Yes, you can smoke at Des Moines International Airport (DSM) in the designated outdoor areas outside the terminal. Smoking is outdoor-only — the terminal interior is entirely smoke-free.
Outside the Terminal
Designated smoking areas are located outdoors along the terminal frontage, near the entrances on the lower-level arrivals and departures curb. Step out of the building and look for the marked spots. There is no indoor smoking lounge anywhere at DSM.
DSM’s own rules explicitly include e-cigarettes under the definition of smoking, so vaping is treated exactly like cigarettes and is banned everywhere inside the terminal.
Iowa Smokefree Air Act
Under Iowa’s Smokefree Air Act, smoking is prohibited in enclosed public places and workplaces, including the airport terminal. Smoking must take place in the designated outdoor areas, set away from the doors so smoke does not drift back inside.
After Security
The smoking areas are landside. If you have already cleared the checkpoint, you will need to exit, smoke outside, and re-clear TSA security before your flight. Connecting international arrivals must clear customs, step outside, then re-screen. Allow extra time so a smoke break does not put your boarding at risk.
For USA airport smoking rules, state vape rules, lighter rules at TSA, and other federal/state info, see our USA smoking guide.
Summary
| Area | Smoking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inside terminal | No | Smoke-free; e-cigarettes count as smoking |
| Outdoor curb areas | Yes | Marked zones near the entrances |
| After security | No | Exit, smoke, then re-clear TSA |