Atlanta Airport Smoking Area with Location & Tips

by Karan March 26, 2025 · Travel Tips

Are you a smoker traveling through the Atlanta airport smoking area and wondering where you can take a quick smoke break? Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, handling millions of passengers annually.

If you’re a smoker with an upcoming trip through this massive airport, you’re probably concerned about where and when you can smoke during your journey.

The good news is that while the airport has strict smoking policies, there are still designated areas where you can enjoy a cigarette without breaking any rules.

Back in 2019, the Atlanta City Council made a major change by banning smoking inside the airport terminals.

This was quite a shift for regular travelers who were used to the indoor smoking lounges that were previously available.

Now, all smoking activities must take place in specific outdoor locations that are at least 20 feet away from the terminal entrances.

Atlanta Airport Smoking Area

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about smoking at Atlanta Airport, including all designated smoking spots, regulations you must follow, and helpful tips to make your journey smoother.

Whether you’re arriving, departing, or just connecting through Atlanta, this complete guide will help you navigate the smoking restrictions without missing your flight or facing any penalties.

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport Smoking Areas

If you’re looking for places to smoke at Atlanta Airport, it’s important to understand that there are no indoor smoking areas within the main terminal buildings anymore.

The Atlanta Hartsfield Airport promotes a smoke-free environment, and this policy has been strictly enforced since 2019, when the Atlanta City Council imposed a complete ban on smoking inside the airport territory.

Before this change, there were several smoking lounges throughout the airport terminals, but these have all been permanently closed. Currently, you cannot smoke or vape inside any of the terminals, departure lounges, or concourses.

However, don’t worry! There are designated outdoor smoking areas located at least 20 feet away from terminal entrances. You can find smoking spots at these locations outside both the domestic and international terminals:

All these locations are near the departure and arrival doors of the airport. The “N” refers to the North Main smoking zone level, while “S” refers to the South Main zone.

These smoking areas are positioned approximately 25 feet away from these doors to comply with smoking regulations.

It’s important to note that if you want to access an Atlanta airport smoking area after passing through security, you will have to exit the secure area and go through security screening again when you return.

This is a crucial consideration, especially if you’re short on time before your flight.

Here’s a table showing other smoking areas at the airport along with their operating hours:

Location	Terminal	Nearest Gate	Hours
Outdoor Smoking Area	Int. Terminal (T Gate)	T11	24/7
Outdoor Smoking Area	Domestic Terminal North	Ground Transportation	24/7
Outdoor Smoking Area	Domestic Terminal South	Ground Transportation	24/7
Smoking Lounge	Concourse T	T3	6 AM-11 PM
Smoking Lounge	Concourse A	A3	6 AM-11 PM
Smoking Lounge	Concourse B	B23	6 AM-11 PM

Note: Outside of these designated airport smoking areas, smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere else in the airport. While using these areas, you must follow all regulations set by the airport management to avoid penalties.

Is there Smoking Area in Concourse B?

Yes, there is a designated smoking area in Concourse B at Atlanta Airport. The Atlanta Airport Smoking Area in Concourse B is located near gate B23 on Terminal 1.

This lounge is specifically designated for smokers who want to enjoy a cigarette without worrying about breaking any rules.

The smoking lounge at Concourse B operates from 6 AM to 11 PM daily. It’s important to remember these operating hours before heading to this lounge, especially if you have an early morning or late night flight.

If your flight is outside these hours, you’ll need to use one of the 24/7 outdoor smoking areas instead.

This smoking area provides a comfortable space for smokers while ensuring that non-smokers aren’t affected by secondhand smoke.

The lounge is designed to contain smoke and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the concourse.

For travelers with a layover at Atlanta Airport who need a smoking break, the Concourse B smoking area is a convenient option if your connecting flight also departs from the same concourse.

However, if you need to change concourses for your connecting flight, you should carefully consider whether you have enough time to smoke and still make it to your departure gate.

Remember that Concourse B can be quite busy, especially during peak travel times, so allow yourself extra time to navigate through the crowds to reach the smoking area and then get back to your gate.

Atlanta Airport Map Smoking Area

Having access to an Atlanta Airport smoking area map is incredibly helpful for smokers trying to navigate this massive airport complex. The map displays the names and locations of all designated smoking areas along with the predicted distance to reach each area from different points within the airport.

This map helps travelers maintain compliance with the smoking policies and regulations while reducing inconvenience to both smokers and non-smokers. By clearly marking all smoking areas, the map ensures that smokers don’t accidentally violate the no-smoking rules in other parts of the airport.

In addition to the general smoking areas, there are two travel lounges that only specific travelers can access:

Delta Sky Club – Located at 6000 S Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30337
Delta Sky Club (B18) – Located in Concourse B

For Delta passengers with the appropriate membership or access privileges, these lounges may offer additional amenities. However, it’s important to note that even within these exclusive lounges, smoking is only permitted in designated areas.

