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 from 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. There is no dedicated covered smoking shelter.
There is no smoking area past the TSA checkpoint. If you have already cleared security, you will need to exit, smoke outside, then re-clear security before your flight. Allow at least 30 to 45 minutes if you need a cigarette before boarding.
Ohio State Rules
Ohio’s Smoke-Free Workplace Act bans smoking in all enclosed public places, which keeps the terminal smoke-free. The law does not fix a setback distance in feet, but it requires you to be far enough from doors, windows, and air intakes that smoke does not drift back inside — roughly 20 to 25 feet is the practical guideline. Vaping is treated the same way: outdoors only.
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.