Can You Smoke in Atlanta Airport? A Local’s Guide to Smoking Rules at ATL

If you’re flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and wondering whether you can smoke, the answer is almost always no—at least not inside.

Atlanta’s airport used to be known for its indoor smoking lounges. That’s changed. Here’s what you need to know now if you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or have a layover at ATL.

Can You Smoke Inside Atlanta Airport?

No. You cannot smoke anywhere inside the Atlanta airport.

This includes:

• All terminals and concourses
• Gate areas
• Restrooms
• Restaurants and bars
• Lounges and common areas
• Train/Plane Train areas
• Baggage claim and ticketing areas

All former indoor smoking rooms at ATL have been closed. Smoking or vaping indoors can lead to:

• Being asked to stop or leave the area
• Possible fines under local and airport rules
• In rare cases, involvement of airport security

If you’re already past security, you’ll need to exit the secure area to smoke.

What About Vaping or E-Cigarettes?

Vaping is treated like smoking at Atlanta airport.

You cannot:

• Use e-cigarettes or vape pens inside
• Vape in restrooms, gate areas, restaurants, bars, or lounges
• Vape on the Plane Train or inside the passenger tunnels

If you need to vape, you must go to a designated outdoor area outside the terminals.

Where Can You Smoke at ATL?

You can only smoke outside, in areas generally used for smoking near the entrances.

Typical options include:

• Outside the North Terminal (Domestic) – near the curbside pickup and drop-off areas, away from main doors
• Outside the South Terminal (Domestic) – similar curbside areas where other passengers may be smoking
• Outside the International Terminal (Concourse F) – designated outdoor spaces at curbside or lower-level pickup zones

Look for:

• “No Smoking” signs to know where you cannot smoke
• Trash cans or ashtray-style receptacles positioned a bit away from the doors
• Areas where other smokers are clearly standing several feet away from entrances

🚩 Important: Smoking is usually restricted to spots away from terminal doors and ventilation intakes. Airport or security staff may ask you to move if you’re too close to entrances.

Do You Have to Leave Security to Smoke?

Yes. If you’re wondering, “Can I smoke in Atlanta airport during a layover without leaving security?” the realistic answer is no.

To smoke or vape:

1. Exit the secure area (leave your concourse and go landside).
2. Go outside to a smoking-acceptable area.
3. When you’re done, you’ll have to go back through TSA screening to re-enter your concourse.

This means you should:

• Allow extra time (often at least 30–60 minutes) to clear security again, depending on the time of day and terminal.
• Factor in walk time if you’re changing concourses or moving between domestic and international terminals.

For short layovers, it often isn’t practical to leave security just to smoke.

Smoking Rules by Area of the Airport

Here’s a simple overview of where you can and can’t smoke at Atlanta airport:

Always follow posted local signs and airport instructions, which override general expectations.

Smoking at the Domestic vs. International Terminals

Domestic Terminal (North & South)

For Atlanta residents and most U.S. travelers, North and South Terminal are the main entry and exit points.

• Indoor smoking rooms are closed.
• Smokers generally step outside near the curb and move away from main entrances.
• If you’re connecting between concourses (A–E and T) on a domestic layover, you cannot smoke without:
  • Leaving security, and
  • Coming back through TSA afterward.

International Terminal (Concourse F)

For international arrivals or departures:

• No smoking inside Concourse F or the international terminal building.
• Smokers use outdoor curbside areas or other approved external spots.
• If you’re on an international layover and want to smoke:
  • You’ll typically need to clear any required border/security steps, exit, smoke outside, and re-clear security.

Because international travel can involve extra screening and document checks, allow even more time if you plan to exit to smoke.

What About Marijuana or Other Substances?

Even beyond airport rules, Georgia law is stricter than some other states when it comes to marijuana.

At Atlanta airport:

• Marijuana use is not permitted, even outside.
• Possessing or using cannabis or similar substances can lead to serious legal consequences, especially in a secure airport environment.
• Smoking anything other than standard tobacco products (like cigarettes, cigars) can draw extra attention from airport security or local law enforcement.

If you’re flying from states with different laws, do not assume those rules apply in Atlanta or at ATL.

Practical Tips for Smokers Traveling Through ATL

To make your time at Atlanta airport smoother if you smoke:

1. Plan around security time.
If you know you’ll want a cigarette:

• Smoke before going through TSA.
• For layovers, check your connection time. If it’s under an hour, leaving security to smoke is usually risky.

2. Check your terminal ahead of time.
If you’re departing from a specific concourse, know which terminal entrance is closest so you can smoke outside there before going in.

3. Have a backup plan for cravings.
Some travelers bring gum, mints, or other non-smoking options to get through longer no-smoking periods, especially on long flights plus layovers.

4. Follow staff instructions.
If airport staff ask you to move farther from a doorway or put out a cigarette, it’s easier and safer to comply than to risk penalties or delays.

How to Confirm the Latest Smoking Rules at ATL

Policies can evolve, and Atlanta’s airport has updated its smoking rules in the past. For the most current information:

• Contact Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • Main information line: (800) 897-1910 (commonly listed for airport info)
  • General address:
    Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
    6000 N Terminal Parkway
    Atlanta, GA 30320

You can also check posted signs once you arrive. At ATL, regulations are usually clearly marked throughout the terminals and at the doors.

In everyday terms: you cannot smoke or vape inside Atlanta airport anywhere, and there are no indoor smoking rooms anymore. If you need to smoke, you’ll have to go outside the terminal, stay in allowed outdoor areas away from entrances, and be prepared to re-clear security before your flight.