Smoking at Memphis International Airport – MEM

MEM ★ - (0) Help Smokers — Contribute to this page ✓ Verified Aug 2026
By , Author, Air Travel Writer · Updated

Yes, Memphis International Airport (MEM) has designated smoking areas in the outdoor areas along the Main Terminal curb. You’ll find them on the lower-level arrivals drive near baggage claim and on the upper-level departures drive, kept at least 20 feet from the entrances. The terminal building and Concourse B are smoke-free inside.

Main Terminal – Outdoor Curbside Areas

All smoking at MEM happens outside the Main Terminal, which is the central building that connects to the gates. The airport’s own guidance is that smoking is permitted outdoors, no closer than 20 feet to any public entrance, with the designated curbside areas marked by ash receptacles.

Upper Level (Departures / Ticketing): Step outside the ticketing hall to the departures drive where taxis and ride-shares drop off. Move clear of the doors and use the marked curbside areas.

Lower Level (Arrivals / Baggage Claim): After collecting your bags, exit toward the ground transportation drive. This is the quickest spot if you’ve just landed and want a cigarette before your ride. Look for signage near the exits.

Concourse B (Airside Gates)

Concourse B is the single active concourse at Memphis, handling all 23 gates for every airline after the airport consolidated operations into the modernized concourse that opened in February 2022. The older Concourses A and C are closed.

Once you’re past the checkpoint, a cigarette means exiting the secure area, using the Main Terminal curbside areas, and passing back through the TSA checkpoint to return to your gate. Budget extra time, since that is a full re-screening. Concourse B itself is smoke-free, with no smoking rooms or airside outdoor areas.

Summary

Terminal / AreaSmoking areaNotes
Main Terminal – Upper LevelDepartures drive curbOutdoor, 20 ft from entrances, before security
Main Terminal – Lower LevelArrivals / ground transportation driveOutdoor, quickest after landing, before security
Concourse B (all gates)NoneSmoke-free; exit and re-clear security to smoke

For USA airport smoking rules, state vape rules, lighter rules at TSA, and other federal/state info, see our USA smoking guide.

Last updated:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke inside Memphis International Airport (MEM)?

Smoking at MEM is in the designated outdoor areas along the Main Terminal curb — the lower-level arrivals drive by baggage claim or the upper-level departures drive — standing at least 20 feet from any entrance, as the airport requires. The terminal and Concourse B are smoke-free inside.

Where are the smoking areas at Memphis Airport?

Smoking is outdoors along the Main Terminal curb. Arriving passengers step out from baggage claim to the lower-level ground transportation drive; departing passengers can use the upper-level ticketing drive. Look for ash receptacles and signage near the doors, and stay 20 feet from entrances.

Is there a smoking area after security or on Concourse B at MEM?

The designated outdoor areas are landside at the Main Terminal curb, so from a Concourse B gate you exit the secure area, smoke at the curb, and re-clear the TSA checkpoint before returning. Concourse B and the rest of the airside area are smoke-free.

Can I vape at Memphis International Airport (MEM)?

Yes, vaping is treated the same as smoking at MEM. Use the designated outdoor areas along the Main Terminal curb and keep at least 20 feet from any entrance; vaping inside the terminal and Concourse B is not permitted.