No, Charleston International Airport (CHS) does not have indoor smoking areas. The airport enforces its own smoke-free policy inside the entire terminal building. Designated outdoor smoking zones are located at curbside on the lower level near baggage claim.
Charleston International Airport (CHS) is the primary airport for South Carolina’s Lowcountry, serving Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Summerville. It shares its runways with Joint Base Charleston, so you will occasionally spot military transport aircraft alongside commercial flights. CHS has been growing fast as Charleston’s tourism and tech scenes boom, but smokers should know that the terminal is entirely smoke-free indoors — you will need to step outside to designated areas.
Smoking Policy at Charleston Airport
Here is something that surprises many travelers: South Carolina is one of the few US states without a comprehensive statewide smoking ban for workplaces and public spaces. However, Charleston Airport has its own smoke-free policy that prohibits smoking and tobacco use inside the entire terminal building. This is an airport-level rule, not a state mandate, and it is strictly enforced.
Designated outdoor smoking zones are located at curbside on the lower level near baggage claim. These areas are marked with signage and ashtrays. The Lowcountry climate means stepping outside is comfortable for most of the year, though summer humidity can be intense.
How Charleston Airport Is Laid Out
CHS has a single terminal with two concourses: A and B. The terminal went through a significant expansion and renovation, so the facilities are modern and well-maintained. The upper level handles departures and ticketing, while the lower level covers arrivals and baggage claim. The concourses extend from a central post-security area, and the overall footprint is compact enough that walking from the farthest gate to the terminal exit takes about 10 minutes.
Concourse A
Smoking zones: No smoking inside Concourse A. Once past TSA security, there is no place to smoke until you leave the building entirely. The designated outdoor zones are down on the lower level at curbside.
After security: No smoking areas available.
Concourse B
Smoking zones: Same as Concourse A — no indoor smoking. You must exit security and head outside to the lower-level curbside areas to smoke.
After security: No smoking areas available.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
Despite South Carolina’s relatively relaxed state-level tobacco laws, CHS applies its smoke-free policy to vaping and e-cigarettes as well. All electronic nicotine delivery devices must be used in the outdoor designated smoking areas only.
Tips for Smokers at Charleston Airport
- Smoke before entering the terminal — the outdoor zones are easiest to use before you go through security
- CHS is a smaller airport with generally fast TSA lines, so the exit-smoke-return cycle takes about 25-35 minutes on average
- Charleston summers are hot and humid (90°F+ with high humidity), so a quick smoke break outside can feel intense from June through September
- The designated smoking areas are on the lower level near baggage claim, not at the departures curb on the upper level
- Disposable lighters are allowed in carry-on bags through TSA (torch lighters are prohibited)
- If you are catching a connecting flight with less than an hour between gates, do not risk leaving security — use nicotine patches or pouches instead
- The airport has free Wi-Fi, so check your gate and flight status from your phone while taking a smoke break outside
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Location Details |
|---|---|---|
| Inside terminal | No | Airport policy — full indoor ban |
| Concourse A | No | No post-security smoking |
| Concourse B | No | No post-security smoking |
| Outside – lower level | Yes | Designated curbside areas near baggage claim |
| Vaping/e-cigarettes | Outdoor only | Same rules as traditional cigarettes |