Traveling through Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and wondering where you can smoke? O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, but it’s completely smoke-free indoors. Here’s what you need to know about smoking at ORD.
Smoking Policy at Chicago O’Hare Airport
Chicago O’Hare strictly adheres to the Smoke-free Illinois Act, which prohibits smoking in all indoor public places. This means no smoking anywhere inside the terminals, including all four terminals (1, 2, 3, and the international Terminal 5), airline lounges, restaurants, and gate areas. E-cigarettes and vapes are subject to the same restrictions.
No Indoor Smoking Lounges
O’Hare does not have any smoking lounges or indoor smoking areas past TSA checkpoints. All airline lounges – including United Club, American Admirals Club, and Delta Sky Club – are completely smoke-free. Once you clear security, there’s no way to smoke without leaving the secure area.
Where You Can Smoke
Designated outdoor smoking areas are available outside every terminal at O’Hare:
- Terminal entrances: Upper and lower level, at least 15 feet from any doorway or ventilation shaft
- Curbside pickup/drop-off zones: Marked areas with ashtrays and receptacles
- Main Parking Garage: Near the outer edges, away from elevators
- Economy Parking Lots (E and F): Ash receptacles available near shuttle stops
- Ride-share and taxi pickup zones: Designated smoking signs posted
If You Need to Smoke During a Layover
To smoke during a layover at O’Hare, you’ll need to:
- Exit the secure zone completely
- Leave the terminal building
- Use a designated outdoor smoking area
- Return through TSA security screening
This process can take 30-60 minutes depending on the time of day and security lines. Plan accordingly, especially during busy travel periods.
Cannabis Policy
Although recreational marijuana is legal in Illinois, federal law prohibits cannabis use on airport property. This includes all terminals, parking structures, and outdoor smoking zones. Do not consume marijuana in any form at O’Hare.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, O’Hare is completely smoke-free indoors. The Smoke-free Illinois Act prohibits smoking in all terminal buildings, lounges, and indoor public areas. You can only smoke in designated outdoor areas outside the terminals.
No, O’Hare has no indoor smoking lounges. All airline lounges including United Club, American Admirals Club, and Delta Sky Club are smoke-free. Your only option is the outdoor designated smoking areas.
You must exit the secure area, leave the terminal, smoke in a designated outdoor zone, and then re-clear TSA security. Allow 30-60 minutes for this process depending on security wait times.
No, cannabis use is prohibited everywhere at O’Hare, including the outdoor smoking areas. While marijuana is legal in Illinois, federal law bans it on airport property.