoor smoking lounges and rooms are permanently closed. Take a look at the complete Policy Ban for ATL Smoking Areas.
- Prohibited Items: Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, cigars, and any other tobacco or nicotine products.
- Locations: Banned in all indoor areas, including terminals, concourses, gate areas, restaurants, bars, and restrooms. 15 designated smoking zones are located outside the domestic (North and South) and International terminals.
- Re-entry Warning: If you are a connecting passenger who leaves the secure area to smoke outside, you must go back through TSA security checkpoints to re-enter your gate area.
- Distance: Smokers must stand at least 25 feet away from any terminal entrance, exit, or air intake vent.
- Penalties: Violating the indoor smoking ban can result in fines up to $200.
ATL Airport Smoking Section After Security
No, you cannot smoke or vape past security, as all indoor smoking lounges and rooms are permanently closed, and you need to go to one of the Atlanta Hartsfield Airport Smoking Areas. Every concourse and terminal area past the TSA checkpoint is completely smoke-free.
If you want to smoke, you must exit the secure area completely, go to a designated outdoor smoking zone near the terminal, and clear TSA security again to return to your gate.
Are E-cigarettes & Vaping Allowed at Atlanta Airport?
No, indoor vaping and e-cigarette use are strictly prohibited anywhere inside ATL. Under an Atlanta city ordinance, the airport transitioned to a completely smoke-free indoor environment and closed all interior smoking lounges.
Travelers caught vaping inside the terminals, concourses, or restaurants face a civil penalty fine of up to $200. If you need to vape, you must use the designated outdoor Smoking Areas at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport, located at least 25 feet away from the terminal entrances.
You may bring your vaping devices through security, but they must be packed in your carry-on luggage, as they are banned from checked baggage due to lithium battery fire risks.
All About Smoking During a Layover at the ATL Airport
Smoking is strictly prohibited inside ATL and post-security areas. To smoke during a layover, you must exit the secure area, go outside the terminal building, get a smoke, and re-clear security to catch your connecting flight.
Step-by-step Layover Smoking Guide
If you choose to leave the terminal to smoke, follow this process carefully.
- Check your time: Make sure your layover is long enough (preferably 2 or 3 hours) to leave the airport, smoke, and clear security again.
- Keep your documents: Carry your passport or government-issued ID with your boarding pass.
- Exit the Terminal: Follow the signs for ground transport or arrivals/baggage claim to exit the secure area.
- Find the designated areas: Go onto the curbside sidewalks and look for signs posted at the airport indicating the exact areas where smoking is allowed. City regulations require you to stay at least 25 feet from building entrances.
- Go back and clear TSA: Make sure you have plenty of time to go through the standard TSA Security Screening lines before reaching your departure gate.
Atlanta Hartsfield Airport Smoking Areas Map
Use this ATL Airport Smoking Areas Map to navigate easily. It gives you clear directions highlighting every spot where smoking is permitted or forbidden.
ATL International Airport: Customer Support
If you have further questions about smoking policies or Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport Smoking Areas, you can contact the airport’s support team using the information below. These contact details will help you get direct support and clarify any rules before or during your trip.
| Airport Address | 6000 North Terminal Parkway, Suite 4000, Atlanta, GA 30320 |
| Official Website | https://www.atl.com/ |
| Contact Number | (404) 382-2920 |
| Email Address | atl311@atlantaga.gov |
| Contact Us Page | https://www.atl.com/contact-us/ |
Efficient Tips to Remember Before Accessing ATL Smoking Area
- If you have a layover and need to smoke, you must exit the terminal building completely. After smoking outside, you will need to clear security again to reach your gate, so allow plenty of time and don’t forget your physical boarding pass and identification.
- Do not smoke while waiting at the transport area or in parking lots.
- Do not use e-cigarettes or vapes in any area within the terminal.
Conclusion
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport maintains a strict indoor smoking ban across all terminals and concourses. To smoke or vape legally, travelers must exit the secure area to use the designated outdoor Atlanta Hartsfield Airport Smoking Area and allow enough time to clear TSA security before catching their next flight.
FAQs
Are there any indoor smoking areas or lounges at ATL?
No. All indoor smoking rooms and lounges inside the concourses and terminals were permanently closed following the Smoking Ban in 2020.
Is vaping or e-cigarette use allowed inside the airport?
No. Vaping is strictly prohibited anywhere inside the terminal buildings, concourses, and restaurants, just like traditional cigarettes.
How far away from terminal entrances must I stand to smoke?
Smokers must use the designated curbside areas and stay at least 25 feet away from public entrances and pedestrian pathways.
What happens if you are caught smoking inside ATL Airport?
Individuals caught smoking or vaping inside the terminals or concourses face fines up to $200.