Yes, you can smoke at Albany International Airport (ALB) in the marked designated smoking areas outside the terminal building. The terminal is entirely smoke-free, so there is no lounge or smoking room past the TSA checkpoint — all three concourses are non-smoking.
How Albany Airport Is Laid Out
ALB is a single two-level terminal. Level 1 holds ticketing, baggage claim, and ground transport; Level 2 has the public waiting area and leads to the single TSA security checkpoint. Past screening, a central atrium connects all three concourses — A, B, and C — so once you are airside you can reach any gate without re-clearing security. Every smoking area sits outside the building, at the terminal curb.
Concourse A
Smoking areas: Smokers flying from Concourse A (opened 1998, used by Allegiant and United) use the marked outdoor areas at the terminal curb. The gates, shops, and seating inside are smoke-free.
After security: Smoking is landside only — light up at the curbside areas before you clear TSA, or exit and re-screen.
Concourse B
Smoking areas: Concourse B (American, Delta, and JetBlue) sends smokers to the same curbside areas outside the terminal; the concourse itself is smoke-free.
After security: The curbside areas sit before the checkpoint, so take the break before screening or allow time to re-clear.
Concourse C
Smoking areas: The smaller Concourse C (Southwest, plus Breeze Airways) uses the same outdoor curbside areas; its three gates and seating are smoke-free.
After security: Smoking is landside only, so exit to the curb and re-clear screening for your flight.
Outside the Terminal
ALB’s designated smoking areas are located along the curb outside the terminal, away from the entrance doors. They are clearly marked with signage and have ashtrays provided, so look for those rather than lighting up directly at an exit. Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the building.
There is nothing airside, so a departing smoker must finish up curbside, then check in and clear security. If you are connecting through Albany and need a cigarette, you have to exit the secure area to a designated curbside spot and pass back through screening for your onward flight — leave extra time for the return through the checkpoint.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
Vaping and e-cigarettes are treated the same as cigarettes at ALB and are not permitted anywhere inside the terminal. Use the same outdoor curbside designated areas to vape.
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal interior | No | Smoke-free, vaping included |
| Concourse A (airside) | No | No smoking lounge; exit and re-clear security |
| Concourse B (airside) | No | No smoking lounge; exit and re-clear security |
| Concourse C (airside) | No | No smoking lounge; exit and re-clear security |
| Curbside / outside terminal | Yes | Marked designated areas with ashtrays |
| Vaping/e-cigarettes | Outdoor only | Same rules as cigarettes |
For USA airport smoking rules, state vape rules, lighter rules at TSA, and other federal/state info, see our USA smoking guide.