Flying through San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and need to smoke? SFO is completely smoke-free indoors with no post-security smoking options, but designated outdoor areas are available. Here’s your guide to smoking at the Bay Area’s largest airport.
Smoking Policy at San Francisco Airport
San Francisco International Airport is completely smoke-free indoors. There are no indoor smoking lounges, no post-security smoking areas, and e-cigarettes are also prohibited inside the terminals. California’s strict smoking laws apply throughout the facility.
Designated Outdoor Smoking Locations
Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas, located pre-security at least 25 feet from entrances. Here’s where to find them by terminal:
Terminal 1:
Curbside on Departures/Ticketing Level (Level 2)
Curbside on Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level (Level 1)
Look for designated signage
Terminal 2:
- Curbside on Departures/Ticketing Level (Level 2) at both ends of the terminal
Terminal 3:
Curbside on Departures/Ticketing Level (Level 2)
Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level (Level 1)
Smoking area outside near Door 7 on the arrival level
International Terminal:
Departures/Ticketing Level (Level 3) near Doors 1 and 16
Arrivals Level (Level 1) near Doors 1 and 2
International Area near Door 5 has a sitting area with pole-tray
Domestic Area near Door 13 is a smaller sitting area with pole-tray
All outdoor smoking areas are available 24/7.
No Smoking After Security
There are absolutely no smoking facilities past the TSA security checkpoint at SFO. If you need to smoke after clearing security, you’ll have to exit the secure area, use an outdoor smoking zone, and then re-enter through TSA screening. Factor in extra time for this process.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
E-cigarettes and vaping devices are not allowed inside SFO terminals or after security. You can only vape in the designated outdoor smoking zones. Violations can result in fines and penalties.