Looking for a place to smoke at Houston Hobby Airport? Here is your guide to smoking zones at HOU, Houston’s original airport and a major Southwest Airlines hub.
Smoking Zones at Houston Hobby Airport
Hobby Airport is entirely smoke-free indoors. No smoking rooms, lounges, or enclosed smoking areas exist inside the terminal buildings.
Central Terminal:
The main domestic terminal has a central lobby with concourses extending in two directions. Designated outdoor smoking areas are located on the lower level (arrivals and ground transportation area). Exit through baggage claim and follow the signs to the designated outdoor zones.
International Terminal:
The international terminal, which opened in 2015 for Southwest Airlines’ international flights, also has outdoor smoking areas on the ground level near the entrance.
Houston Hobby Airport Smoking Policy
While Texas does not have a statewide indoor smoking ban, the City of Houston’s Smoke-Free Houston Ordinance prohibits smoking inside all public places, including airports. Hobby Airport enforces a complete indoor smoking ban. Smokers must use the designated outdoor areas.
Hobby is a compact single-terminal airport, making the round trip from your gate to the outdoor smoking area relatively quick — about 25 to 35 minutes including TSA re-screening.
Tips for Smokers at Houston Hobby Airport
- Outdoor areas are on the lower level (arrivals/ground transportation)
- HOU is a compact airport — round trip time is about 25-35 minutes
- The international terminal has its own outdoor smoking area
- Houston’s smoke-free ordinance covers all airport property indoors
- Vaping and e-cigarettes are treated the same as smoking