Looking for a place to smoke at BWI Airport? Here is your guide to smoking areas at Baltimore-Washington International, a major hub serving the mid-Atlantic region.
Smoking at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport – BWI – 2026
BWI is completely smoke-free indoors. There are no smoking rooms or enclosed smoking areas anywhere inside the terminal.
Main Terminal:
BWI has a single terminal building with five concourses (A through E). Designated outdoor smoking areas are located on the lower level (arrivals) near the ground transportation and curbside pickup areas. Exit through any baggage claim area and look for signage directing you to the nearest designated spot.
Concourse Layout:
Southwest Airlines, the dominant carrier at BWI, operates primarily from Concourses A through C. International flights use Concourse E. All concourses connect through the main terminal, so you must walk back to the central area, exit through the arrivals level, and use the outdoor smoking zones.
Maryland’s Clean Indoor Air Act of 2007 prohibits smoking inside all public places including airports. There are no exemptions for airport smoking lounges. Smokers must use the designated outdoor areas on the lower level.
BWI is a moderately sized airport. The walk from most gates back to the arrivals level takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Plan approximately 35 to 45 minutes for the full round trip including re-clearing TSA security.
Smoking Areas at BWI Airport
BWI is completely smoke-free indoors. There are no smoking rooms or enclosed smoking areas anywhere inside the terminal.
Main Terminal:
BWI has a single terminal building with five concourses (A through E). Designated outdoor smoking areas are located on the lower level (arrivals) near the ground transportation and curbside pickup areas. Exit through any baggage claim area and look for signage directing you to the nearest designated spot.
Concourse Layout:
Southwest Airlines, the dominant carrier at BWI, operates primarily from Concourses A through C. International flights use Concourse E. All concourses connect through the main terminal, so you must walk back to the central area, exit through the arrivals level, and use the outdoor smoking zones.
BWI Airport Smoking Policy
Maryland’s Clean Indoor Air Act of 2007 prohibits smoking inside all public places including airports. There are no exemptions for airport smoking lounges. Smokers must use the designated outdoor areas on the lower level.
BWI is a moderately sized airport. The walk from most gates back to the arrivals level takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Plan approximately 35 to 45 minutes for the full round trip including re-clearing TSA security.
Tips for Smokers at BWI Airport
- Outdoor smoking areas are on the lower level (arrivals/ground transportation)
- The airport has 5 concourses, all connected through the central terminal
- Plan 35-45 minutes for the round trip from your gate
- BWI is a major Southwest Airlines hub with frequent short-haul flights
- Vaping and e-cigarettes follow the same restrictions as smoking
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke inside Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)?
No. All US airports prohibit indoor smoking under federal and state regulations. You must go outside to designated smoking areas.
Where are the smoking areas at Baltimore-Washington Airport?
Outside the terminal building at designated smoking areas, usually on the lower level (arrivals) or curbside. Look for signs near exits.
Is there a smoking area after security at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)?
Generally no. Most US airports require you to exit the secure area and re-clear security after smoking outside. A few exceptions like Las Vegas (LAS) have indoor smoking lounges.
Can I vape at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)?
Vaping and e-cigarettes are subject to the same rules as smoking at US airports. You must use the designated outdoor smoking areas.