Yes, New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) has designated outdoor smoking areas along the curbside, on both the Level 1 arrivals ramp and the Level 3 departures ramp of the single 2019 terminal. The terminal interior and all three concourses are smoke-free, so you step outside to one of the marked areas.
New Orleans Airport Smoking Policy
The airport’s own FAQ puts it simply: the smoking areas are outside the terminal on the top or bottom ramps, in the marked spots, and you may not smoke in front of the outside entrances. The current terminal opened in November 2019, replacing the old terminal complex, and the interior — including Concourses A, B and C — is smoke-free for cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vapes alike, so step out to a ramp-side area and stand clear of the doors and air intakes.
Terminal Layout
MSY runs a single unified terminal with three concourses — A, B and C — and 35 gates, reached from one central security checkpoint. Departures and ticketing are on Level 3, the TSA checkpoint is on Level 2, and arrivals and baggage claim are on Level 1. Concourse A handles international flights and customs. Southwest is the largest carrier, alongside Delta, United, American, JetBlue and Frontier. Because everything funnels through one terminal, the smoking areas are easy to reach when you are landside, and there is no airside smoking once you pass TSA.
Level 3 Departures (Upper Ramp)
If you are checking in or have just been dropped off, the quickest smoke is on the upper departures ramp. Cross to the center median of the ramp, where the designated smoking spots with ash receptacles sit — smoking is not allowed directly in front of the entrance doors. This is the place to light up before you head down to the Level 2 security checkpoint.
Level 1 Arrivals (Lower Ramp)
After you collect your bags, head out the baggage claim doors to the lower arrivals ramp. The curbside smoking areas here are near the ground transportation and rideshare pickup area, so you can smoke while waiting for your ride. If you have just landed, this is your fastest option.
After Security on Concourses A, B and C
All smoking at MSY happens landside, at the ramp-side designated areas described above. The three concourses are smoke-free, so during a layover you exit the secure area, walk out to a curbside area, smoke, and then re-clear TSA. The terminal is moderately sized, so the round trip from most gates runs about 30 to 40 minutes including re-screening — worth doing only with comfortable time before boarding.
Summary
| Area | Smoking area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3 Departures | Upper ramp near check-in doors | Outdoor only · before security |
| Level 1 Arrivals | Lower ramp near baggage claim / ground transport | Outdoor only · before security · quickest after landing |
| Concourses A, B, C | None | Airside — no smoking past TSA |
Travelers connecting through Texas can compare options at our Houston Hobby (HOU) guide.
For USA airport smoking rules, state vape rules, lighter rules at TSA, and other federal/state info, see our USA smoking guide.