Yes, you can smoke at Ontario International Airport (ONT) in the designated outdoor areas at the ends of both Terminal 2 and Terminal 4, and at the spot across the street by the bench at the shuttle bus stop. The terminals are smoke-free indoors, so smokers head outside and keep at least 20 feet from the building entrances.
Smoking Policy at Ontario International Airport
The airport’s own guidance puts the designated smoking areas at the ends of each terminal building, plus the area across the street near the bench by the shuttle bus stop sign. You may smoke outside the terminals generally, provided you stay at least 20 feet away from the entrances — airport staff enforce that clearance. Everything inside the buildings is smoke-free: gates, ticketing counters, food courts and baggage claim alike.
How Ontario Airport Is Laid Out
ONT has two terminal buildings: Terminal 2 and Terminal 4. 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 areas: Outdoors at the ends of the building, marked with ashtrays and signage; the shuttle bus stop area across the street is a second option.
After security: Smoke-free; exit and re-clear the checkpoint.
Terminal 4
Smoking areas: Same pattern as Terminal 2 — designated areas at the ends of the building outside. Terminal 4 is the larger building, so the walk from the farthest gate to the exit takes a bit longer.
After security: Smoke-free; exit and re-clear the checkpoint.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
Vape in the same outdoor designated areas as cigarette smokers, at the terminal ends or by the shuttle bus stop. E-cigarettes and vape devices follow the smoking rules at ONT, so they stay outside both terminal buildings.
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Location Details |
|---|---|---|
| Inside terminal | No | Smoke-free throughout both buildings |
| Terminal 2 (airside) | No | Smoke-free past security |
| Terminal 4 (airside) | No | Smoke-free past security |
| Outside – ends of T2 and T4 | Yes | Designated areas, 20 ft from entrances |
| Across the street – shuttle bus stop | Yes | Designated area by the bench |
| Vaping/e-cigarettes | Outdoor only | Same rules as traditional cigarettes |
For USA airport smoking rules, state vape rules, lighter rules at TSA, and other federal/state info, see our USA smoking guide.