Where Can I Smoke at O’Hare Airport? ORD Smoking Areas 2025

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the largest airports in the world, handling tens of millions of travelers every year. Like most major U.S. airports, smoking and vaping are banned indoors, including all terminals, lounges, and post-security areas.

The only areas where smoking is permitted are designated outdoor zones before security, located near terminal entrances and exits. These areas are clearly marked with “Designated Smoking Area” signs and contain ash receptacles.

In this detailed 2025 guide, we’ll cover where you can smoke at O’Hare Airport, each terminal’s smoking location, and important rules for cigarette and vape users.

Chicago O’Hare Smoking Policy Overview

The City of Chicago and the Chicago Department of Aviation enforce a comprehensive smoke-free policy. Under Illinois state law and city ordinance:

Smoking indoors: Not permitted anywhere inside the airport

Vaping and e-cigarettes: Prohibited indoors and post-security

Outdoor smoking: Allowed only in marked, designated areas

Cannabis: Illegal to consume on airport property

Violating smoking regulations inside O’Hare can result in fines up to $250 for first offenses and higher penalties for repeat violations.

Designated Smoking Areas by Terminal

Each terminal has designated outdoor areas accessible before security. These are located near the far ends of the curbs outside ticketing and baggage claim areas.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is primarily used by United Airlines and its partners. Smoking is only permitted outdoors before entering TSA security.

Departures level: End of the terminal near doors 1A and 1E

Arrivals level: Near doors 1G and 1L, away from main entrances

After security: No smoking lounges or indoor areas available

Tip: Once you go through TSA, there’s no smoking area until you reach your destination.

Terminal 2

Serving airlines such as Alaska, Air Canada, and Delta, Terminal 2 also restricts smoking to designated outdoor locations only.

Departures: Outside ticketing area near door 2E

Arrivals: Outside baggage claim near door 2H

After security: Smoking prohibited entirely

Because Terminal 2 connects airside with Terminals 1 and 3, passengers should plan to smoke before entering TSA, as all three terminals share the same smoke-free interior zone.

Terminal 3

Terminal 3, home to American Airlines, offers outdoor smoking zones at both levels.

Departures: Far ends of terminal near doors 3B and 3K

Arrivals: Near baggage claim exits 3E and 3L

Inside terminal: Smoke-free, including Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge

Smokers should allow time for re-screening if exiting and re-entering the terminal, especially during morning and evening rush hours.

Terminal 5 (International)

Terminal 5 handles most international departures and arrivals, including airlines like Lufthansa, British Airways, and Emirates.

Departures: Designated smoking sections outside doors 5B and 5L

Arrivals: Areas near the taxi stand exits and shuttle pick-up zones

After security: No indoor smoking lounges available

Note: International travelers connecting through Terminal 5 must clear customs and exit security before accessing outdoor smoking zones.

Can You Smoke After Security at O’Hare?

No. O’Hare does not have any smoking lounges or indoor areas beyond TSA checkpoints. Once you clear security, you will not find any designated smoking area inside the terminal.

If you need to smoke during a layover, you’ll have to exit the secure zone, smoke outdoors, and then go back through TSA screening to re-enter. This can take 30–60 minutes depending on the time of day.

Are There Any Smoking Lounges at O’Hare?

O’Hare does not offer indoor smoking lounges. All airline lounges—including United Club, American Admirals Club, and Delta Sky Club—are smoke-free. Even outdoor terraces connected to lounges are non-smoking by city ordinance.

Historically, some international airports maintained enclosed smoking rooms, but O’Hare eliminated all of them years ago to comply with state and local health laws.

Vaping Rules at Chicago O’Hare

Vaping and electronic cigarette use are subject to the same restrictions as smoking. You may only vape outdoors in designated smoking areas.

Key rules:

No vaping indoors, in restrooms, or near boarding gates.

Carry vape devices and lithium batteries in carry-on luggage only.

Do not attempt to charge vape pens at gate outlets or inside lounges.

Dispose of vape pods and batteries properly; do not leave them on curbs.

The Chicago Department of Aviation treats vaping violations the same as cigarette use in prohibited zones.

Layovers and Connecting Flights

O’Hare’s terminals are connected airside between Terminals 1, 2, and 3—but none of them have post-security smoking areas. If you have a long layover and want to smoke, you must:

Exit the terminal completely.

Smoke in a designated outdoor area.

Re-enter through TSA security.

Allow a minimum of 45–60 minutes for this process, especially if you are connecting between domestic and international flights.

For short layovers under one hour, it’s best to remain inside and wait until your destination airport if possible.

Smoking in Parking and Ride-Share Areas

Smoking is also permitted in specific outdoor parking areas, including:

The Main Parking Garage near the outer edges, away from elevators.

The Economy Parking Lots (E and F), where ash receptacles are available near shuttle stops.

The Ride-share and taxi pickup zones, where designated smoking signs are posted.

Be respectful of others and use provided containers to dispose of cigarette butts.

Cannabis and Alternative Smoking Products

Although recreational marijuana is legal in Illinois, federal law prohibits cannabis use on airport property. That includes all terminals, parking structures, and outdoor smoking zones. Travelers caught consuming cannabis may face fines or be referred to law enforcement.

The same rules apply to hemp or CBD products that involve combustion or vapor.

Traveler Tips for Smokers at O’Hare

Plan your smoke breaks early. Once you enter TSA, there are no smoking options inside.

Use designated areas only. Smoking near doorways or bus stops can result in fines.

Check security wait times. Exiting and re-entering may delay your next flight.

Carry a disposable lighter. Torch or jet lighters are prohibited by TSA.

Be courteous. Avoid smoking near non-designated pedestrian zones.

FAQs

Q: Are there any indoor smoking areas at O’Hare?
A: No. All smoking areas are outside, before security.

Q: Can I smoke in airline lounges?
A: No. Every airline lounge at O’Hare is smoke-free.

Q: Is vaping allowed at gates or restrooms?
A: No. Vaping is only allowed in outdoor smoking areas.

Q: Can I smoke cannabis at the airport?
A: No. Federal law prohibits cannabis use at all U.S. airports.

Summary

Smoking allowed: Outdoors, before security, at terminal ends and curbside zones.

Not allowed: Indoors, after security, lounges, or gates.

Vaping: Outdoors only, same restrictions as smoking.

Cannabis: Not permitted anywhere on airport grounds.