Yes, you can smoke at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) at designated outdoor spots on the curbside areas outside the terminal. These areas are marked with signage and equipped with ashtrays. The terminal interior is smoke-free, so smokers step outside to the departures or baggage claim levels for a break. The airport asks that smokers stay in the marked areas and not congregate near the entrance doors.
How Milwaukee Airport Is Laid Out
MKE has a single terminal with two operating concourses: Concourse C (gates C9 to C25) and Concourse D (gates D27 to D56). Both branch off the same central terminal area, and each has its own security checkpoint — the airport screens you at the checkpoint for your departure concourse, so a connection between the two means passing through screening again. The terminal has two levels, with ticketing and departures on the upper level and baggage claim and ground transportation on the lower level. International arrivals are handled in a separate International Arrivals Terminal.
The single-terminal design makes MKE a relatively easy airport to navigate, and the walk from even the farthest gates back to the terminal exit is short by hub standards — useful if you want a cigarette between flights.
Concourse C
Where to smoke: the outdoor curbside areas — exit the terminal and use the marked spots on either level.
Concourse C holds gates C9 to C25 and is home to Southwest, Sun Country and United, so it can be busy at peak times. The walk from the Concourse C gates back out to the curb takes roughly 8 to 10 minutes, and you re-clear the Concourse C checkpoint on the way back.
Concourse D
Where to smoke: the same outdoor curbside areas, reached by exiting through the main terminal.
Concourse D runs from gate D27 to D56 and serves Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier and JetBlue. The walk back to the terminal exit is similar to Concourse C, and screening on your return is at the Concourse D checkpoint.
Concourse E
Concourse E closed to passengers in 2017, when the remaining carriers consolidated into Concourse C, and it has stood empty since. Milwaukee County broke ground in September 2025 on a project to demolish and rebuild it as a new international arrivals facility, due for completion around 2027. If your ticket or an old map mentions a Concourse E gate, check the boards — your flight will be leaving from Concourse C or D, and the curbside smoking areas are the same either way.
Outside the Terminal
Outdoor smoking areas are on the curbside outside the terminal building. You can access them from the upper departures level or the lower arrivals/baggage claim level. The lower level is often quieter and a good bet for a less hectic smoke break.
Milwaukee’s weather is a significant consideration. Winters are harsh, with heavy snow, ice, and wind chills that can drop well below zero. If you are flying through MKE between November and March, expect bitter cold when stepping outside. The smoking areas are not covered or heated. Summer and early fall are pleasant, with comfortable temperatures for an outdoor break.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
Vaping and e-cigarettes are welcome at the same outdoor designated areas as cigarettes at Milwaukee Airport, on identical terms. Indoors the terminal is vape-free throughout, gate areas, restrooms, restaurants and shops included. TSA allows vape devices in carry-on bags; they cannot be packed in checked luggage.
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Location Details |
|---|---|---|
| Inside terminal | No | Entire building is smoke-free |
| Concourse C (gates C9–C25) | No | Smoke-free past security; exit to the curb |
| Concourse D (gates D27–D56) | No | Smoke-free past security; exit to the curb |
| Concourse E | Closed | Shut since 2017; being rebuilt as international arrivals |
| Upper level curbside | Yes | Designated areas outside departures |
| Lower level curbside | Yes | Designated areas near baggage claim |
| Restaurants and lounges | No | All indoor dining is smoke-free |
For USA airport smoking rules, state vape rules, lighter rules at TSA, and other federal/state info, see our USA smoking guide.