Planning a trip through the Atlanta airport smoking area and worried about where you can take a smoke break? You’re not alone.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world, with over 100 million passengers passing through its terminals each year.
For smokers, navigating this massive transportation hub can be particularly challenging due to the strict smoking regulations in place.
If you’re a smoker with an upcoming flight through Atlanta, understanding where and when you can smoke is crucial to avoid hefty fines and ensure a stress-free journey.
The good news is that while smoking options are limited, there are still designated areas where you can legally enjoy a cigarette without breaking any rules.
Atlanta Airport Smoking Area
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about smoking at Atlanta Airport.
We’ll cover the current smoking policies, all available smoking locations throughout the different terminals and concourses, tips for managing your smoke breaks efficiently, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Whether you’re departing from Atlanta, arriving, or just connecting through, this information will help you plan your smoke breaks without disrupting your travel plans.
Atlanta Hartsfield Airport Smoking Areas Overview
Since January 2, 2020, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has maintained a strict no-smoking policy inside all terminal buildings.
The Atlanta City Council enacted this ban to create a healthier environment for all travelers and airport employees.
Before 2020, the airport had several indoor smoking lounges throughout different concourses, but these have all been permanently closed.
Currently, smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas that are positioned at least 20 feet away from terminal entrances.
This policy applies to all forms of smoking, including traditional cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic cigarettes, and vaping devices.
The main designated smoking areas at Atlanta Airport are located outside both the Domestic and International Terminals.
These areas are marked with proper signage and include cigarette disposal receptacles. The specific locations include:
- LN1 (Lower North Terminal, Door 1)
- LN2 (Lower North Terminal, Door 2)
- N3 (North Terminal, Door 3)
- N4 (North Terminal, Door 4)
- S4 (South Terminal, Door 4)
- S5 (South Terminal, Door 5)
- S6 (South Terminal, Door 6)
- S7 (South Terminal, Door 7)
In this naming system, “N” refers to the North Terminal smoking zones, while “S” refers to the South Terminal zones.
The numbers correspond to specific exit door locations. All these smoking areas are located outside the security checkpoints, which means if you’re already past security and want to smoke, you’ll need to exit the secure area and go through security screening again afterward.
For your convenience, here’s a detailed table showing additional smoking areas at the airport along with their operating hours:
| Location | Terminal/Concourse | Nearest Gate | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Smoking Area | International Terminal | T11 | 24/7 |
| Outdoor Smoking Area | Domestic Terminal North | Ground Transportation | 24/7 |
| Outdoor Smoking Area | Domestic Terminal South | Ground Transportation | 24/7 |
| Smoking Lounge | Concourse T | T3 | 6 AM – 11 PM |
| Smoking Lounge | Concourse A | A3 | 6 AM – 11 PM |
| Smoking Lounge | Concourse B | B23 | 6 AM – 11 PM |
Important Note: When using these designated smoking areas, you must follow all posted regulations. Smoking outside of these designated areas can result in fines ranging from $100 to $200.
Smoking Areas in Concourse B
For travelers passing through Concourse B, there is a dedicated smoking area located near gate B23. This is one of the few smoking lounges that remains accessible to travelers within the airport’s concourses, though it has specific operating restrictions.
The Concourse B smoking area operates from 6 AM to 11 PM daily. Outside of these hours, the lounge is closed, and smokers would need to use one of the 24/7 outdoor smoking areas instead.
This lounge is equipped with specialized ventilation systems designed to contain smoke and minimize its impact on the surrounding terminal areas.
Concourse B primarily serves Delta Air Lines flights, as Atlanta is Delta’s largest hub. If you’re a Delta passenger with a layover at ATL, this smoking area might be convenient if:
- Your connecting flight also departs from Concourse B
- You have a layover of at least 30-45 minutes
- Your layover falls within the lounge’s operating hours
The smoking area is designed to accommodate multiple smokers at once, but it can become crowded during peak travel times. When using this facility, please be considerate of other travelers and follow these basic etiquette guidelines:
- Properly dispose of cigarette butts in the provided receptacles
- Limit your time if others are waiting
- Keep conversations at a reasonable volume
- Don’t block the entrance or exit
If your departing flight is from a different concourse, you’ll need to factor in additional time to travel between concourses using the Plane Train after your smoke break.
The Plane Train typically runs every 2 minutes, and travel time between adjacent concourses is approximately 2-3 minutes.
Atlanta Airport Map for Smoking Areas
Navigating the vast expanse of Atlanta Airport can be challenging, especially when you’re trying to locate specific smoking areas.
Having access to an accurate Atlanta Airport smoking area map is invaluable for smokers who need to plan their routes efficiently.
The official Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport website provides downloadable terminal maps that clearly mark all designated smoking areas.
