Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran) is one of the few major US airports where you can light up indoors after security. Nevada’s gaming laws exempt enclosed slot machine areas from smoking bans, which means LAS has multiple indoor smoking lounges scattered across Terminal 1. If you are flying through Vegas and need a cigarette, this concourse-by-concourse guide tells you exactly where to go and what to expect.
Smoking at Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport - LAS
How LAS Is Laid Out
Harry Reid International Airport has two terminals:
- Terminal 1 — Four concourses: B, C, D, and E. This is the larger terminal handling most airlines including Delta, Spirit, Frontier, Sun Country, Allegiant, and international carriers. All four concourses have indoor smoking options.
- Terminal 3 — One main concourse primarily serving Southwest Airlines, along with some JetBlue and Alaska Airlines flights. Terminal 3 has zero airside smoking areas.
The two terminals are not connected airside. If you are in Terminal 3 and want to smoke indoors, you cannot walk to Terminal 1 without exiting security.
Indoor Gaming Lounges — Why LAS Is Different
The reason LAS can offer indoor smoking is Nevada Revised Statute 202.2483, which exempts gaming areas from the state’s indoor smoking ban. Because the airport smoking lounges contain slot machines, they legally qualify as gaming floors. You can smoke traditional cigarettes while playing the slots, and vaping follows the same rules. These lounges are enclosed with glass walls, ventilated, and clearly marked.
B Concourse (Terminal 1)
B Concourse handles a mix of domestic carriers and is one of the busier parts of Terminal 1. Gates run from B1 through the B20s.
Smoking option: Bud Track Lounge. This is a full-service smoking and gaming lounge near the B gates. It has slot machines, a bar with drinks and food, TVs showing sports, and comfortable seating. You can smoke while having a beer and watching the game. It is one of the more relaxed smoking spots at LAS and rarely overcrowded.
C Concourse (Terminal 1)
C Concourse serves airlines like Frontier and Spirit, with gates in the C1–C30 range. It tends to be one of the more crowded concourses.
Smoking option: Enclosed gaming area near Gate C24. This is a glass-walled smoking section with slot machines. It is one of the more popular spots at the airport, so it can get busy during peak hours. Look for the enclosed area with slot machines and you will find it.
D Concourse (Terminal 1)
D Concourse is one of the largest at LAS, handling Delta, United, and several other carriers. Gates extend from D1 through the D70s.
Smoking options: Barney’s Lounge + enclosed slot area + new lounge. D Concourse has the most smoking options of any concourse at the airport. Barney’s Lounge is a dedicated smoking and gaming bar with full drink service. There is also a separate enclosed slot machine area for a quicker smoke. Additionally, a new 890-square-foot gaming and smoking lounge was built near Vera Bradley and Port of Subs, adding even more capacity. If you are flying out of D gates, you have plenty of choices.
E Concourse (Terminal 1)
E Concourse handles international flights and some domestic routes. It is the furthest concourse from the main Terminal 1 entrance.
Smoking option: The Gaming Lounge. This enclosed smoking and gaming area serves E Concourse passengers, including those on international flights. If you have a long international flight ahead and want a last cigarette before boarding, this is your spot. It has slot machines and is well-ventilated.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 is the newer terminal at LAS, primarily serving Southwest Airlines. It also handles some JetBlue and Alaska Airlines flights. The terminal has a single concourse with gates in the 50s through 70s.
Smoking options: None after security. Terminal 3 does not have any gaming lounges, smoking rooms, or designated smoking areas past the security checkpoint. This is the biggest difference between the two terminals and catches many travelers off guard. If you are flying Southwest, plan accordingly.
Your only option from Terminal 3 is to smoke outdoors on the landside before entering security. There are designated areas near the baggage claim level. If you have already cleared security, you would need to exit and go back through the TSA checkpoint to smoke, which is not practical during busy times.
Pre-Security Smoking Options
Bud 29 Track Lounge is located in the Esplanade, the walkway that connects Terminal 1 landside areas. This lounge is before security, so it works if you arrive early and want to smoke before heading to your gate. It has slot machines, a full bar, TVs, and a relaxed atmosphere. Both terminals can access the Esplanade area before going through their respective security checkpoints.
Outdoor Smoking Areas
Designated outdoor smoking areas are located on the landside near both terminals:
- Outside the Terminal 1 ticketing area on Level 2
- Outside the Terminal 1 baggage claim on Level 1
- Outside the Terminal 3 ticketing and baggage claim areas
- Near the parking garages and ground transportation pickup zones
You must stay at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and air intake vents. These outdoor areas accept all smoking products including cigarettes, cigars, and vapes.
Rules and Fines
LAS takes its smoking rules seriously. Smoking in non-designated areas can result in fines up to $1,000. This includes restrooms, jet bridges, regular gate areas, and anywhere outside the enclosed gaming lounges. Vaping and e-cigarettes follow the exact same rules as traditional cigarettes. You can vape in the gaming lounges and outdoor designated areas, but nowhere else.
Do not assume that because Las Vegas is a permissive city, you can smoke anywhere in the airport. The rules are clearly posted and enforced.
Tips for Smokers at LAS
- If you are flying Southwest out of Terminal 3, smoke before going through security. There are no airside options in T3 at all.
- Terminal 1 concourses B, C, D, and E all have enclosed gaming lounges. Look for the glass-walled areas with slot machines.
- D Concourse has the most options with Barney’s Lounge, a separate slot area, and the new 890 sq ft lounge.
- The Bud 29 Track Lounge in the Esplanade is a solid pre-security option with drinks and gaming.
- Budget 5–10 minutes to reach the gaming lounges from your gate. Some concourses are long.
- Vaping is allowed in the same places as traditional cigarettes, including the gaming lounges.
- If connecting between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, remember there is no airside connection. You will need to re-clear security.
- The gaming lounges have slot machines, so bring some cash or a card if you want to play while you smoke.
- Avoid smoking near terminal doors outside. The 20-foot rule is enforced and fines are steep.
Las Vegas is one of only two major US airports with indoor smoking after security, the other being Nashville Airport which has Travelers Post on Concourse B. If you are flying onward to Los Angeles LAX or Denver DEN, prepare for outdoor-only smoking with no post-security access at either airport.
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| B Concourse — Bud Track Lounge | Yes | Indoor gaming lounge | Bar, slots, TVs. Terminal 1 post-security. |
| C Concourse — Gaming Area (Gate C24) | Yes | Indoor gaming lounge | Enclosed slot area. Terminal 1 post-security. |
| D Concourse — Barney’s Lounge | Yes | Indoor gaming lounge | Full bar and slots. Terminal 1 post-security. |
| D Concourse — Enclosed Slot Area | Yes | Indoor gaming lounge | Separate from Barney’s. Terminal 1 post-security. |
| D Concourse — New Lounge (near Vera Bradley) | Yes | Indoor gaming lounge | 890 sq ft. Terminal 1 post-security. |
| E Concourse — The Gaming Lounge | Yes | Indoor gaming lounge | International flights. Terminal 1 post-security. |
| Terminal 3 (all gates) | No | — | No airside smoking areas. Smoke before security. |
| Esplanade — Bud 29 Track Lounge | Yes | Indoor gaming lounge | Pre-security. Bar, slots, TVs. |
| Outdoor Areas (both terminals) | Yes | Outdoor | Landside only. 20 feet from doors. All products. |