The Atlanta Airport smoking area map for Delta areas is particularly useful for frequent Delta flyers, as the airline operates a major hub at this airport. The map clearly shows which smoking areas are closest to Delta gates, helping passengers plan their smoke breaks more efficiently.

When using the map to find a smoking area, pay attention to the terminal indicators (T, A, B, C, D, E, F) as well as the gate numbers to orient yourself. The airport is massive, and walking from one concourse to another can take significant time, so knowing exactly where you need to go for a smoke break is essential for time management.

Smoking Policies at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport

Understanding the smoking policies at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport is essential for all travelers who smoke. These regulations aren’t just airport-specific rules but also include federal regulations that govern smoking in public places.

Federal Regulations

According to federal regulations, smoking is prohibited in most public places, including transportation hubs, hospitals, and airports throughout the United States. Almost every U.S. state strictly enforces a ban on smoking inside airport terminals.

These federal rules apply to all forms of smoking, including:

Traditional cigarettes
Cigars
E-cigarettes
Vapes
Any other tobacco or nicotine products

Violating these federal regulations can result in significant penalties, and ignorance of the rules is not considered a valid excuse.

Airport-Specific Policies

As mentioned earlier, before 2019, smoking was allowed in designated areas inside the Atlanta Airport. However, the Atlanta City Council has since implemented a strict ban on smoking anywhere inside the airport premises.

This ban covers all tobacco products, including:

Cigars
Cigarettes
Vapes
E-cigars

If you’re caught smoking inside the Atlanta Airport, you can face a penalty ranging from $100 to $200. This is a significant fine, so it’s important to be aware of and respect the smoking restrictions.

The Atlanta Airport smoking areas in 2024 continue to be limited to designated outdoor locations that are positioned at least 20 feet away from terminal entrances. There are no exceptions to this rule for regular passengers, making it crucial to plan your smoke breaks carefully, especially if you have a tight connection between flights.

Airport authorities regularly monitor all areas for compliance with these smoking policies, and security cameras are positioned throughout the terminals. Airport staff are also trained to enforce these regulations and can report violations to the appropriate authorities.

Is there Any Smoking Area on Terminal E?

For travelers wondering about an Atlanta Airport smoking area in Terminal E, the answer is no. There is no designated smoking area within Terminal E as it is located inside the secure area of the airport. As previously mentioned, smoking is not permitted inside any part of the airport terminals or concourses.

Smoking areas are only located near the arrival and departure gates of Concourses A, B, C, D, and T. If you’re at Terminal E and need to smoke, you would need to exit the secure area, which means going through security again when you return.

For passengers with connecting flights through Terminal E who need a smoke break, this presents a significant challenge. You would need to:

Exit the secure area
Find the nearest outdoor smoking location
Smoke your cigarette
Go through security screening again
Return to your gate

This process can take a considerable amount of time, especially during busy travel periods when security lines are long. Therefore, if you have a short layover at Terminal E, it might not be feasible to take a smoke break without risking missing your connecting flight.

For more detailed and up-to-date information about smoking areas, it’s always a good idea to check the official Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport website before your trip. Airport policies can change, and having the most current information will help you plan your journey more effectively.

Who can Smoke Inside the Atlanta Hartsfield Airport?

While the general rule is that smoking inside Atlanta Hartsfield Airport is prohibited, there are a few exceptions for certain categories of travelers. These exceptions are limited and apply only to specific areas within the airport.

The only people who can smoke inside the Atlanta Hartsfield Airport are:

International travelers who have purchased a day pass
Passengers who have access to the Delta Sky Club lounge in Concourse F or those who have a Delta Sky Club membership

Other than these specific categories of travelers, no one is permitted to smoke inside the airport terminals or concourses. This strict policy is enforced consistently throughout the airport.

For those who do have access to the Delta Sky Club lounge, it’s important to note that smoking is only allowed in a separate, air-conditioned area that is not connected to the main lounge. This ensures that non-smoking club members aren’t exposed to secondhand smoke while enjoying the lounge amenities.

The Delta Sky Club smoking area is designed with special ventilation systems to contain smoke and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the lounge or terminal. However, even with these systems in place, smokers are expected to be considerate of others and follow all posted rules.

Access to the Delta Sky Club lounge is restricted to club members, certain Delta credit card holders, passengers traveling in Delta One or Delta Premium Select on international flights, and those willing to purchase a day pass. The cost of a day pass can be substantial, but for smokers on long international journeys, it might be worth the investment to have access to an indoor smoking area.

For the most up-to-date information on Delta Sky Club access policies and smoking areas, you can refer to the Atlanta Airport smoking area map for Delta facilities or check directly with Delta Air Lines before your trip.

Is there Any Smoking Area on Terminal A?