Additionally, there are interactive maps and directories throughout the airport terminals that can help you locate the nearest smoking area from your current position.
When using the Atlanta Airport map to find smoking areas, pay attention to these key features:
- Terminal and Concourse Identifiers: The airport is divided into the Domestic Terminal (North and South) and the International Terminal, plus seven concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, and F)
- Gate Numbers: These will help you determine your current location
- Directory Kiosks: These interactive screens can provide turn-by-turn directions to smoking areas
- Overhead Signs: Look for smoking area symbols on directional signage
For Delta passengers, who make up a significant portion of Atlanta Airport travelers, the smoking area map is particularly important.
Delta operates from gates in nearly every concourse, so knowing which smoking area is closest to your specific Delta gate can save valuable time during layovers.
In addition to the general smoking areas, the map also shows the location of exclusive lounges that offer smoking rooms for qualifying members:
- Delta Sky Club (Main location): 6000 S Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30337
- Delta Sky Club (B18): Located in Concourse B
These premium lounges are only accessible to certain categories of travelers, which we’ll discuss in more detail later in this guide.
Smoking Policies at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport
Understanding the specific smoking policies at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport is essential for all smokers traveling through this facility. These regulations are based on both federal guidelines and local ordinances established by the Atlanta City Council.
Federal Regulations
At the federal level, the U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits smoking on all commercial flights and in all areas of airports where security screening is conducted. This federal ban includes:
- All aircraft cabins
- Security screening areas
- Federal facilities within airports
- Airport jetways and boarding areas
These federal regulations apply to all forms of smoking, including:
- Traditional cigarettes
- Cigars and pipes
- Electronic cigarettes
- Vaping devices
- Any product that produces smoke or vapor
Violating federal smoking restrictions can result in substantial civil penalties and potentially even criminal charges in extreme cases.
Airport-Specific Policies
In addition to federal regulations, Atlanta Airport has its own set of smoking policies that are strictly enforced throughout the facility:
- Complete Ban on Indoor Smoking: Since January 2, 2020, smoking is prohibited inside all airport buildings, including terminals, concourses, restaurants, and restrooms.
- Designated Outdoor Areas Only: Smoking is only permitted in specifically marked outdoor locations that are positioned at least 20 feet from any terminal entrance.
- Time-Limited Smoking Lounges: The few remaining smoking lounges in Concourses T, A, and B operate only from 6 AM to 11 PM.
- Substantial Penalties: Violations of the smoking policy can result in fines ranging from $100 to $200.
The Atlanta Airport smoking areas established in 2023 continue to follow these strict guidelines. Airport authorities actively enforce these policies through:
- Regular security patrols
- Surveillance camera monitoring
- Clear signage throughout the facility
- Employee training to identify and report violations
It’s important to note that claims of ignorance regarding these policies are not considered valid excuses for violations. All travelers are expected to familiarize themselves with and adhere to the airport’s smoking regulations.
Smoking Areas in Terminal E
For travelers wondering about smoking options in Terminal E, the answer is straightforward but potentially disappointing: there is no designated smoking area within Terminal E itself.
Terminal E is located entirely within the secure area of the airport, and as mentioned previously, smoking is not permitted inside any of the secure terminals or concourses except for the specific lounges mentioned in Concourses T, A, and B.
Terminal E primarily serves international flights and some domestic connections. If you’re at Terminal E and need to smoke, you would need to:
- Take the Plane Train to the main Domestic or International Terminal
- Exit through security
- Locate one of the outdoor designated smoking areas
- Re-enter through security screening
- Take the Plane Train back to Terminal E
This process is time-consuming and impractical for passengers with short layovers.
Depending on the time of day and current security wait times, the entire process could take anywhere from 45 minutes to well over an hour.
For international travelers with connecting flights, this is particularly challenging due to the additional customs and immigration procedures involved.
If you have a layover at Terminal E and need to smoke, you should:
- Ensure you have at least 90 minutes between flights
- Check current security wait times via the airport’s app or website
- Consider using nicotine alternatives if your layover is too short
- Set a strict time limit for your smoke break to ensure you don’t miss your connection
For passengers with very long layovers (3+ hours), exiting security for a smoke break might be feasible, but you should still plan carefully and monitor your time closely.
Who Can Smoke Inside Atlanta Airport?
While the general rule prohibits smoking inside Atlanta Airport, there are a few exceptions for certain categories of travelers.
These exceptions are limited to specific premium lounge areas and apply only to eligible passengers.
