Yes, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has designated outdoor smoking areas outside the Barbara Jordan Terminal. Step outside to one of the marked areas to light up, then re-clear security when you head back to your gate.
Smoking Areas at Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS)
Austin-Bergstrom is smoke-free throughout the terminal interior and the secure gate areas. All smoking, vaping, and e-cigarette use happens at the marked outdoor areas outside the building, set back from the doors. The areas carry clear “Smoking Area” signs and have ashtrays for disposal. With the airport in the middle of its “Journey With AUS” expansion, the exact spots occasionally shift around construction, so follow the latest signage when you arrive.
Barbara Jordan Terminal
The Barbara Jordan Terminal is now the airport’s sole passenger terminal, a single linear concourse with gates 1 to 34 lining both sides and served by all the carriers (the former South Terminal closed in March 2026 and Allegiant and Frontier moved here). There are no smoking spots inside the concourse or after security, so the practical route is to use the outdoor areas at street level.
The easiest place to smoke is on the lower level (arrivals / baggage claim) near the Red Garage exit — exit through baggage claim toward the ground-transportation curb and look for the marked outdoor area away from the doors. Additional designated spots run along the arrivals and ground-transportation curb, and the upper departures-level curb outside the ticketing hall works if you have not yet cleared security.
Returning to Your Gate
Because every smoking area sits outside the secure zone, going for a cigarette once you are airside means exiting the terminal and clearing the TSA checkpoint again on the way back. Plan on roughly 15 to 20 minutes for the round trip, and longer during peak departure banks at this fast-growing hub. If your connection is tight, it is safer to wait.
Summary Table
| Terminal | Smoking area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Barbara Jordan Terminal — lower level | Outdoor, near the Red Garage exit | Easiest spot; signs and ashtrays |
| Barbara Jordan Terminal — arrivals curb | Outdoor, ground-transportation curb | Marked areas away from doors |
| Barbara Jordan Terminal — departures level | Outdoor, ticketing-hall curb | Use before clearing security |
Cross-link: Flying onward to California? See our Los Angeles (LAX) smoking guide.
For USA airport smoking rules, state vape rules, lighter rules at TSA, and other federal/state info, see our USA smoking guide.