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 zones.
New Orleans Airport Smoking Policy
The current Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport terminal opened in November 2019, replacing the old terminal complex, and is entirely smoke-free indoors. Smoking, vaping, and e-cigarette use are not permitted anywhere inside the building or on Concourses A, B and C. Smoking is allowed only in the designated outdoor areas at the curbside, where you should stand clear of the doors and away from 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, Spirit 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. Step outside the check-in doors to the curb, where designated smoking spots with ash receptacles sit along the sidewalk. Stand clear of the doors, since smoking is not allowed directly in front of the entrances. 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 zone, 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
There is no smoking area past the TSA checkpoint. None of the three concourses has an indoor lounge or an airside outdoor terrace. To smoke during a layover you must exit the secure area, walk out to a curbside zone, 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 — only attempt it 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.