Passing through Portland Jetport in Maine? Whether you’re catching a flight to Boston or connecting elsewhere, here’s the lowdown on smoking at PWM. Spoiler alert: you’ll be heading outside, but at least the airport makes it straightforward.
Smoking Policy at Portland International Jetport
Let’s cut to the chase—smoking is completely prohibited inside Portland Jetport. This covers the entire terminal building: gates, restaurants, restrooms, and all public areas. Maine takes its clean air laws seriously, and PWM follows suit.
The only place you can smoke is outside the terminal building in designated outdoor areas. The airport has set up cigarette butt receptacles at specific spots near the terminal entrances, so you’ll know you’re in the right place when you see them.
Where to Find the Smoking Areas
Step outside the main terminal doors and look for the designated smoking zones. They’re typically positioned near the curbside areas, away from the main entrance doors to keep smoke from drifting back inside. Nothing fancy—just outdoor spots with proper ashtrays and receptacles.
Portland Jetport is a relatively compact airport, so you won’t have to walk far. From the main terminal area, you can be outside in under a minute.
Bad News for Connecting Passengers
Here’s the catch if you’re on a connection: there are absolutely no smoking facilities inside the secure area. If you’ve already cleared security and need to smoke, you’ll have to exit the terminal completely and then go through TSA screening all over again.
For international connections, this means clearing customs, smoking outside, and then re-entering through security. Factor in at least 30-45 extra minutes if this is your plan.
Practical Tips
Timing matters: PWM isn’t a huge airport, but security wait times can still surprise you during peak hours. Don’t cut it too close.
Weather prep: Maine weather can be unpredictable. Winters are cold and sometimes snowy, so that smoke break might be chilly from November through April.
Last smoke: Consider having your last cigarette before entering the terminal, especially if you’re checking bags and have some time before security.
About Portland Jetport
PWM is Maine’s largest airport, serving as the main gateway to the state. Despite its “international” name, it’s a relatively manageable size compared to major hubs. The airport has been expanding its route network, which means more flights but also potentially more crowded conditions at times.
Got an Update?
Airports change their policies and layouts from time to time. If you’ve traveled through PWM recently and noticed something different about the smoking areas, share your experience below.