Yes, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) has designated smoking areas at curbside near the terminal exits, marked with ashtrays and signage. The general terminal interior is smoke-free — the only indoor smoking is an airside lounge reserved for international transit passengers (see below). Winter temperatures can drop well below zero, so dress warmly before heading out.
Designated outdoor smoking areas sit at curbside near the terminal exits on the lower level. These spots have ashtrays and signage. From November through March, Anchorage winters regularly see temperatures in the single digits or below zero, with wind chill making it feel colder still, so stepping outside for a cigarette takes some commitment.
How Anchorage Airport Is Laid Out
ANC has two main terminal areas: the North Terminal and the South Terminal (which includes the C Concourse). The North Terminal handles most domestic flights, while the South Terminal and C Concourse serve a mix of domestic and seasonal international routes, including some Alaska-specific bush carriers. The terminals are connected inside the building, and the overall layout is linear and fairly easy to navigate. The airport also has a large international cargo facility on the south side of the airfield, separate from passenger operations.
North Terminal
Smoking areas: No smoking inside the North Terminal. All gate areas, the food court, and shops are smoke-free. Designated outdoor smoking areas are at curbside outside the lower-level exits.
After security: No smoking areas available.
South Terminal and C Concourse
Smoking areas: Same policy — smoke-free indoors for domestic departures. Head outside through the lower-level exits for the designated curbside zones.
After security: No smoking areas for domestic departing passengers.
International Transit Lounge
ANC operates an airside indoor smoking lounge for international technical-stop and transit passengers only. It sits in the international/North Terminal secure transit area as a glass-enclosed, ventilated room, available under Alaska’s transit-lounge exemption (AS 18.35.301) for travellers who cannot leave the secure area between connecting international flights. This lounge is not available to regular departing domestic passengers, who use the outdoor curbside areas at the North and South terminals instead.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
Vaping, e-cigarettes, and all electronic nicotine devices are treated the same as traditional cigarettes at ANC. Use the outdoor designated areas at curbside for vaping as well.
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Location Details |
|---|---|---|
| Inside terminal (domestic) | No | Smoke-free for domestic departures |
| International transit lounge | Yes | Airside ventilated lounge — international transit passengers only |
| North Terminal | No | No post-security smoking for domestic departures |
| South Terminal / C Concourse | No | No post-security smoking for domestic departures |
| Outside – curbside | Yes | Designated areas near terminal exits |
| Vaping/e-cigarettes | Outdoor only | Same rules as traditional cigarettes |
For USA airport smoking rules, state vape rules, lighter rules at TSA, and other federal/state info, see our USA smoking guide.