Charlotte Douglas Airport Smoking Areas & Rules

CLT Airport Smoking Areas

The Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is completely non-smoking. The smoking and vaping ban includes electronic cigarettes & applies in the entire terminal. The facility follows the laws of North Carolina, as well as its own regulations. It guarantees that all visitors have clean & healthy air within the facility. If you wish to smoke at CLT before your Lufthansa Airlines flight (can be any other CLT flight), you can’t do it inside the terminal. Smoking can only occur in designated outdoor areas of the terminal building. Those outdoor smoking areas are at least 100 feet away from all terminal entrances & exit doors. Look at the signs for assistance & to make sure that you are using the proper outdoor Charlotte Airport smoking area.

Smoke-Free Facility Indoors at CLT: Rules

No one can smoke indoors in the terminal building, no matter what type of product they use. There are no exceptions to the ban on smoking/vaping indoors. The following types of locations within the terminal will have a smoking ban:

  • Public Spaces
  • Restaurants
  • Bars
  • Lounges
  • Airline Clubs
  • Concourses
  • Restrooms
  • Other Enclosed / Indoor Spaces

Outdoor Smoking Areas at Charlotte Douglas Airport

At CLT, there is only an outdoor allotted CLT smoking area. There is no smoking inside the terminal. Look at the table below:

AreaLocation 
Departures (Upper Level)On the west end of the departure level, or the east end (may relocate).
Arrivals (Lower Level)Near doors A &D, or by the hourly parking deck/curbside pick-up areas.
GeneralNear curbside areas on both levels, near the parking garage or specific doors.

Re-Entry to the Terminal After Smoking 

Because smoking is only allowed outside the terminal, a security checkpoint screening must get done to access the gate area. If you’re already through TSA security & want to smoke, you must leave the terminal to get back to one of the smoking areas.

  1. Time needed– Keep in mind that you will spend at least 15-30 minutes (or longer) to exit, smoke, & re-clear security. TSA wait times at CLT can fluctuate based on Sun Country (or the one you’re flying with) flight schedules, time & day.
  2. Best Time to Smoke– If you have a layover, your safest option is to smoke before going through security for the first time. 
  3. No Indoor Alternatives– There are no Charlotte Airport smoking lounges/patios/airside (after clearing security) ​to smoke. All require leaving the building.

FAQs Section

Does Charlotte Airport have a smoking area?

Yes, they do have a smoking area.

Can you smoke at Charlotte Airport?

You can, but not inside the terminal, but outside it.

Where is the designated area for smoking?

You will find it outside the terminal building.

Are there any indoor or post-security smoking areas?

No, there ain’t any indoor or post-security smoking area or lounge/patio.

After I have passed through airport security, what do I do if I want to smoke?

You would need to exit the terminal to find an outdoor smoking area.

How long should I plan for re-entry after smoking?

You need to plan at least 15-30 minutes.

When is the best time to smoke at CLT?

It is best to smoke before going through security to reduce the chance of needing to re-clear before laying over or connecting.

Are e-cigs/vaping allowed inside?

Vaping and e-cigs are part of the indoor smoking prohibition, as is traditional smoking.

How much trouble can I get into if I smoke inside?

Violation of the prohibition could result in fines, removal, or being denied boarding.

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