Yes, you can smoke at Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) near Columbus, Ohio, outdoors. The passenger terminal is smoke-free inside, so step out to the curb in front of the building and stand clear of the doors to light up.
Outside the Terminal
Rickenbacker is primarily a cargo and logistics hub — the Rickenbacker Inland Port, used by FedEx, UPS and international freighters — with a small, separate passenger terminal (the current building opened in 2003) served solely by Allegiant Air for leisure routes such as Punta Gorda, Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando-Sanford and Fort Lauderdale, with Key West added in May 2026. Because the passenger side is a single compact building, the smoking spot is simply the sidewalk and curbside area outside the terminal doors. Move away from the entrances and air vents, and use any ashtrays provided. The curb is open to the weather — there is no covered shelter.
Ohio’s Smoke-Free Workplace Act is what keeps the building smoke-free, and it sets no fixed setback in feet; stand far enough from doors, windows, and air intakes that smoke does not drift back inside, which in practice means roughly 20 to 25 feet. Vaping follows the same rule: outdoors only.
Smoking at LCK is all landside. If you have already cleared security, you will need to exit, smoke at the curb, then re-clear the checkpoint before your flight. Allow at least 30 to 45 minutes if you want a cigarette before boarding.
Summary
| Area | Smoking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger terminal (indoors) | No | Smoke-free under Ohio law |
| Past security | No | Must exit and re-clear TSA |
| Outside terminal doors | Yes | Curbside, away from entrances |
| Indoor lounge | None | No indoor smoking lounges at LCK |
For USA airport smoking rules, state vape rules, lighter rules at TSA, and other federal/state info, see our USA smoking guide.