Miami International Airport (MIA) is one of only three major US airports where you can still smoke without leaving the building. Thanks to a clever architectural loophole under Florida law, MIA has an “open air” atrium that technically counts as an outdoor space despite being fully enclosed. If you are flying through Miami and need a smoke, this guide covers every concourse, every option, and exactly where to go.
Smoking Policy at MIA
Miami-Dade County bans smoking inside most public buildings, but Florida state law allows smoking in spaces that qualify as “open air” structures. MIA takes advantage of this with its atrium near TGI Friday’s. Traditional cigarettes are the only product allowed in the atrium. E-cigarettes are completely banned indoors everywhere at the airport, including the atrium. Outdoors, you must stay at least 20 feet from any entrance or doorway.
How Miami Airport Is Laid Out
MIA is one large horseshoe-shaped terminal building divided into three sections with a total of five concourses:
- North Terminal — Concourse D (Gates D1–D60). Airlines include American Airlines (hub), British Airways, Lufthansa, and other international carriers.
- Central Terminal — Concourse E (Gates E1–E12) and Concourse F (Gates F1–F14). Airlines include Delta, United, JetBlue, and several Latin American carriers.
- South Terminal — Concourse H (Gates H1–H17) and Concourse J (Gates J1–J20). Airlines include American Eagle regional flights, Avianca, Copa, and others.
All concourses connect airside via the Skytrain people mover, so you can reach any smoking area without leaving the secure zone. The MIA Mover connects the airport to the Rental Car Center and Miami Central Station.
The Open-Air Atrium
This is what makes MIA special. The atrium is attached to the TGI Friday’s restaurant and sits between the Central and North Terminal areas. It has four walls and a roof, but a gap at the roofline lets air circulate. Under Florida law, this gap classifies the space as an outdoor area, which means smoking is legal here.
The atrium has seating, is air-ventilated, and stays relatively comfortable year-round in Miami’s subtropical climate. You can grab food or a drink at TGI Friday’s and step into the atrium for a cigarette. It is accessible after security, making it one of the very few post-security indoor smoking options at any US airport.
Only traditional cigarettes are allowed. E-cigarettes, vapes, and heated tobacco products are not permitted in the atrium.
Concourse D (North Terminal)
Concourse D is the largest concourse at MIA and the main hub for American Airlines international flights. It stretches from Gate D1 all the way to Gate D60.
Smoking options: Concourse D has an outdoor terrace that permits smoking. This terrace is accessible after security, giving passengers a rare airside smoking option. Follow signs toward the terrace area. The open-air atrium near TGI Friday’s is also reachable from Concourse D via the Skytrain or walking.
Concourse E (Central Terminal)
Concourse E handles a mix of domestic and international flights with airlines like Delta, United, and several Latin American carriers. Gates run from E1 to E12.
Smoking options: None. Concourse E does not have a dedicated smoking area. Your nearest option is the open-air atrium near TGI Friday’s, which is a short walk or Skytrain ride away.
Concourse F (Central Terminal)
Concourse F is adjacent to Concourse E in the Central Terminal. It serves JetBlue, Frontier, and other carriers with gates from F1 to F14.
Smoking options: None. Like Concourse E, there is no dedicated smoking area in Concourse F. Head to the atrium or take the Skytrain to the Concourse D terrace.
Concourse H (South Terminal)
Concourse H serves regional and some international flights, with gates from H1 to H17. You will find American Eagle regional services and several Caribbean and Latin American airlines here.
Smoking options: None. Concourse H does not have any smoking areas after security. The atrium and Concourse D terrace are your closest options, both reachable via the Skytrain without leaving the secure zone.
Concourse J (South Terminal)
Concourse J is the southernmost concourse, with gates from J1 to J20. It handles airlines like Avianca, Copa, and other international carriers.
Smoking options: None. No dedicated smoking areas exist in Concourse J. Take the Skytrain to the atrium or Concourse D terrace for your nearest smoke break.
Outdoor Smoking Zones
Before security, outdoor smoking areas are available on both the arrivals and departures levels outside terminal entrances. These are standard designated zones with signage. You must maintain at least 20 feet of distance from any door, window, or air intake. These outdoor areas are the only option for e-cigarette and vape users since those devices are banned from the atrium.
If you have a long layover and do not mind going through security again, exiting to the outdoor areas on the lower level is an option, though TSA wait times at MIA can be significant during peak hours.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
E-cigarettes are completely banned indoors at MIA with zero exceptions. This includes the open-air atrium, all concourses, restrooms, restaurants, and lounges. If you vape, your only legal option is the outdoor designated areas outside the terminal before security. This is strictly enforced.
Tips for Smokers at MIA
- The open-air atrium near TGI Friday’s is your best option after security. Traditional cigarettes only, no vapes.
- Use the Skytrain to move between concourses without leaving the secure zone. All five concourses connect.
- Concourse D’s outdoor terrace is the only concourse with its own airside smoking option besides the atrium.
- If you are in Concourse H or J, budget 10–15 minutes to reach the atrium via Skytrain.
- Arrive early if you plan to smoke outside before security. TSA lines at MIA can be unpredictable.
- Download the MIA terminal map from the official Miami Airport website before your trip to locate the atrium quickly.
- Do not smoke or vape in restrooms. MIA has smoke detectors and you will be fined.
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open-Air Atrium (TGI Friday’s) | Yes | Traditional cigarettes only | Four walls, roof with gap. No e-cigarettes. Post-security. |
| Concourse D Terrace | Yes | Outdoor | Post-security outdoor terrace. North Terminal. |
| Concourse E | No | — | Use atrium or Concourse D terrace. |
| Concourse F | No | — | Use atrium or Concourse D terrace. |
| Concourse H | No | — | Use atrium or Concourse D terrace via Skytrain. |
| Concourse J | No | — | Use atrium or Concourse D terrace via Skytrain. |
| Outdoor Areas (Landside) | Yes | Outdoor | Before security, 20 feet from doors. All products allowed. |