Yes, there is a designated smoking area near Terminal A at Atlanta Airport. The Atlanta airport smoking area in Terminal A is located near gate A3 and operates from 6 AM to 11 PM daily. This is one of the more accessible smoking points in the airport and provides a convenient location for smokers who are departing from or arriving at gates in Terminal A.

The smoking area near gate A3 is designed to accommodate travelers who need a quick smoke break before boarding their flight or after arriving at the airport. However, like all smoking areas at Atlanta Airport, it has specific operating hours, so it’s not available for overnight travelers.

If you’re planning to use this smoking area, here are some important points to remember:

The area is only open from 6 AM to 11 PM, so plan accordingly
You’ll need to allow extra time to reach this area and return to your gate
If you’ve already gone through security and need to smoke, you’ll have to exit the secure area and go through security screening again afterward
During busy travel times, security lines can be long, so factor this into your planning

For passengers with connecting flights through Terminal A, this smoking area can be a convenient option if your layover is long enough to accommodate exiting security, taking a smoke break, and going through security again before your next flight.

The Terminal A smoking area is marked and easy to find if you follow the signs in the terminal. It’s designed to contain smoke and minimize the impact on non-smoking travelers, but users are still expected to be considerate and follow all posted rules and regulations.

Where to Buy Cigarettes at Atlanta Airport?

If you need to purchase cigarettes at Atlanta Airport, you have several options available. Cigarettes can be bought from designated retail locations throughout the airport, making it convenient for travelers who may have run out or forgotten to bring their own.

You can buy cigarettes from these places within the airport:

Convenience stores are located in both the domestic and international terminals
Newsstand shops are scattered throughout the concourses
Duty-free shops (for international travelers)

If you’re traveling internationally and looking to save some money, purchasing cigarettes from duty-free shops is recommended as the prices are exempt from duties or taxes. This can result in significant savings compared to regular retail prices.

For domestic travelers, convenience stores and newsstand shops are the most accessible options. These stores typically have a variety of popular cigarette brands available, though the selection might be more limited than what you’d find at a dedicated tobacco shop outside the airport.

It’s important to note that you cannot buy cigarettes near the designated smoking areas themselves. You’ll need to purchase them from the retail locations mentioned above before heading to a smoking area.

Also, be aware that cigarette prices at airports are often higher than what you might pay at stores outside the airport due to the convenience factor. If you’re a regular smoker, it might be more economical to bring your own cigarettes from home, making sure to comply with all travel regulations regarding tobacco products.

For international travelers, there are also restrictions on how many cigarettes you can bring into or take out of certain countries without paying additional duties or taxes. Make sure to check these regulations for both your departure and arrival countries before your trip.

What to Do if I Mistakenly Smoke Inside the Airport?

If you accidentally smoke inside Atlanta Airport, you should be prepared for the consequences. The Atlanta City Council has made it very clear that smoking inside the airport premises is strictly prohibited, and there are no exceptions to this rule, regardless of whether the violation was intentional or accidental.

If you are caught smoking inside the airport, you will likely face a fine of up to $200. This penalty applies to all forms of smoking, including traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices.

Here’s what to do if you mistakenly light up inside the airport:

Immediately extinguish your cigarette or turn off your vaping device
Dispose of it properly in a designated waste container
Apologize if approached by airport staff or security
Be prepared to pay the fine if issued
Do not argue with airport personnel, as this could escalate the situation

It’s important to understand that claiming ignorance of the rules is not a valid excuse and will not exempt you from the penalty. Airport regulations regarding smoking are posted throughout the terminals, and it’s the responsibility of all travelers to be aware of and follow these rules.

To avoid accidentally smoking inside the airport:

Always look for signage indicating designated smoking areas
Ask airport staff if you’re unsure where smoking is permitted
Pay attention to announcements about smoking regulations
Research the airport’s smoking policies before your trip

Remember that these strict regulations are in place to protect the health and comfort of all airport users, including those who may be sensitive to secondhand smoke. By respecting these rules, you contribute to a more pleasant travel experience for everyone.

Tips for Smokers Traveling Through Atlanta Hartsfield Airport

Navigating Atlanta Airport as a smoker requires some planning and awareness of the airport’s layout and policies. Here are some practical tips to help make your journey smoother:

Check Airport Layout Before Arrival

Study the airport map before your trip to identify the locations of designated smoking areas
Note which smoking areas are closest to your arrival and departure gates
Understand the distance between smoking areas and your gates to plan your time accordingly
Download the airport map to your phone or print it out for easy reference during your journey

Timing Your Smoke Breaks Strategically

Allow at least 30-45 minutes before your boarding time for a smoke break
Factor in the time needed to exit security, smoke, and go through security screening again
For connecting flights, determine if your layover is long enough to accommodate a smoke break
Set alarms on your phone to remind you when to head back to your gate
Avoid rushing through your smoke break, as this can increase stress and anxiety

