Where Can I Smoke at Denver Airport? DEN Smoking Areas 2025
October 22, 2025 at 9:25:25 PM
Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the largest airports in the U.S., known for its sprawling terminals and long distances between gates. For travelers asking “where can I smoke at Denver airport”, the answer is clear: all indoor smoking is prohibited, including lounges and gate areas.
DEN provides designated outdoor smoking areas before TSA security. These areas are marked and maintained with ashtrays and signage.
This guide explains all smoking locations by terminal, vaping rules, and tips for travelers navigating the airport in 2025.
Smoking Policy Overview at DEN
DEN follows the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act and airport regulations:
Smoking indoors: Not allowed anywhere in terminals.
Vaping/e-cigarettes: Treated the same as traditional smoking.
Outdoor smoking: Allowed only in designated zones before security.
Cannabis: Prohibited under federal law on airport property.
Violating smoking rules can result in fines or removal from secure areas.
Designated Smoking Areas by Terminal
Denver International Airport has three concourses (A, B, and C) connected to the Jeppesen Terminal. Outdoor smoking areas are located curbside at ticketing and baggage claim entrances.
Jeppesen Terminal (Main Terminal)
The main terminal is used for check-in, baggage claim, and TSA security.
Departures level: Smoking areas outside doors 1A and 1F.
Arrivals level: Areas near baggage claim exits 1C and 1G.
Inside terminal: No smoking lounges or indoor areas allowed.
Smokers should use these zones before entering security.
Concourse A
Concourse A is primarily used by Southwest, Alaska, and other domestic carriers.
Departures: Designated smoking areas near doors A1 and A8.
Arrivals: Outside baggage claim near doors A3 and A10.
Post-security: None; smoking is prohibited airside.
Passengers connecting to other terminals must exit security to access outdoor zones.
Concourse B
Concourse B serves Delta and other major domestic airlines.
Departures: Outdoor zones near doors B2 and B9.
Arrivals: Near baggage claim exits B4 and B12.
Inside terminal: Smoke-free, including Delta Sky Club lounges.
Concourse C (International)
Concourse C handles most international flights, including United, Lufthansa, and Aeromexico.
Departures: Outdoor zones near doors C3 and C8.
Arrivals: Near baggage claim exits C2 and C7.
After security: No smoking areas are available.
International passengers must plan smoke breaks before TSA screening, as re-entry can take 30–60 minutes.
Can You Smoke After Security at DEN?
No. Denver International Airport does not provide indoor smoking or vaping areas beyond TSA checkpoints.
All lounges, gates, and concourse hallways are smoke-free.
If you want to smoke during a layover, you must exit the secure area and use an outdoor zone.
Re-entering requires another TSA screening, which can take significant time during peak hours.
Vaping Rules at DEN
Vaping is treated identically to traditional smoking:
Allowed: Only in outdoor smoking zones before security.
Prohibited: Inside terminals, lounges, gates, and restrooms.
Carrying devices: Keep vape pens and batteries in carry-on luggage.
Charging: Not allowed at airport outlets.
Passengers should follow these rules carefully, as violations may result in fines or confiscation of devices.
Layovers and Connecting Flights
Due to DEN’s large size, passengers with connecting flights must plan carefully:
Exit security to use outdoor smoking zones.
Smoke only in designated areas near terminal entrances.
Allow at least 60 minutes to re-clear TSA for the next flight.
Passengers should account for the distance between concourses and Jeppesen Terminal when planning smoke breaks.
Smoking Near Parking and Ride-Share Areas
Parking Garages: Outdoor smoking sections are located on lower and upper curb levels near terminal entrances.
Shuttle Areas: Designated smoking zones near shuttle pick-up locations.
Ride-Share & Taxi Stands: Use the posted smoking areas only.
Avoid smoking near doorways or pedestrian walkways to comply with airport regulations.
Cannabis and Alternative Smoking Products
Even though recreational marijuana is legal in Colorado, federal law prohibits consumption on airport property:
No cannabis smoking or vaping in outdoor or indoor zones.
No transport of THC or hemp cartridges through the airport.
Violators may be fined or detained by airport police.
Traveler Tips for Smokers at DEN
Smoke before TSA: All terminals are smoke-free after security.
Use designated zones: Do not smoke near entrances or curbs outside marked areas.
Carry a disposable lighter: Torch lighters are prohibited.
Plan layovers: Long security lines can delay re-entry.
Respect other travelers: Dispose of cigarette butts properly.
FAQs
Q: Are there any indoor smoking areas at DEN?
A: No. All terminals and lounges are smoke-free indoors.
Q: Can I vape inside Denver Airport?
A: No. Vaping is allowed only in outdoor designated zones.
Q: Can I smoke cannabis at DEN?
A: No. Cannabis use is illegal on airport property.
Q: Where are the outdoor smoking areas located?
A: At all terminal entrances and baggage claim exits, clearly marked with ashtrays.
Summary
Smoking allowed: Only in outdoor zones before security at each terminal.
Not allowed: Indoors, post-security, lounges, or gates.
Vaping: Outdoor zones only.
Cannabis: Prohibited on airport grounds.
Tip: Plan your smoke break before TSA to avoid missing your flight.
