Yes, you can smoke at Des Moines International Airport (DSM) in the designated outdoor areas along the terminal curb. Smoking is outdoor-only — the entire terminal, including both concourses past security, is smoke-free, and there is no indoor smoking lounge anywhere at DSM.
How Des Moines Airport Is Laid Out
DSM has a single passenger terminal feeding two concourses, A and C — there is no Concourse B. Between them they hold 13 gates, and in May 2026 the airport dropped the old letter-and-number labels (A1–A5 and C1–C7) in favour of plain numbers, so boarding passes and the flight-information screens now show a gate number on its own. A shared central security checkpoint screens passengers for both concourses, which connect to the ticketing and baggage-claim levels by indoor walkways, so the building is compact and easy to cross on foot. DSM is served by carriers including American, Delta, United, Southwest, Allegiant and Frontier.
A much larger replacement terminal is under construction as part of the “Lift DSM” project and is scheduled to open to travelers in January 2027; the current Concourse A and Concourse C remain in full use until then. The notes below describe the terminal that is open today — there is no post-security smoking area in either the existing concourses or the planned new building.
Designated Smoking Areas
Designated smoking areas are 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 and ashtrays, set back from the doors so smoke does not drift inside. Both concourses are smoke-free, so the curbside areas are the only place to light up at the airport.
After Security
All of DSM’s smoking areas sit landside, along the terminal curb, so if you have already cleared security you exit, smoke outside, and re-clear TSA before your flight. Connecting passengers leave the secure area and re-screen the same way. With a single shared checkpoint, lines can build at peak times, so allow extra time before boarding if you plan a smoke break.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
DSM’s own rules explicitly include e-cigarettes under the definition of smoking, so vaping is treated exactly like cigarettes. Vaping is not allowed anywhere inside the terminal or its concourses; use the same outdoor curbside areas to vape.
Summary
| Area | Smoking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inside terminal | No | Smoke-free throughout |
| Concourse A | No | No post-security smoking area |
| Concourse C | No | No post-security smoking area |
| Outdoor curb areas | Yes | Marked areas near the entrances |
| After security | No | Exit, smoke, then re-clear TSA |
| Vaping/e-cigarettes | Outdoor only | E-cigarettes count as smoking |
For USA airport smoking rules, state vape rules, lighter rules at TSA, and other federal/state info, see our USA smoking guide.