Yes — you can smoke at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), in the designated outdoor areas at the terminal entrances. Columbus operates from a single terminal with three concourses (A, B and C), and smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the building. The marked outdoor spots sit along the curb on both the upper Ticketing level and the lower Baggage Claim level, so you can light up before you check in or right after you collect your bags. Vaping follows the same rule as cigarettes.
Outside the Terminal — Ticketing (Departures) Level
The upper level is where most departing passengers smoke. Step out through the Ticketing-level doors to the curb and look for the signed smoking spots positioned away from the entrances. This is the level to use before you clear security, since there is no smoking area on the airside of the concourses.
If you are dropping someone off or waiting for a pickup, this curb is also the most convenient place to smoke between trips into the terminal.
Outside the Terminal — Baggage Claim (Arrivals) Level
Arriving passengers get the quickest cigarette by using the lower Baggage Claim level. Once you have your luggage, head out the doors to the curb and use the marked areas there. It is a short walk to the ground-transportation and rideshare pickup points, so you can smoke while you wait for your ride.
After Security — Concourses A, B and C
All smoking at CMH happens on the curb outside the terminal, so the three concourses are smoke-free from the checkpoint onwards. If you have a long layover or a delay and need a cigarette, exit the secure area, walk out to one of the curbside areas, and then return through security screening before re-boarding. Build in extra time for the re-screening, especially during busy travel periods.
Summary of Smoking Areas at CMH
| Area | Smoking area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ticketing level (upper) | Outdoor, at terminal entrances | Best option before security |
| Baggage Claim level (lower) | Outdoor, at terminal entrances | Closest to arrivals and pickups |
| Concourses A / B / C (airside) | None | Must exit and re-clear TSA to smoke |
Flying through another Ohio or Midwest hub? See our guide to Cleveland Hopkins (CLE).
For USA airport smoking rules, state vape rules and TSA lighter rules, see our USA smoking guide.