Smoking at New York John F Kennedy International Airport – JFK – 2026

JFK is New York City’s largest international gateway, handling over 62 million passengers a year. If you smoke, the key thing to know is that every terminal is completely smoke-free indoors. New York City’s 2003 Smoke-Free Air Act bans smoking in all enclosed public spaces, and JFK enforces it strictly. Your only option is the designated outdoor smoking zones at each active terminal, and there is nothing available once you clear security.

JFK Smoking Policy

Smoking, vaping, and the use of e-cigarettes are all prohibited inside every JFK terminal. This includes gates, restaurants, bars, lounges, restrooms, and all common areas. The ban has been in place since 2003 under NYC’s Smoke-Free Air Act, and there are no exceptions.

Outdoor smoking is permitted curbside at each terminal, but you must stay at least 25 feet from any entrance, exit, or air intake. Fines for violating the indoor ban range from $50 to $250.

Terminal 1 (International)

Terminal 1 handles a mix of international carriers including Air France, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, and others. It underwent a major renovation and serves as a busy international hub.

Smoking areas: Outdoor only. Step outside on the Arrivals level (Level 1) or the Departures level (Level 4) curbside. Look for the designated smoking spots marked with signage and cigarette disposal receptacles, at least 25 feet from the doors.

There is nothing available airside. Once you pass through security and passport control in Terminal 1, you will not have access to any smoking area until you leave the building entirely.

Terminal 4 (Delta Hub)

Terminal 4 is the largest terminal at JFK and Delta’s primary hub. It handles both domestic and international flights and sees some of the heaviest passenger traffic at the airport.

Smoking areas: Outdoor curbside on the Arrivals level (Level 1) and the Departures level (Level 3). The designated areas are along the sidewalk, away from the main entrance doors. Cigarette disposal bins are provided.

No indoor or airside smoking is available. Delta Sky Clubs and other lounges inside Terminal 4 are entirely smoke-free.

Terminal 5 (JetBlue)

Terminal 5 is JetBlue’s home base at JFK, built in 2008 adjacent to the historic TWA Flight Center (now the TWA Hotel). It handles mostly domestic flights along with some Caribbean and Latin American routes.

Smoking areas: Outdoor designated areas on Level 1 (Arrivals) and Level 3 (Departures), curbside. The areas are clearly signed and positioned away from terminal entrances.

Like all other terminals, there is zero indoor or post-security access to smoking. JetBlue’s terminal has no smoking rooms or enclosed cabins of any kind.

Terminal 8 (American Airlines)

Terminal 8 is American Airlines’ hub at JFK, handling both domestic connections and long-haul international flights. It connects to Terminal 7’s former space (now closed) via a walkway.

Smoking areas: Outdoor curbside on Level 1 (Arrivals) and Level 3 (Departures). Designated spots are marked with signage along the sidewalk.

American Airlines Admirals Clubs and other lounges inside Terminal 8 do not permit smoking or vaping.

Closed Terminals

Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 have been demolished. Terminal 7 closed in 2023 and is being torn down to make way for a new Terminal 6, which is expected to open around 2028. Until then, airlines that operated out of Terminal 7 have relocated to other terminals.

Smoking During a Layover

This is where JFK gets difficult for smokers. There are no smoking areas past security in any terminal. If you need to smoke during a connection, you have to:

1. Exit the secure area completely
2. Leave the terminal building
3. Smoke in the outdoor designated area
4. Re-enter the terminal and clear TSA security again

Plan on this taking 30 to 60 minutes or more, depending on the time of day and security lines. During peak hours or holiday travel periods, it could take even longer.

The AirTrain connects all terminals and runs 24 hours, but using it to reach a different terminal still requires exiting and re-entering security. It does not help you avoid the re-screening process.

International Connecting Passengers

If you are connecting through JFK on an international itinerary, you must first clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection before you can access any outdoor area. You cannot step outside without going through immigration and customs. Once you have cleared, you can exit the terminal to smoke, but you will then need to go through TSA security again to reach your departure gate.

E-Cigarettes and Vaping

Vapes and e-cigarettes fall under the same ban as traditional cigarettes at JFK. They cannot be used inside any terminal, lounge, restaurant, or restroom. You may only use them in the outdoor designated smoking areas, following the 25-foot rule from entrances.

Tips for Smokers at JFK

• Smoke before you enter the terminal. Re-clearing security after a smoke break can eat up a significant chunk of your layover time.
• If you have a long layover and want to smoke, make sure you have at least 90 minutes before your next flight to be safe.
• All outdoor areas are curbside and accessible 24/7, but they are exposed to weather with no shelter.
• International arrivals must clear customs first. There is no shortcut to the outdoor areas from the international arrivals hall.
• Cigarette disposal receptacles are provided at each designated area. Use them. Littering can result in additional fines.

If you are connecting through the New York area, Newark Liberty Airport and LaGuardia Airport follow the same outdoor-only smoking policy. Travelers heading to London Heathrow on a transatlantic flight will find a similar situation with limited outdoor areas at LHR.

Summary

Useful Links

• John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal Maps