Yes, Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) has designated smoking areas. They are outdoor zones located at the curbside on both the departures and arrivals levels, set back from the entrance doors. The terminal interior and both operational concourses are smoke-free.

Smoking Policy at Jacksonville Airport

Smoking is not permitted inside the terminal, so there are no indoor smoking rooms, cabins, or lounges anywhere in the facility. The rule applies to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and any other combustible tobacco product.

Designated outdoor smoking areas are positioned on the curbside areas outside the terminal, set back from building entrances. These areas have ashtrays and are clearly signed.

How Jacksonville Airport Is Laid Out

JAX has a single terminal building with two operational concourses: A and C, each with about 10 gates. A new Concourse B is under construction between them. Both open concourses branch off from one central ticketing hall and security checkpoint. This is actually good news for smokers because it means there is only one security line to deal with when you re-enter after stepping outside.

The terminal has two main levels. The upper level handles departures and ticketing, while the lower level is for baggage claim and arrivals. Both levels have exits that lead to the curbside areas where you can smoke.

Concourse A

Smoking areas: None inside the concourse. You must return to the main terminal and exit the building. After security: No smoking areas exist past the TSA checkpoint.

Concourse A is used primarily by American Airlines and some regional carriers. Since both operational concourses connect to the same central area, the walk from Concourse A gates back to the terminal exit is relatively short.

Concourse B (Under Construction)

Smoking areas: Not applicable — the concourse is not yet open.

The original Concourse B was demolished in 2009. A new Concourse B is under construction in the center of the terminal and is expected to open in late 2026 with roughly six gates, primarily serving American Airlines. Until it opens, JAX operates only Concourses A and C. When the new concourse does open, it will be smoke-free past security like the rest of the airport.

Concourse C

Smoking areas: None inside the concourse. Head back to the main terminal and exit at either level. After security: No smoking areas.

Concourse C serves a mix of domestic carriers including Delta, United, JetBlue, and Southwest, plus seasonal services. Like Concourse A, there is nothing past security, so plan your smoke break before you get in the TSA line.

Outside the Terminal

The designated outdoor smoking areas at JAX are on the curbside areas at both the upper (departures) and lower (arrivals) levels. The lower arrivals level tends to be slightly less congested, which some smokers prefer. Look for the marked areas with standing ashtrays positioned away from the entrance doors.

Jacksonville’s warm and humid climate means outdoor smoking is comfortable most of the year, though summer afternoon thunderstorms are common and can roll in quickly. There is no covered shelter specifically for the smoking areas, so keep that in mind during Florida’s rainy season.

E-Cigarettes and Vaping

Vaping and e-cigarettes are treated identically to traditional smoking at Jacksonville Airport. You cannot use them indoors anywhere in the terminal, including restrooms, gate areas, restaurants, and lounges. All vaping must take place in the outdoor designated smoking areas. TSA allows e-cigarettes and vape devices in carry-on bags but not in checked luggage.

Summary

AreaSmoking AllowedLocation Details
Inside terminalNoEntire building is smoke-free
Concourses A & CNoNo smoking past TSA security (new Concourse B opens late 2026)
Upper level curbsideYesDesignated zones outside departures entrances
Lower level curbsideYesDesignated zones outside arrivals/baggage claim
Restaurants and loungesNoAll indoor dining is smoke-free

For USA airport smoking rules, state vape rules, lighter rules at TSA, and other federal/state info, see our USA smoking guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke inside Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)?

No — the terminal interior and all concourses at JAX are smoke-free. Designated outdoor smoking areas are at the curbside on both the departures (upper) and arrivals (lower) levels, so step outside the building to reach a marked smoking area.

Where are the smoking areas at Jacksonville Airport?

Designated smoking areas are located outside the main terminal building on the curbside of both the departures (upper) and arrivals (lower) levels. Look for marked areas with ashtrays and signage set back from the entrance doors.

Do I have to go back through security after smoking at JAX?

Yes. There are no smoking areas past the TSA checkpoint at Jacksonville Airport. You will need to exit to the public landside area, smoke in a designated zone, and then re-clear security. Budget at least 30 to 45 minutes for this process.

Can I vape or use e-cigarettes at Jacksonville Airport?

Vaping and e-cigarettes fall under the same rules as traditional smoking at JAX. You cannot use them indoors anywhere in the terminal and must go to the outdoor designated smoking areas.