Smoking Areas at JFK Airport: Your Guide to Designated Smoking Rooms at John F. Kennedy International Airport

Finding a designated smoking area at JFK Airport (John F. Kennedy International Airport) can be challenging, especially as regulations around indoor smoking in public spaces have tightened over recent years. As of the latest updates, smoking—including the use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices—is strictly prohibited inside all terminals at JFK Airport. This is in line with New York state law, which bans smoking indoors in public spaces and workplaces, including airports. For passengers seeking a place to smoke, there are outdoor designated smoking areas located outside each terminal. These are typically found outside the arrivals or departures level, clearly marked with signage and set away from the entrance doors to ensure the comfort and health of all travelers. Keep in mind that you will need to clear security if you decide to step outside for a smoke and then re-enter the terminal. Therefore, make sure you allow extra time for security checks if you have a connecting flight. If you’re in a layover situation, it’s wise to check your terminal’s map, so you can find the quickest exit to a permitted smoking zone and plan your time accordingly. Access to up-to-date airport terminal layouts, exits, and public amenity locations can be very helpful—not only for finding smoking areas but for navigating restrooms, lounges, and eateries as well. As a designer, I know that a well-organized space can make even stressful situations, like dashing outside for a quick smoke between flights, much more manageable. In fact, travelers interested in optimizing their home or office layouts for similar efficiency might appreciate tools that help visualize and plan interior spaces with the same clarity and ease as a professional environment.

Tips 1:

Prepare ahead by checking your terminal map and noting where outdoor smoking zones are located. This way, you avoid unnecessary delays and can get back to your gate without stress. If you’re inspired by the clear signage and logical flow found in well-designed airports, consider applying those principles to your own environments using a home designer tool — it streamlines space planning, just like airport wayfinding streamlines your journey.

FAQ

Q: Is smoking allowed inside any terminal at JFK Airport?

A: No, smoking is completely banned inside all terminals at JFK Airport, including the use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices.

Q: Where are the designated smoking areas at JFK Airport?

A: Outdoor designated smoking areas are located outside the arrivals and departures areas of each terminal. They are clearly marked and set away from entrances.

Q: Can I smoke after going through security at JFK?

A: No, there are no indoor smoking lounges past security. To smoke, you must exit the secure area, smoke outside, and then pass through security again to re-enter.

Q: Are there any exceptions for vaping at JFK Airport?

A: No, vaping and the use of e-cigarettes is treated the same as smoking tobacco and is only allowed in designated outdoor areas.

Q: Does JFK Airport provide updated maps to help find smoking areas?

A: Yes, you can find terminal maps on the JFK Airport website, which highlight exits and outdoor zones for smoking.