The only people who can smoke inside the Atlanta Hartsfield Airport are:
- Delta Sky Club members with valid credentials
- International travelers in Delta One or Delta Premium Select who have access to the Delta Sky Club
- Passengers who have purchased a day pass to the Delta Sky Club (approximately $59)
- SkyTeam Elite Plus members traveling on international itineraries
These privileged travelers have access to dedicated smoking rooms within certain Delta Sky Club locations, particularly in Concourse F. These smoking rooms are:
- Completely separate from the main lounge area
- Equipped with advanced ventilation systems
- Subject to capacity limitations
- Still bound by the club’s operating hours
It’s important to understand that even within these exclusive lounges, smoking is not permitted throughout the entire facility, but only in the specifically designated smoking rooms.
These rooms are designed to contain smoke and prevent it from affecting non-smoking club members.
For the vast majority of travelers who don’t fall into these special categories, smoking is only permitted in the outdoor designated areas previously described.
No exceptions are made based on medical conditions, withdrawal symptoms, or other personal circumstances.
Smoking Areas in Terminal A
Yes, there is a designated smoking area accessible from Terminal A at Atlanta Airport. The smoking area in Terminal A is located near gate A3 and operates from 6 AM to 11 PM daily.
This is one of the few smoking lounges that remain available within the concourses, though it has limited operating hours.
Terminal A handles primarily domestic flights and serves as a hub for Delta Air Lines operations.
The smoking lounge near gate A3 offers a convenient option for smokers departing from or arriving at gates in this terminal without requiring them to exit and re-enter security.
Key information about the Terminal A smoking area includes:
- Location: Near gate A3
- Hours: 6 AM to 11 PM daily (closed overnight)
- Facilities: Equipped with ventilation systems and cigarette disposal receptacles
- Access: Available to all passengers with boarding passes for same-day travel
This smoking area is particularly useful for passengers with connecting flights who have layovers in Terminal A. However, if you’re departing from or arriving at a different terminal or concourse, you’ll need to:
- Take the Plane Train to Terminal A
- Locate the smoking area near gate A3
- Allow sufficient time to return to your departure gate
Remember that Terminal A can be extremely busy, especially during peak travel periods. Allow extra time to navigate through crowds when planning your smoke break.
Also note that during overnight hours (11 PM to 6 AM), this smoking area is closed, and you would need to use one of the 24/7 outdoor smoking areas instead.
Where to Buy Cigarettes at Atlanta Airport?
If you need to purchase cigarettes or other tobacco products at Atlanta Airport, several retail options are available throughout the terminals. These include:
- Convenience stores in both the Domestic and International Terminals
- Newsstand shops are located throughout all concourses
- Duty-free shops in the International Terminal (for international travelers only)
The most common locations to purchase cigarettes include:
- CNN News & Gifts: Located in various concourses
- Hudson News: Multiple locations throughout the airport
- Simply Books: Found in several concourses
- CNBC News: Various locations in the terminal buildings
- Duty Free Americas: Located in the International Terminal
Cigarette prices at airport retailers are typically 15-25% higher than outside the airport due to the convenience factor and airport concession fees.
Most shops carry a variety of popular domestic and international brands, though the selection may be more limited than what you’d find at dedicated tobacco shops.
For international travelers, duty-free shops offer the best value as cigarettes are exempt from certain taxes and duties.
However, these shops are only accessible to passengers with international boarding passes, and there are restrictions on how many cigarettes you can bring into certain countries.
Important things to know when purchasing cigarettes at Atlanta Airport:
- You must be at least 21 years old to purchase tobacco products
- Valid photo identification is required
- There are no cigarette vending machines in the airport
- You cannot buy cigarettes at or near the designated smoking areas
- Some countries have strict limits on tobacco imports, so check regulations before purchasing for international travel
What to Do if You Mistakenly Smoke Inside the Airport?
If you accidentally light up inside Atlanta Airport, you should be prepared for potential consequences.
The smoking ban is strictly enforced, and airport authorities do not typically accept claims of ignorance or accidents as valid excuses.
If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, here’s what to do:
- Stop smoking immediately once you realize your mistake
- Properly extinguish and dispose of your cigarette in an appropriate waste container
- Apologize sincerely if approached by airport staff or security personnel
- Cooperate fully with any instructions or requests from airport employees
- Be prepared to pay a fine ranging from $100 to $200 if issued
Becoming argumentative or uncooperative with airport staff will only escalate the situation and could potentially lead to more serious consequences, including being escorted from the airport or even missing your flight.
It’s worth noting that airport security cameras monitor most public areas, so even if no one immediately approaches you about the violation, you might still be identified and addressed later.
The best approach is to be honest and apologetic if you’ve made this mistake.
If you’re issued a fine, you’ll typically receive a citation that explains how to pay the penalty. In most cases, you can pay the fine online or by mail after leaving the airport.
