No, Key West International Airport (EYW) does not have indoor smoking areas. Smoking is prohibited inside the terminal under Florida’s Clean Indoor Air Act. Designated outdoor smoking zones are available outside the terminal entrance, and the airport is so compact that stepping outside takes under a minute from any gate.
Key West International Airport (EYW) is one of the smallest and most laid-back airports in the United States. Located at the end of the Florida Keys on the island of Key West, this tiny airport has just three gates and a single compact terminal. Flights connect primarily to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and a handful of other cities. The airport’s small size works in your favor as a smoker, because stepping outside takes less than a minute from anywhere in the building.
Smoking Zones at Key West Airport
Smoking is not permitted inside Key West Airport’s terminal. Florida’s Clean Indoor Air Act prohibits smoking in enclosed public spaces, and federal regulations apply to all US airports. However, outdoor smoking zones are available outside the terminal building.
Finding the Outdoor Smoking Zones
Key West Airport is so compact that “finding” the smoking zones is barely a challenge. The entire terminal is essentially one small building with three gates. Exit through the main terminal doors and look for designated smoking zones near the entrance area. Florida law requires smokers to stay at least 20 feet from building entrances, so step away from the doors to the marked area.
The tropical Key West climate means outdoor smoking is comfortable year-round, though summer afternoons can bring brief rain showers. There is no covered outdoor smoking shelter, so keep that in mind during the rainy season.
Re-Clearing Security
Since there are no smoking zones inside the secure area, you will need to exit and re-clear TSA security after smoking. The good news is that Key West Airport’s security screening is among the fastest in the country due to the low volume of passengers. On a typical day, you can exit, smoke, and re-clear security in 15-20 minutes rather than the 30-45 minutes needed at larger airports. During peak holiday weekends and spring break, allow a bit more time.
Vaping and E-Cigarettes
Vaping and e-cigarettes are subject to the same restrictions as traditional cigarettes at Key West Airport. Use the designated outdoor zones only.
Tips for Smokers at Key West Airport
- Key West is one of the smallest airports in the US, so getting outside takes under a minute from any gate
- Security re-screening is typically fast due to low passenger volume, but allow extra time during holiday weekends
- Florida law requires staying at least 20 feet from building entrances when smoking
- The open-air, tropical setting makes outdoor smoking comfortable year-round
- Lighters are allowed in carry-on luggage but not in checked bags
- If you are taking the Overseas Highway back instead of flying, there are no smoking restrictions in your own vehicle
Summary
| Location | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal Entrance Area | Outdoor | Designated zone, 20ft from doors per Florida law |