Yes, LAX has outdoor smoking patios after security — at the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Gate 130), Terminal 2, and Terminal 7. The other six terminals are connected airside, so you can walk to a patio without leaving the secure zone. Indoor smoking is not allowed in any terminal.
Smoking Policy at LAX
Under California law and Los Angeles Municipal Code, smoking is banned inside all LAX terminals, gates, lounges, and enclosed areas. This covers cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and marijuana. Fines start at $100.
Terminal-by-Terminal Smoking Guide
Three terminals at LAX have their own outdoor smoking patios after security. The rest connect airside, so you can walk to the nearest patio without exiting and re-clearing TSA.
Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT)
The main smoking patio at LAX is near Gate 130 in TBIT. Follow signs to Gate 130, walk through the food court, turn right past Panda Express to the end, then turn left. Signs point to the Smoking Area. This is the largest and best-maintained option at LAX.
Terminal 1 (Southwest Airlines)
No dedicated smoking area. Terminal 1 connects airside to Terminal 2. Walk to the Terminal 2 patio — about 5 minutes each way.
Terminal 2 (Delta)
Outdoor smoking patio available after security. Also accessible from Terminal 1 via the airside connector.
Terminal 3 (Delta)
No dedicated smoking area. Connects to TBIT post-security. Walk to the TBIT patio near Gate 130 — about 7-8 minutes each way.
Terminal 4 (American Airlines)
No dedicated smoking area. Connected to TBIT and Terminal 5 post-security. Walk to the TBIT patio — roughly 10 minutes each way.
Terminal 5 (American Eagle, JetBlue, others)
No dedicated smoking area. Connected to Terminals 4 and 6. Your closest option is the TBIT patio via Terminal 4 or the Terminal 7 patio via Terminal 6 — about 10-12 minutes either direction.
Terminal 6 (Alaska, United Express)
No dedicated smoking area. Connected to Terminal 5 and Terminal 7. Walk to Terminal 7’s patio — roughly 5 minutes each way.
Terminal 7 (United Airlines)
Outdoor smoking patio available after security. Also serves passengers walking from Terminals 6 and 8.
Terminal 8 (United Airlines)
No dedicated smoking area. Connected to Terminal 7. Walk to the Terminal 7 patio — about 5 minutes each way.
Summary
| Terminal | Smoking Area | Nearest Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| TBIT | Outdoor patio (Gate 130) | — |
| Terminal 1 | None | Terminal 2 (~5 min walk) |
| Terminal 2 | Outdoor patio | — |
| Terminal 3 | None | TBIT (~8 min walk) |
| Terminal 4 | None | TBIT (~10 min walk) |
| Terminal 5 | None | TBIT or T7 (~10-12 min) |
| Terminal 6 | None | Terminal 7 (~5 min walk) |
| Terminal 7 | Outdoor patio | — |
| Terminal 8 | None | Terminal 7 (~5 min walk) |
For USA airport smoking rules, state vape rules, lighter rules at TSA, and other federal/state info, see our USA smoking guide.