Stay Informed About Current Smoking Policies

Check the official Atlanta Airport website before your trip for any policy updates
Look for smoking-related signs throughout the airport for guidance
Ask airport staff if you’re unsure about any smoking regulations
Be aware that policies may change without advance notice

Travel with Smoking Alternatives

Consider bringing nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges for times when smoking isn’t possible
Try nicotine pouches as a discreet alternative during flights
Explore nicotine inhalers that don’t produce smoke or vapor
Practice deep breathing techniques to manage cravings during no-smoking periods
Stay hydrated, as this can help reduce nicotine cravings

Pack Smart for Your Journey

Bring enough cigarettes for your entire trip to avoid overpaying at airport shops
Carry a small, sealed container for cigarette butts if you’re concerned about finding proper disposal areas
Remember your lighter or matches, but check airline regulations about carrying these items
Pack smoking supplies in your carry-on bag for easy access
Consider a travel-sized air freshener or breath mints for after smoking

Allow Extra Time in Your Travel Schedule

Arrive at the airport earlier than you normally would to accommodate smoke breaks
Don’t cut it close with connection times if you plan to smoke between flights
Build in buffer time for unexpected delays at security checkpoints
Check if your flight is on time before heading out for a last smoke break

These tips will help you manage your smoking needs while navigating through Atlanta Hartsfield Airport without missing flights or violating airport policies. Remember that planning ahead is the key to a stress-free travel experience for smokers.

FAQs

Does ATL airport have a smoking area?

Yes, Atlanta Airport has designated smoking areas, but they are all located outside the airport terminals. There are specific outdoor locations marked for smoking that are positioned at least 20 feet away from terminal entrances.

Can you smoke after going through airport security?

If you want to smoke after going through airport security at Atlanta Airport, you will need to exit the secure area and go through security screening again afterward. There are no smoking areas within the secure parts of the terminal.

When did Atlanta Airport stop smoking?

The Atlanta City Council implemented a complete ban on smoking inside the airport effective January 2, 2020. Before this date, there were smoking lounges throughout the airport, but these have all been closed since the ban took effect.

Can you smoke vape in Atlanta Airport?

No, vaping is treated the same as smoking at Atlanta Airport. You cannot use vaping devices or e-cigarettes inside the airport terminals. Vaping is only permitted in the designated outdoor smoking areas.

How much is the fine for smoking inside Atlanta Airport?

If you’re caught smoking inside Atlanta Airport, you can face a penalty ranging from $100 to $200. This fine applies to all forms of smoking, including traditional cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices.

Are there any indoor smoking areas at Atlanta Airport?

For regular passengers, there are no indoor smoking areas at Atlanta Airport. The only exception is for certain international travelers or Delta Sky Club members who have access to the separate smoking area within the Delta Sky Club lounge in Concourse F.

What items are considered smoking products at Atlanta Airport?

The smoking ban at Atlanta Airport covers all tobacco and nicotine products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, vapes, and any other electronic smoking devices. All these items can only be used in designated outdoor smoking areas.

How long should I allow for a smoke break at Atlanta Airport?

You should allow at least 45-60 minutes for a smoke break at Atlanta Airport if you’ve already gone through security. This time accounts for exiting the secure area, finding the smoking area, smoking, and going through security screening again.

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Conclusion:

Navigating the Atlanta airport smoking areas requires some preparation and knowledge of the airport’s policies, but it doesn’t have to be stressful.

As one of America’s busiest airports, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has established clear rules about where smoking is permitted, and understanding these regulations will help make your journey smoother.

Remember that since January 2020, smoking is no longer allowed inside any of the airport terminals or concourses.

All designated smoking areas are located outside, at least 20 feet away from terminal entrances.

The only exceptions are for certain international travelers or Delta Sky Club members who have access to the exclusive smoking area within the Delta Sky Club lounge in Concourse F.

If you’re a smoker traveling through Atlanta Airport, the key to a hassle-free experience is planning ahead.

Study the airport map before your trip, allow extra time for smoke breaks (especially if you need to exit and re-enter security), and consider bringing nicotine alternatives for times when smoking isn’t possible.

Be aware that smoking in non-designated areas can result in a fine of up to $200, so always respect the posted signs and regulations.

When in doubt, ask airport staff for directions to the nearest smoking area rather than risking a penalty.

For smokers with connecting flights, carefully consider whether your layover provides enough time for a smoke break.

Remember that exiting security, smoking, and going through security screening again can take up to an hour during busy travel periods.

By following the guidelines and tips provided in this article, you can enjoy your smoke breaks at Atlanta Airport while ensuring a smooth travel experience. Safe travels, and remember to smoke only in designated areas!

Atlanta Airport Smoking Area with Location & Tips