If you are traveling through Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), you may wonder, does Chicago airport have a smoking area? Yes, designated outdoor smoking areas are available outside the terminal buildings. However, smoking is prohibited inside airport terminals, restaurants, restrooms, and secure departure areas.
In this guide, you will learn where to find smoking areas at O’Hare Airport, understand the smoking rules, and discover useful tips for smokers traveling through Chicago.
Does Chicago Airport Have a Smoking Area?
Yes, Chicago O’Hare Airport has designated outdoor smoking areas outside its terminal buildings. There are no regular public indoor smoking rooms for passengers. Travelers who want to smoke must use approved outdoor locations and follow airport signage.
If you have already passed through the TSA security checkpoint, remember that you will need to leave the secure area to reach an outdoor smoking location. You must go through security screening again before returning to your departure gate.
Where Is the Smoking Area at Chicago O’Hare Airport?
Smoking areas are located outdoors near designated areas outside the airport terminals. Look for posted signs and approved smoking locations rather than assuming every entrance permits smoking.
Terminal 1 Smoking Area
Passengers departing from Terminal 1 should exit the terminal and follow airport signs to the nearest designated outdoor smoking area. Allow sufficient time to return through security before boarding.
Terminal 2 Smoking Area
Terminal 2 passengers can look for approved outdoor smoking locations near the terminal building. Follow posted signs or ask airport staff for directions.
Terminal 3 Smoking Area
Terminal 3 serves many domestic flights. Smoking is prohibited inside its concourses and gate areas, so passengers must use a designated outdoor location.
Terminal 5 Smoking Area
Terminal 5 serves many international flights. Passengers should check airport signage for approved outdoor smoking locations and allow extra time for security screening when returning.
Important: Smoking-area access points can change. Follow current airport signs or ask airport staff for the nearest permitted location.
Can You Smoke Inside Chicago O’Hare Airport?
No, smoking is prohibited inside O’Hare Airport’s terminal buildings and other indoor public areas. This includes boarding gates, restaurants, restrooms, and airline lounges.
If you need a cigarette during a layover, plan ahead. Leaving the secure area to smoke means you will need to pass through TSA screening again before returning to your gate.
Are Vaping and E-Cigarettes Allowed at O’Hare?
Travelers should not assume that vaping is permitted indoors. Electronic smoking devices are also subject to airport smoking restrictions. Use them only in permitted outdoor areas and follow posted instructions.
Tips for Finding a Smoking Area at Chicago Airport
Check your terminal: Identify your departure terminal before leaving the building.
Allow extra time: You may need to complete TSA screening again.
Follow posted signs: Smoke only in designated locations.
Plan your layover: A short connection may not provide enough time for a smoking break.
Ask airport staff: They can help direct you to an approved outdoor smoking area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chicago Airport Have a Smoking Area After Security?
No, passengers generally cannot smoke inside the secure departure areas. You must exit the secure area and use a designated outdoor location.
Is There an Indoor Smoking Room at O’Hare Airport?
No, O’Hare does not provide regular public indoor smoking rooms for passengers. Smoking is restricted to designated outdoor locations.
Can I Smoke in an O’Hare Airport Bathroom?
No, smoking and vaping are prohibited in airport bathrooms and other indoor public spaces.
Do I Have to Go Through Security Again After Smoking?
Yes. If you leave the secure area to smoke outdoors, you must pass through TSA screening again before returning to your departure gate.
Final Thoughts
So, does Chicago airport have a smoking area? Yes, Chicago O’Hare International Airport has designated outdoor smoking locations, but smoking is not permitted inside the terminals. Check airport signs, plan around your boarding time, and allow enough time for security screening when returning from a smoking break.
