Smoking at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport SEATAC – SEA – 2026

Q: "Can I smoke inside Seattle-Tacoma Airport?"

"No. SEA is completely smoke-free indoors under Washington State's Clean Indoor Air Act. There are no indoor smoking lounges or areas anywhere in the terminal."

Q: "Where are the smoking areas at SEA?"

"Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas near doors 5, 00, and 29 at the North and South ends of Lower Drive. These are all located before the security checkpoint."

Q: "Are there smoking areas after security at Seattle Airport?"

"No. There are no smoking areas past TSA security at SEA. To smoke after clearing security, you must exit the terminal, use an outdoor zone, and go through security screening again."

Q: "Can I vape at Seattle-Tacoma Airport?"

"Vaping follows the same rules as smoking at SEA. No vaping indoors anywhere - only in the designated outdoor smoking areas on Lower Drive."

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is completely smoke-free indoors. Washington State’s Clean Indoor Air Act means there are no smoking lounges or indoor areas anywhere in the terminal. Your only options are the outdoor designated areas before security - and yes, you’ll need to go through TSA again if you step out.

SEA Smoking Policy

Smoking, vaping, and e-cigarette use are strictly prohibited inside all areas of Seattle-Tacoma Airport. This includes terminals, restrooms, dining areas, airline lounges, and all gate areas. The ban is enforced under Washington’s statewide clean air regulations.

Outdoor Smoking Areas

SEA has designated outdoor smoking zones at only two locations - the North and South ends of Lower Drive. More specifically, look for smoking areas near these doors:

Door 5 - Main Terminal Concourses/Check-in area
Door 00 - Main Terminal Baggage Claim
Door 29 - Main Terminal Concourses/Check-in area

Smoking is prohibited everywhere else including the upper and lower airport drives, the entire airport garage, and all airfield locations.

No Smoking After Security

This is the tough part for smokers at SEA: there are absolutely no smoking areas past TSA security. None in any concourse, terminal, or gate area. If you need to smoke after clearing security, you must:

Exit the secure area completely
Use one of the outdoor smoking zones
Go back through TSA security screening

Re-entering security can take 45-60 minutes during busy periods. Make sure you have at least 90 minutes before your flight if you plan to step out for a smoke.

Vaping Rules

E-cigarettes and vapes are treated the same as traditional cigarettes at SEA. No vaping indoors anywhere. Outdoor vaping is only allowed in the designated smoking zones near Lower Drive.

Tips for Smokers at SEA

Smoke before entering security - it’s not worth the hassle of re-screening
If you have a long layover (3+ hours), budget at least 90 minutes to exit and return
TSA PreCheck or Clear can speed up re-entry if you need to step out
Consider nicotine patches or gum for shorter connections
The Door 00 location at baggage claim works well upon arrival

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke inside Seattle-Tacoma Airport?

No. SEA is completely smoke-free indoors under Washington State’s Clean Indoor Air Act. There are no indoor smoking lounges or areas anywhere in the terminal.

Where are the smoking areas at SEA?

Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas near doors 5, 00, and 29 at the North and South ends of Lower Drive. These are all located before the security checkpoint.

Are there smoking areas after security at Seattle Airport?

No. There are no smoking areas past TSA security at SEA. To smoke after clearing security, you must exit the terminal, use an outdoor zone, and go through security screening again.

Can I vape at Seattle-Tacoma Airport?

Vaping follows the same rules as smoking at SEA. No vaping indoors anywhere - only in the designated outdoor smoking areas on Lower Drive.

Last updated: January 12, 2026