Where Can I Smoke at Atlanta Airport? ATL Smoking Areas 2025

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the world by passenger volume — and one that’s had major smoking policy changes in recent years.

For decades, ATL was known as one of the few U.S. airports that allowed smoking indoors, in small ventilated lounges. However, as of January 2020, all indoor smoking areas were permanently closed to comply with the City of Atlanta’s Clean Indoor Air Ordinance.

Today, smoking and vaping are completely prohibited indoors, but the airport provides designated outdoor smoking zones before security outside every terminal.

Overview of Atlanta Airport Smoking Policy

The official smoking policy at Hartsfield-Jackson states:

Smoking indoors: Prohibited anywhere in the terminals.

Vaping/e-cigarettes: Treated the same as smoking.

Outdoor smoking: Permitted only in designated areas before security.

Cannabis: Illegal under federal law and prohibited on all airport property.

Violators can be fined by the City of Atlanta or removed from airport premises.

Designated Smoking Areas at ATL Airport

Atlanta Airport is divided into multiple terminals and concourses (T, A–F, and the International Terminal). While there are no smoking areas post-security, there are several outdoor smoking zones before entering TSA.

Terminal North (Domestic)

The North Terminal handles most Delta Air Lines flights and domestic departures.

Location: Outside doors N1 and N4 on the ticketing level.

Arrivals: Outdoor areas near baggage claim doors N8 and N10.

Post-security: No indoor or airside smoking permitted.

The outdoor smoking areas are equipped with metal ashtrays and covered awnings.

Terminal South (Domestic)

The South Terminal serves airlines such as Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier.

Departures: Designated smoking zones near doors S2 and S6.

Arrivals: Outside doors S8 and S12, near the taxi and ride-share pickup area.

Inside terminal: Completely smoke-free.

Smokers are encouraged to use these spots before entering TSA security, as re-entry takes additional screening time.

International Terminal (Concourse F)

The Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal offers outdoor smoking areas on both arrivals and departures levels.

Departures: Outside door F5 on the ticketing level.

Arrivals: Near baggage claim exits F1 and F7.

Post-security: No smoking rooms available.

Previously, Concourse F had indoor lounges, but all were closed and converted into quiet zones and rest areas.

Concourse Access and Transfers

All concourses (A through F and T) are connected airside by an underground train system, but none of them have smoking areas once you’re inside security.

If you’re connecting flights and want to smoke, you must:

Exit security to the main terminal.

Smoke in a designated outdoor area.

Go back through TSA screening to re-enter.

Allow at least 60 minutes for this process during busy times.

Can You Smoke After Security at ATL?

No. Since the removal of smoking lounges, there are no indoor smoking areas past TSA.
Before 2020, ATL offered small enclosed lounges in each concourse, but they were shut down permanently for public health reasons.

Now, if you smoke after passing security, you risk fines or removal from the gate area. The only legal option is to exit and smoke outdoors before re-entering security.

Vaping Rules at Atlanta Airport

Vaping and e-cigarettes are completely banned indoors under the same policy as traditional smoking. You may only vape outdoors in designated smoking zones located before security.

Rules for travelers bringing vape devices:

Keep vape pens and e-liquids in carry-on luggage, not checked bags.

Do not charge vape devices inside the airport.

Empty cartridges before travel if possible.

All concourses and restrooms are strictly vape-free, and violations can result in confiscation or fines.

Are There Smoking Lounges or Vape Rooms at ATL?

No. ATL no longer provides any smoking lounges or vape rooms. The final indoor lounge, located in Concourse E, was closed in 2020.

Today, every terminal, concourse, and airline lounge — including the Delta Sky Club — is completely smoke-free. The only exceptions are outdoor zones on the arrivals and departures curbs.

Layovers and Connecting Flights

If you have a connecting flight at Atlanta Airport and want to smoke, you’ll need to exit security.

Follow these steps:

Take the Plane Train to the Domestic Terminal (Concourse T).

Exit through the baggage claim area to the outdoor curbside zone.

Smoke only in designated smoking sections.

Re-enter through TSA security for your next flight.

Because ATL is large, plan at least 75–90 minutes for this round trip during busy hours.

Smoking Near Parking Garages and Rideshare Zones

Outdoor smoking is allowed in specific areas near parking and ground transportation:

North and South Parking Garages: Smoking sections are located on lower levels near curbside entrances.

SkyTrain Station: Smoking permitted in outdoor waiting area near parking deck entrances.

Ride-share and taxi stands: Use designated ashtray zones only; smoking near doorways is prohibited.

Cannabis and Other Substances

Despite Georgia’s limited medical marijuana laws, federal law prohibits cannabis possession or use at ATL, as the airport operates under federal jurisdiction.

That includes:

No smoking cannabis or hemp products outdoors.

No vaping THC cartridges.

No transporting cannabis between states.

Travelers caught violating these laws may be fined or detained by airport police.

Traveler Tips for Smokers at Atlanta Airport

Smoke before TSA: Once you pass security, there’s no going back without re-screening.

Use official zones: Avoid smoking near entrances or under awnings.

Bring disposable lighters only: Torch or jet lighters are not allowed.

Check layover time: ATL’s re-entry process can take longer than expected.

Be courteous: Use provided ashtrays and follow signage to maintain a clean environment.

FAQs

Q: Can I smoke after security at ATL?
A: No. All indoor smoking lounges were permanently closed in 2020.

Q: Where can I smoke at Atlanta Airport?
A: Designated outdoor areas before security at North, South, and International Terminals.

Q: Is vaping allowed inside the airport?
A: No. Vaping is banned indoors but allowed in outdoor smoking areas.

Q: Can I smoke cannabis at ATL?
A: No. Cannabis use is illegal on airport property.

Summary

Smoking allowed: Only outdoors, before security, at each terminal’s curbside area.

Not allowed: Indoors, post-security, in lounges, or boarding areas.

Vaping: Permitted outdoors only.

Cannabis: Prohibited on all airport grounds.

Plan ahead: Use designated areas before entering TSA checkpoints.