Where Can I Smoke at JFK Airport? Smoking Areas & Rules 2025

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City is one of the busiest international hubs in the world. Like most U.S. airports, it enforces strict no-smoking policies indoors. That means you cannot smoke or vape inside any terminal or post-security area at JFK.

However, each terminal provides designated outdoor smoking areas located outside the terminal entrances or exits, typically near the arrival and departure curbs. Smoking is allowed only in those clearly marked areas.

In this guide, we’ll show you where to smoke at JFK, which terminals have outdoor areas, and what rules apply to cigarettes and vapes in 2025.

Smoking Policy Overview at JFK

JFK follows New York State Clean Indoor Air Act regulations, which prohibit smoking inside public facilities, including airport terminals, lounges, and boarding areas.

Smoking indoors: Not permitted anywhere inside the airport.

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

Outdoor areas: Allowed only in designated spaces.

Cannabis: Illegal on all airport property under federal law.

All terminals post “Designated Smoking Area” signs outside. Passengers should follow signage to avoid fines, which can exceed $250 for violations.

Designated Smoking Areas by Terminal
Terminal 1

Terminal 1 serves international carriers like Lufthansa, Korean Air, and Air France. Smoking is only allowed outside the terminal on both the arrivals and departures levels, near the far ends of the building.

Arrivals: Ends of the curb, far left and right of doors 1 and 6.

Departures: Outdoor zones near the end of the ticketing area.

Post-security: None — you cannot smoke after TSA screening.

Tip: If you have a long layover, exit security before smoking, as re-entry will require another TSA check.

Terminal 2 (Note: Demolished)

Terminal 2 was officially closed and demolished in 2023 as part of JFK’s redevelopment. All flights formerly operating from Terminal 2 now use Terminal 4. Smoking areas that once existed there have been permanently removed.

Terminal 4

Terminal 4, one of the busiest international terminals, has several outdoor smoking spots before security.

Departures level: Designated zones near doors A4 and A8.

Arrivals level: Near baggage claim exits B1 and B6.

Inside terminal: No indoor smoking lounges are available.

Travelers transferring through Terminal 4 should note that once they pass security, there are no smoking areas until exit.

Terminal 5

JetBlue’s primary terminal, Terminal 5, has outdoor smoking zones along the departures and arrivals curbs.

Departures: At both ends of the terminal, near the parking garage walkway.

Arrivals: Outside baggage claim near the curb’s ends.

Airside: None — smoking and vaping are prohibited inside.

If you’re waiting for a rideshare or taxi, you’ll find the designated smoking spots marked with metal ashtrays near the far-left and far-right exits.

Terminal 7

Used by British Airways, Iberia, and other international carriers, Terminal 7 offers limited but visible smoking areas outdoors.

Departures: Both ends of the terminal curb.

Arrivals: Near doors 1 and 8, beside baggage claim.

Post-security: No indoor smoking lounges.

Passengers in Terminal 7 often choose to smoke near the taxi stand area, where smoking signs and receptacles are located.

Terminal 8

Home to American Airlines and Oneworld partners, Terminal 8 allows smoking only outdoors on the arrival and departure levels.

Departures: Far ends of the terminal near doors 2 and 10.

Arrivals: Outside baggage claim exits near the terminal ends.

Inside: Smoke-free, including Admirals Club lounges.

For passengers connecting through Terminal 8, exiting security is the only way to access a smoking area.

Are There Smoking Lounges at JFK?

There are no indoor smoking lounges at any terminal in JFK. Years ago, a few international terminals had small smoking rooms, but they were permanently closed to comply with New York’s health regulations.

Today, every lounge at JFK—including Delta Sky Club, American Admirals Club, and British Airways Galleries—enforces a strict smoke-free policy. Violators can be fined or removed from the premises.

Can You Smoke After Security at JFK?

No. Once you clear TSA security at JFK, there are no smoking areas inside any terminal. The only way to smoke is to exit the terminal, use a designated outdoor zone, and then re-clear security before boarding your flight.

During peak times, security lines can exceed 30 minutes, so plan your smoke breaks accordingly.

Vaping Rules at JFK Airport

Vaping and e-cigarettes are treated identically to tobacco use under airport rules. That means:

You may not vape inside terminals, restrooms, or boarding gates.

You can vape only in outdoor smoking areas.

Charging vape pens at airport outlets is discouraged and may be restricted by TSA.

If you travel with vape devices, pack them in your carry-on, not checked luggage, per FAA battery regulations.

Smoking Between Connections or Layovers

If you’re connecting at JFK and want to smoke, your only option is to exit security, find an outdoor area, and then re-clear TSA for your next flight.

Layover tips:

Allow at least 60–90 minutes for re-entry during busy periods.

Check your airline’s reboarding cutoff times.

Keep your boarding pass and ID handy for re-screening.

Traveler Tips for Smokers at JFK

Bring a disposable lighter. Torch and jet lighters are not allowed through TSA.

Respect non-smoking zones. Smoking near doors or under awnings can lead to fines.

Plan before connecting flights. JFK’s terminals are not connected airside; re-entry takes time.

Dispose of cigarettes properly. Use provided ashtrays to keep walkways clean.

FAQs

Q: Does JFK have any indoor smoking areas?
A: No. All smoking is restricted to designated outdoor zones before security.

Q: Can I smoke cannabis at JFK?
A: No. Cannabis use is illegal on airport property, regardless of New York State laws.

Q: Are there smoking areas near parking or taxi stands?
A: Yes. You’ll find designated zones near the taxi pickup areas and long-term parking shuttles.

Q: Can I vape in restrooms or lounges?
A: No. Indoor vaping is prohibited and can result in penalties.

Summary

Smoking allowed: Outdoors, before security, at each terminal’s ends.

Not allowed: Inside terminals, after security, in lounges, or boarding gates.

Vaping: Permitted only in outdoor smoking zones.

Tip: Plan your smoke breaks before TSA screening or during long layovers.