Yes, you can smoke at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) in designated outdoor zones on the curbside outside the terminal. These areas sit on both the upper departures level and the lower arrivals level, marked with signage and ashtrays. The terminal interior is smoke-free, but RNO is compact, so getting outside from most areas of the terminal is quick and straightforward.
How Reno-Tahoe Airport Is Laid Out
RNO has a single terminal building with two concourses: Concourse B and Concourse C. Both concourses connect to the same central terminal area, which houses ticketing, the TSA security checkpoint, and baggage claim. The terminal has an upper level for departures and a lower level for arrivals and ground transportation.
The compact layout is a genuine advantage for smokers. RNO is not a sprawling mega-hub, so the walk from even the farthest gates back to the terminal exit is relatively short.
Concourse B
Smoking areas: None inside. Exit the terminal to the curbside for outdoor designated zones. After security: No smoking areas past the TSA checkpoint.
Concourse B handles several major carriers and is the busier of the two concourses. The walk from the Concourse B gates back to the main terminal exit takes about 5 to 8 minutes at a normal pace. During ski season, the concourse can get crowded with travelers hauling gear, so allow a bit of extra time.
Concourse C
Smoking areas: None inside. Exit to the outdoor curbside areas. After security: No smoking areas.
Concourse C is similar in size to Concourse B and serves additional domestic routes. The walk back to the terminal exit is comparable. Both concourses feed into the same central area, so you will end up at the same exits regardless of which concourse your flight departs from.
Outside the Terminal
The outdoor smoking areas at RNO are on the curbside outside the terminal. You will find areas on both the upper departures level and the lower arrivals level. The lower level near baggage claim and ground transportation is often less congested and a good choice for a quieter smoke break.
Reno sits at about 4,500 feet elevation in the high desert, which means the climate is dry with significant temperature swings. Summers are hot and sunny, which makes outdoor smoking perfectly comfortable. Winters, however, can be cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping below freezing. The smoking areas are not covered or sheltered, so bundling up is essential during the colder months.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
Vaping and e-cigarettes are welcome in the same outdoor designated smoking areas as cigarettes at Reno-Tahoe Airport. The terminal interior is vape-free, so use the curbside areas on either level. TSA allows vape devices in carry-on luggage but not in checked bags.
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Location Details |
|---|---|---|
| Inside terminal | No | Entire building smoke-free |
| Concourse B | No | No smoking past security |
| Concourse C | No | No smoking past security |
| Upper level curbside | Yes | Designated zones outside departures |
| Lower level curbside | Yes | Designated zones outside arrivals |
| Restaurants and lounges | No | All indoor areas smoke-free |
For USA airport smoking rules, state vape rules, lighter rules at TSA, and other federal/state info, see our USA smoking guide.