No. Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) has no airside or indoor smoking. Smoking is allowed only outdoors landside, just outside the terminal doors before you pass security.
SCL is Santiago’s main gateway and the principal hub for LATAM Airlines. It handles all of Chile’s major international and domestic traffic across Terminal 1 (domestic) and Terminal 2 (international), but neither building offers any smoking area beyond the secure checkpoint.
Where to Smoke
Smoking is permitted outdoors only, landside, on the footpaths and forecourt just beyond the terminal exit doors. Travellers report the permitted spots are signposted around the kerbside and drop-off areas.
There is no airside smoking at SCL. The old enclosed airside smoking booth, the smoking area inside the LATAM lounge, and a restaurant’s open-air spot are all confirmed closed — do not count on any of them.
This makes the landside exit your only option. International transit passengers must clear immigration and exit landside to smoke, then re-clear security (and immigration) before their onward flight. Factor that round trip into your connection time.
Vaping
Chile’s Ley 21.642, in force since 20 May 2025, equates vapes and e-cigarettes with tobacco. Vaping is banned in all enclosed public spaces, including airports and transport. Vape only in the outdoor landside areas, alongside the smoking points.
Summary Table
| Area | Smoking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor (terminals) | No | Prohibited throughout both buildings |
| After security / airside | No | Old booth & lounge spot gone — none available |
| Outdoor (landside) | Yes | Outside the terminal doors, signposted |
For Chile’s airport smoking rules and vaping law, see our Chile airport guide.