Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the Inland Empire’s primary airport, serving San Bernardino and Riverside counties about 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. For many Southern California travelers, ONT is the less-hectic alternative to LAX — smaller, easier to park at, and faster through security. If you smoke, the important thing to know is that California’s strict clean air laws mean ONT is entirely smoke-free indoors, with outdoor-only designated areas subject to the state’s 20-foot rule.
Smoking Policy at Ontario International Airport
California has some of the toughest anti-smoking laws in the country. State law bans smoking inside all enclosed workplaces and public spaces, and ONT enforces this throughout both terminal buildings. Smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the terminals — not at the gates, ticketing counters, food courts, or baggage claim areas.
Outdoors, you must stand at least 20 feet from any building entrance, doorway, or operable window to smoke. This is California Government Code Section 7597, and airport security will enforce it. Designated smoking areas with ashtrays are located on the lower level (arrivals side) of both terminals. Look for the signage near the curbside exits.
How Ontario Airport Is Laid Out
ONT has two terminal buildings: Terminal 2 and Terminal 4. Yes, the numbering skips — the old Terminals 1 and 3 were demolished when the airport was reconfigured. Terminal 2 handles several airlines and has its own TSA checkpoint, while Terminal 4 is the larger building with more gates and additional carriers. The two terminals are connected by a pedestrian walkway on the upper level. Each terminal has its own arrivals area on the lower level.
Terminal 2
Smoking zones: No indoor smoking. Designated outdoor smoking zones are on the lower level (arrivals) outside Terminal 2. Stand at least 20 feet from the entrance doors, which is where the ashtrays and signage are placed.
After security: No smoking areas available.
Terminal 4
Smoking zones: Same as Terminal 2 — smoke-free indoors, with designated outdoor zones on the lower level. Terminal 4 is the larger building, so the walk from the farthest gate to the outside exit takes a bit longer.
After security: No smoking areas available.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
California treats electronic cigarettes and vaping devices exactly the same as traditional tobacco products under its smoke-free laws. Vaping is banned inside both terminals at ONT, and the 20-foot rule from building entrances applies to e-cigarettes too. Use the same outdoor designated areas as cigarette smokers.
Tips for Smokers at Ontario Airport
- ONT is one of the easier airports to do a quick smoke break at — it is smaller than LAX and security lines are usually short
- The 20-foot rule is enforced, so do not stop right outside the doors — walk to the ashtrays in the designated zones
- Budget about 25-35 minutes for the exit-smoke-return cycle, less during off-peak hours
- The Inland Empire gets extremely hot in summer (100°F+), so a curbside smoke break can be brutal from June through September
- Both terminals have lower-level smoking areas, so use the one closest to whichever terminal you are departing from
- Disposable lighters are allowed through TSA (torch lighters are not)
- If you parked in the nearby lot, you can also smoke at your car before heading into the terminal
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Location Details |
|---|---|---|
| Inside terminal | No | California smoke-free law — full indoor ban |
| Terminal 2 | No | No post-security smoking |
| Terminal 4 | No | No post-security smoking |
| Outside – lower level (T2) | Yes | Designated areas 20+ feet from entrances |
| Outside – lower level (T4) | Yes | Designated areas 20+ feet from entrances |
| Vaping/e-cigarettes | Outdoor only | Same rules as traditional cigarettes |