Yes, you can smoke at Dallas Love Field (DAL) at the designated outdoor smoking area on the upper-level departures curb, just outside the main terminal entrance. Dallas Love Field is a City of Dallas-owned, single-terminal airport with around 20 gates and is the primary hub for Southwest Airlines. The terminal is smoke-free indoors, so the curbside area is your only option.
Where to Smoke
The designated smoking area sits on the upper-level departures curb, outside the main terminal entrance and set at least 25 feet back from the doors, with ashtrays provided. There is no smoking room or lounge after security, and the terminal is smoke-free indoors. If you are already airside and want to smoke, you will need to exit and re-clear TSA, which typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
How Dallas Love Field Is Laid Out
DAL is a single-terminal airport built in a T-shape. The central area holds the security checkpoint, the main seating, cafes and a conference center; a ticketing wing runs off the east side and a baggage-claim wing off the west side. All 20 departure gates sit along the top of the T, with Southwest Airlines operating about 18 of them. Because there is just one concourse and one checkpoint, every gate is a short walk from security — and every one of them is smoke-free.
Smoking areas: None anywhere inside the terminal — not at the gates, not in the central area, not in the wings. The only place to light up is the designated outdoor area on the upper-level departures curb.
After security: No smoking areas. Once you are past the single TSA checkpoint there is no way to smoke without leaving the secure area and re-screening to come back. With Southwest’s frequent quick turns, factor the 10-to-15-minute re-clear into any tight connection.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
Under a Dallas ordinance, electronic smoking devices are banned indoors and within 15 feet of entrances. Use the designated outdoor curb area for vaping rather than standing at the doorways.
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Location Details |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor terminal | No | Smoke-free throughout — central area, ticketing/baggage wings, all 20 gates |
| After security (airside) | No | No lounge; exit and re-clear TSA (about 10–15 min) |
| Outdoor (departures curb) | Yes | Upper-level departures curb, away from doors, ashtrays provided |
| Vaping/e-cigarettes | Outdoor only | Banned indoors and within 15 ft of entrances; use the curb area |
For US airport smoking rules, state laws, vaping limits and fines, see our USA airport smoking guide.