Does Atlanta Airport (ATL) Have a Smoking Area?

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a smoke-free environment, since there are no smoking areas inside the facility. The Atlanta City Council approved an ordinance in 2019 that forbade smoking and vaping within the airport, making it a smoke-free zone indoors.

ATL Airport has now closed all smoking areas, including lounges. This implies that smoking or vaping is prohibited inside the terminals, concourses, and departure lounges. Federal law prohibits the use of cannabis (smoking, vaping, and edibles) on airport property, and possession of cannabis imposes penalties.

Nonetheless, some designated smoking spaces are located outside of the domestic and international terminals at Atlanta Airport. These smoking places are situated at least 25 feet away from the terminal entrances of Atlanta Airport.

This comprehensive guide gives up-to-date information on all approved smoking areas at Atlanta Airport, explains current restrictions, and addresses the most frequently asked concerns.

What is the Smoking Policy at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL)?

After City of Atlanta ordinance 19-O-1205 was put into effect, all indoor areas at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport were smoke-free. Inside the terminals, every smoking lounge that was formerly open has been permanently closed. This prohibition covers all types of smoking, including:

• Conventional cigarettes
• Pipes and cigars
• Electronic cigarettes
• Devices for vaping
• Any additional tobacco products that emit vapor or smoke

Every indoor section of the airport is subject to this policy, including:

• Concourses and terminals
• Security checkpoints
• Check-in areas
• Restrooms
• Boarding gates
• Restaurants and shops
• Baggage claim areas

Violations of the smoking ban at Atlanta Airport impose penalties of $100 to $200. Airport officials use personnel monitoring, security patrols, and surveillance cameras to effectively execute these rules. Also, persons under the age of 18 are not permitted to smoke in designated smoking areas.

However, if a passenger needs to smoke, they must arrange for security rescreening and use the approved outdoor places. These locations have appropriate ashtrays and are prominently identified with signs.

Are There Any Current Smoking Areas at Atlanta Airport (ATL)?

Travelers who still want to smoke or vape at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport can find designated smoking places outside the domestic and international terminals, at least 25 feet from the terminal entrances. Below are the locations of the designated smoking places at ATL.

Domestic Terminal – North Side

Departures at the Main Level

• Near Door N1: Outside baggage claim area.
• Designated smoking zone with signage between doors N3 and N4
• lower level (Arrivals/Ground Transportation).
• Door LN1 – Ground transportation pickup area.
• Door LN2 – Near the MARTA station entrance.

Domestic Terminal – South Side

Departures at the Main Level

• Delta check-in area, located between doors S1 and S2.
• Located centrally between doors S4 and S5, 
• Near the door. S6: Southwest Airlines area
• Lower Level (Arrivals & Ground Transportation)
• Door LS1: Rental car shuttle pickup
• Door LS2 – Ridesharing pickup zone

International Terminal (Maynard Holbrook Jackson Jr International Terminal)

• Near Door D1 – International departures entrance
• Near Door D3 – International departures entrance
• Door A1 – International arrivals exit
• Door A3 – International arrivals exit

Access: All of these sites are accessible outside the security, and re-entry takes 15 to 30 minutes on average and up to 45 minutes during peak hours.

Note: All smoking sites require security re-entry, and these are located on the landside. For entry to the airside concourse, take the Plane Train; however, leave security to smoke.

What Are the Facilities Available at ATL Smoking Spots?

Atlanta Airport smoking areas offer a variety of services for smokers and non-smokers’ convenience. 

• Ashtrays: Ashtrays are provided as part of the smoking facilities at the Atlanta Airport to ensure cleanliness and responsible smoking.
• Waste Receptacles: Waste containers are provided throughout the smoking areas at the Atlanta Airport, along with ashtrays for smokers to dispose of their general waste.
• Signage: To ensure easy access and navigation, the smoking areas at the Atlanta Airport are well-marked with clear signage and instructions.
• Ventilation Systems: Modern ventilation systems are installed in the smoking areas at the Atlanta Airport to provide a pleasant environment for both smokers and non-smokers. These systems eliminate odor and smoke, creating a fresh and clean atmosphere in the assigned spaces.

Atlanta Airport Smoking Area Map

The official Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport website has printable terminal maps that show all authorized smoking locations. These maps are frequently updated, showing changes in smoking policies and locations. Here is the interactive map of the ATL’s smoking area to help travelers locate the authorized smoking/vaping area.

Final Words

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is smoke-free indoors; however, there are some designated smoking areas.  Smoking in designated areas in Atlanta allows you to enjoy your cigarettes without feeling rushed or nervous. Furthermore, you can control your smoking habits while passing through one of the world’s busiest airports by using smoking alternatives such as nicotine replacement products.

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