Tips for Smokers Traveling Through Atlanta Hartsfield Airport
Navigating Atlanta Airport as a smoker requires careful planning and time management. Here are some practical tips to help make your journey smoother:
Before Your Trip
- Research smoking areas relative to your gates using the airport map
- Pack nicotine alternatives like patches, gum, or lozenges for times when smoking isn’t possible
- Check your flight details to understand how much time you’ll have for potential smoke breaks
- Consider TSA PreCheck to reduce security wait times if you plan to exit and re-enter secure areas
During Your Journey
- Arrive at the airport earlier than normally recommended to allow time for a pre-flight smoke
- Use the Plane Train efficiently to move between concourses quickly
- Set alarms on your phone to remind you when to head back to your gate
- Monitor security wait times via the ATL airport app or information displays
- Stay hydrated, as both flying and smoking can cause dehydration
For Connecting Flights
- Determine if your layover is long enough for a smoke break (minimum 60-90 minutes recommended)
- Identify the smoking area closest to your arrival gate
- Plan your route from the arrival gate to the smoking area and then to the departure gate
- Check if your departure gate is in the same concourse as your smoking area
- Consider skipping the smoke break if your connection time is tight
Smoking Alternatives
- Nicotine patches provide steady nicotine release for 16-24 hours
- Nicotine gum or lozenges offer quick relief for cravings
- Nicotine pouches are discreet and don’t produce any smoke or vapor
- Oral nicotine sprays work quickly to reduce cravings
- Deep breathing techniques can help manage temporary cravings
Practical Considerations
- Dress in layers, as outdoor smoking areas may be subject to weather extremes
- Bring a small pack of wet wipes to freshen up after smoking
- Carry breath mints or gum for after your smoke break
- Keep your boarding pass and ID easily accessible for re-entering security
- Use your waiting time productively by charging your devices or grabbing a meal
By following these tips, you can manage your smoking needs while minimizing disruption to your travel plans. Remember that proper planning is the key to a stress-free journey through Atlanta Airport as a smoker.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Atlanta Airport have smoking areas?
Yes, Atlanta Airport has designated smoking areas, but they are all located outside the terminal buildings or in specific lounges with limited hours. There are no general indoor smoking areas available to all passengers.
- Can I smoke inside Atlanta Airport?
No, smoking is not permitted inside the main terminal buildings or concourses at Atlanta Airport. The only exceptions are for certain premium lounge members in specific designated smoking rooms within those lounges.
- When did Atlanta Airport ban indoor smoking?
The Atlanta City Council implemented a complete ban on smoking inside the airport effective January 2, 2020. Before this date, there were several smoking lounges throughout the airport concourses.
- Can I vape at Atlanta Airport?
No, vaping is subject to the same restrictions as traditional smoking at Atlanta Airport. Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices may only be used in designated smoking areas.
- What happens if I smoke in a non-designated area?
If you smoke in a non-designated area at Atlanta Airport, you can be fined between $100 and $200. Additionally, you may be escorted from the airport or face other penalties depending on the circumstances.
- Are there smoking areas past security?
There are limited smoking lounges in Concourses T, A, and B that operate from 6 AM to 11 PM. However, most smoking areas are located outside the secure zones, requiring you to exit and re-enter through security.
- How long should I allow for a smoke break at Atlanta Airport?
If you need to exit security for a smoke break, allow at least 60-90 minutes to exit, smoke, and return through security screening, especially during peak travel times.
- Can I buy cigarettes at Atlanta Airport?
Yes, cigarettes are available for purchase at various convenience stores and newsstand shops throughout the airport. International travelers can also buy duty-free cigarettes in the International Terminal.
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Conclusion:
Navigating the Atlanta airport smoking areas requires planning and awareness of the airport’s strict smoking policies.
Since January 2020, smoking has been prohibited inside all terminal buildings except for a few specific lounges with limited access and operating hours.
For most travelers, smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas located at least 20 feet from terminal entrances.
These areas are marked and include proper disposal facilities for cigarette butts. If you’re already past security and need to smoke, you’ll need to exit the secure area and go through security screening again afterward, which can be time-consuming.
The key to a stress-free experience as a smoker at Atlanta Airport is preparation. Study the airport map before your trip to identify smoking areas relative to your gates, allow plenty of extra time for smoke breaks, and consider nicotine alternatives for situations when smoking isn’t practical.
Remember that violating the airport’s smoking policies can result in fines of up to $200, so always respect the designated smoking areas and never attempt to smoke in prohibited locations. When in doubt, ask airport staff for directions to the nearest smoking area.
For connecting passengers, carefully assess whether your layover provides enough time for a smoke break. As a general rule, you should have at least 60-90 minutes between flights if you plan to exit security for smoking, especially during busy travel periods.
By following the guidelines and tips provided in this article, you can manage your smoking needs while enjoying a smooth and stress-free journey through one of the world’s busiest airports. Safe travels!
