Where Can I Smoke at San Francisco Airport? SFO Smoking Areas 2025
October 22, 2025 at 9:31:56 PM
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a major hub on the West Coast, serving both domestic and international travelers. For those wondering “where can I smoke at San Francisco airport?”, the rules are clear: all indoor smoking is prohibited, including lounges, gates, and terminals.
However, SFO provides designated outdoor smoking areas before TSA security checkpoints. These areas are clearly marked, equipped with ashtrays, and maintained for traveler use.
Smoking Policy Overview at SFO
San Francisco Airport adheres to California state law and the California Clean Indoor Air Act, which prohibit smoking in all enclosed public areas.
Smoking indoors: Not allowed anywhere in the terminals.
Vaping/e-cigarettes: Treated the same as traditional smoking; prohibited indoors.
Outdoor smoking: Permitted only in designated areas before TSA security.
Cannabis: Illegal to consume on airport property under federal law.
Violators can face fines or removal from the airport premises.
Designated Smoking Areas by Terminal
SFO consists of four terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3, and the International Terminal). Outdoor smoking areas are located curbside outside ticketing and baggage claim entrances.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 handles domestic flights, including American Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
Departures: Outdoor smoking areas near doors 1A and 1F.
Arrivals: Outside baggage claim near doors 1B and 1G.
Inside terminal: Completely smoke-free, no lounges.
Passengers should plan to use these areas before entering TSA security, as there are no smoking options airside.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 serves airlines such as Delta and Virgin America.
Departures: Designated smoking zones outside doors 2A and 2H.
Arrivals: Near baggage claim exits 2C and 2G.
Post-security: No indoor smoking lounges available.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 serves United Airlines domestic flights.
Departures: Smoking areas outside doors 3A and 3F.
Arrivals: Outdoor zones near baggage claim exits 3B and 3E.
Inside terminal: All indoor areas, including lounges, are smoke-free.
International Terminal
The International Terminal serves flights from Asia, Europe, and other international destinations.
Departures: Outdoor smoking areas outside doors G1 and G5.
Arrivals: Outside baggage claim near doors G3 and G7.
Post-security: Smoking is prohibited in all lounges and concourses.
International travelers must plan smoke breaks before TSA screening, as re-entry can take 30–60 minutes.
Can You Smoke After Security at SFO?
No. SFO has no indoor smoking areas beyond TSA checkpoints.
All concourses, gates, and airline lounges are smoke-free.
To smoke during a layover, passengers must exit security, use outdoor smoking zones, and re-enter through TSA.
Allow at least 45–60 minutes for re-entry, especially during peak travel hours.
Vaping Rules at San Francisco Airport
Vaping and e-cigarettes are treated the same as smoking:
Prohibited indoors, including terminals, restrooms, and lounges.
Allowed only in designated outdoor smoking zones.
Devices and batteries must remain in carry-on luggage.
Charging vape pens inside terminals is not allowed.
Following these rules prevents fines and avoids confiscation of vaping devices.
Smoking Lounges at SFO
SFO does not provide any indoor smoking lounges. All former lounges were eliminated to comply with California’s indoor air regulations.
Passengers can access airline lounges such as United Polaris or Delta Sky Club, but smoking is prohibited inside.
Layovers and Connecting Flights
SFO is a hub for long-haul international flights, so layover planning is crucial:
Exit security if you need to smoke.
Use designated outdoor areas only.
Re-enter through TSA, which can take 30–60 minutes depending on time of day.
For short layovers under 60 minutes, smoking at SFO may not be feasible due to TSA re-entry times.
Smoking Near Parking and Ride-Share Areas
Parking Garages: Outdoor smoking sections are located near terminal entrances at both short-term and long-term parking garages.
Shuttle Areas: Designated smoking zones are near shuttle bus stops outside the terminals.
Ride-share & Taxi Stands: Smoking is allowed only in marked areas near pick-up locations.
Cannabis and Alternative Smoking Products
Although California has legalized recreational marijuana, federal law prohibits cannabis use at SFO, as airports are federal property.
Smoking cannabis or THC vaping products is strictly forbidden.
Violators may face fines or confiscation.
Hemp or CBD products intended for combustion are also prohibited.
Traveler Tips for Smokers at SFO
Smoke before TSA: Once inside, there are no smoking options.
Use designated zones: Avoid smoking near entrances or pedestrian walkways.
Plan layovers carefully: Re-entering TSA requires extra time.
Bring disposable lighters only: Torch and jet lighters are not allowed.
Dispose of cigarette butts properly: Use provided ashtrays.
FAQs
Q: Can I smoke after security at SFO?
A: No. All indoor areas beyond TSA checkpoints are smoke-free.
Q: Where are the outdoor smoking areas at San Francisco Airport?
A: At all terminals outside ticketing and baggage claim entrances.
Q: Is vaping allowed inside the airport?
A: No. Vaping is allowed only in outdoor designated zones.
Q: Can I smoke cannabis at SFO?
A: No. Cannabis use is prohibited under federal law.
Summary
Smoking allowed: Only in outdoor zones before TSA at all terminals.
Not allowed: Indoors, post-security, lounges, or gates.
Vaping: Outdoor zones only.
Cannabis: Prohibited on all airport grounds.
Tip: Plan smoke breaks before TSA to avoid missing flights.
