Smoking at Atlanta Airport: Where You Can (and Can’t) Light Up at ATL

If you’re flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and wondering about smoking areas, the rules are stricter than they used to be—and it’s important to know them before you arrive.

Is There a Smoking Area Inside Atlanta Airport?

No. There are no indoor smoking areas at Atlanta Airport.

All indoor smoking rooms and lounges inside ATL have been closed in line with local smoke-free regulations. That includes:

  • Terminals (domestic and international)
  • Concourses
  • Bars and restaurants
  • Gate areas and gate-side patios
  • Indoor lounges and clubs

Once you pass through TSA security, you cannot smoke or vape anywhere inside ATL, whether you are:

  • Waiting at the gate
  • Connecting between flights
  • Using a lounge
  • Walking between concourses on the Plane Train or pedestrian walkways

This applies to cigarettes, cigars, e‑cigarettes, vapes, and similar devices.

Where Can You Smoke at Atlanta Airport?

You can only smoke outside the terminal buildings in designated outdoor areas, and in all cases you must be outside security.

1. Outdoor Smoking Areas at the Domestic Terminal

If you’re using the Domestic Terminal (North or South), smoking is only allowed in certain outdoor spots:

  • Outside the terminal, on the curbside sidewalks
    Look for designated smoking areas marked with signs and ashtrays or receptacles.
  • Areas are typically located:
    • Near the ground transportation and passenger pickup/drop-off areas
    • Away from main doorways and heavy pedestrian traffic

You’ll need to exit the secure area, go outside on the arrivals or departures level, and walk to a signed smoking area.

2. Outdoor Smoking Areas at the International Terminal (Concourse F)

If you’re flying through the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F):

  • Smoking is allowed only outside the terminal building, in designated smoking zones on the sidewalks.
  • You must clear security, exit to the outside curb, then locate the marked smoking sections.

Inside the international concourse and gate areas, smoking and vaping are not allowed.

Quick Guide: Smoking Rules at ATL

Area of ATLSmoking/Vaping Allowed?Where Exactly?Security Status
Inside terminals (all concourses A–F, T)NoNowhere indoorsInside security
Bars, restaurants, lounges, gate areasNoNowhere indoorsInside security
Domestic Terminal sidewalk (North/South)Yes, in designated spotsOutside on curbside sidewalks, marked areas onlyOutside security
International Terminal sidewalk (Concourse F)Yes, in designated spotsOutside terminal entrances, marked areas onlyOutside security
Parking decks and garagesGenerally no, unless signedFollow posted signs; most areas are non‑smokingOutside security
Rental car center (CONRAC)Check signageOnly where clearly designatedOutside security

What If You’re on a Layover or Connecting Flight?

This is where many Atlanta travelers run into surprises.

You’re Just Connecting Through ATL

If you arrive on one flight and depart on another and you do not leave the secure area, you won’t have access to any smoking area.

Your options:

  • Stay smoke‑free during the entire connection
  • If your layover is long and you decide to exit security to smoke outside, you must:
    • Leave the secure area
    • Find a designated outdoor smoking area at the curb
    • Come back inside and go through TSA security again
    • Allow enough time for security lines, walking, and boarding

For many travelers, especially during busy times, this can be time‑consuming and stressful, so plan your layover with this in mind.

You’re Arriving in Atlanta and Then Leaving the Airport

Once you land and exit security, you can:

  • Follow the signs to baggage claim
  • Step outside the terminal
  • Use a designated outdoor smoking area near the pickup or ground transportation zones

If you’re done traveling for the day, you won’t have to re-clear security.

What About Vaping and E‑Cigarettes?

At Atlanta Airport, vaping and e‑cigarettes are treated like smoking for practical purposes.

  • Not allowed indoors: terminals, concourses, restrooms, bars, restaurants, lounges, and gate areas.
  • Only use them outside in designated smoking areas.
  • Airlines may also have separate rules about carrying batteries and devices in your hand luggage, so check those before you fly.

How to Find Smoking Areas at ATL

To locate smoking areas more easily when you’re at the airport:

1. Follow On-Site Signs

Look for:

  • “Designated Smoking Area” signs
  • No Smoking signage to know where you must not smoke
  • Ashtrays or cigarette receptacles, which usually mark approved spots

These are typically along:

  • Arrivals and departures curbs
  • Areas set a bit away from main entrances

2. Ask Airport Staff

If you’re uncertain, you can ask:

  • Information desks in the terminal atriums
  • Airport ambassadors or customer service representatives
  • Security or police officers posted near entrances and checkpoints

They can direct you to the nearest outdoor area where smoking is allowed.

Penalties and Enforcement at Atlanta Airport

ATL is a smoke‑free facility indoors, and violations may lead to:

  • Being asked to put out your cigarette or device immediately
  • Warnings or being directed to move to a designated outdoor area
  • In some cases, citations or fines under local non‑smoking rules, especially if you refuse to comply or smoke in clearly marked prohibited areas
  • Possible issues with airline staff if you ignore smoking rules at or near gates or on jet bridges

Enforcement is generally carried out by:

  • City of Atlanta Department of Aviation personnel
  • Airport security
  • Atlanta Police Department officers based at the airport

Tips for Smokers Traveling Through Atlanta

A bit of planning can make your trip smoother:

  • Before you arrive at ATL

    • Smoke before heading to the airport if you’re local.
    • If you’re driving in from the Atlanta area, some people choose to have a final smoke before entering airport property or parking.

  • Before you go through security

    • If you expect a long wait or a long flight, consider using a designated outdoor area at the curb before entering the terminal and clearing TSA.

  • During long connections

    • Check your layover time. If it’s short (for example, under 90 minutes), exiting and re-clearing security to smoke may be risky.
    • For longer layovers, factor in:
      • Walking time from your gate to the terminal exit
      • Time to smoke outside
      • TSA security wait time on your way back in
      • Time to reach your next gate, which may be in another concourse

  • If you’re picking someone up or dropping them off

    • Both you and the traveler can only smoke outside, in designated areas, near the pickup or drop‑off curb.
    • Do not smoke inside the terminal while waiting.

Key Contacts and Local Context

If you want to verify the latest smoking policies or have questions while planning your trip, you can reach out to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

  • Address:
    Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
    6000 N Terminal Parkway
    Atlanta, GA 30320

  • General Airport Information:
    Main information line is typically listed on airport signage and official materials; you can call ahead to ask about current smoking area locations and terminal access.

You can also check with your airline’s customer service desk at ATL once you arrive. Airline agents are used to questions about connection times and can help you judge whether you can realistically go outside to smoke and still make your next flight.

In practical terms, if you live in Atlanta or are visiting and flying through ATL, assume this: no smoking or vaping anywhere indoors at the airport, and only smoke outside in clearly marked areas before or after security. Planning around that rule will help you avoid surprises, missed flights, or uncomfortable moments with airport staff.