No, Columbus Airport (CMH) does not have indoor smoking areas. The Ohio Clean Indoor Air Act prohibits smoking inside the entire terminal. Designated outdoor smoking zones are available at curbside on the lower level near the baggage claim exits. There are no post-security smoking options.
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) — still known to many locals as Port Columbus — is the primary airport serving Ohio’s capital city and the broader central Ohio region. With nonstop flights to major hubs across the country, CMH handles around 8 million passengers a year. If you smoke, you should know upfront: this is an entirely outdoor-only airport for smoking, and you will not find any post-security options.
Smoking Policy at John Glenn Columbus International Airport
The Ohio Clean Indoor Air Act, passed in 2006, bans smoking inside virtually all enclosed public spaces in the state, and CMH is no exception. Smoking is prohibited everywhere inside the terminal building — that means the ticketing hall, all three concourses, the food court, gate areas, restrooms, and baggage claim. There are no indoor smoking rooms, cabins, or lounges anywhere in the airport.
Designated outdoor smoking zones are available at curbside on the lower level (arrivals). These areas are marked with signage and ashtrays. If you light up anywhere other than these designated spots, you risk a fine under Ohio state law.
How Columbus Airport Is Laid Out
CMH has a single terminal building with three concourses: A, B, and C. Concourse B is the largest and handles the bulk of domestic traffic. The terminal was renamed in 2016 to honor astronaut John Glenn, though the airport code CMH (from the original Columbus Municipal Hangar designation) was kept. The layout is straightforward — one main ticketing level on the upper floor, one arrivals and baggage claim level on the lower floor, and the three concourses extending from a central connector.
Concourses A, B, and C
Smoking zones: There are no smoking areas inside any concourse. Once you pass through TSA security, you are in a smoke-free environment until you leave the building entirely. Designated outdoor smoking zones are located on the lower level (arrivals side) near the curbside pickup area. Walk out through the baggage claim exits and look for the marked areas with ashtrays.
After security: No smoking areas available.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
Vaping, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco devices are treated the same as traditional cigarettes at CMH. The Ohio Clean Indoor Air Act does not distinguish between combustible and electronic nicotine products in enclosed public spaces. You must use the same outdoor designated areas as cigarette smokers.
Tips for Smokers at Columbus Airport
- Smoke before entering the terminal — once you clear security, there is no way to smoke without leaving the secure area entirely
- The outdoor smoking zones are on the lower level near baggage claim, not the upper departures level
- Budget at least 45 minutes if you plan to exit, smoke, and re-clear TSA security, especially during morning rush hours
- CMH is a mid-size airport, so security lines are typically manageable, but holidays and peak travel days can slow things down
- Bring a lighter in your carry-on (disposable lighters are TSA-approved, but torch lighters are not)
- If you have a long layover, the curbside smoking areas are easy to reach and well-marked
- Nicotine patches or pouches are a good backup if your connection is too tight for an exit-and-return trip
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Location Details |
|---|---|---|
| Inside terminal | No | Ohio Clean Indoor Air Act — full indoor ban |
| Concourse A | No | No post-security smoking |
| Concourse B | No | No post-security smoking |
| Concourse C | No | No post-security smoking |
| Outside – lower level | Yes | Designated curbside areas near baggage claim exits |
| Vaping/e-cigarettes | Outdoor only | Same rules as traditional cigarettes |