Yes, Rochester (NY) Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC), officially the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, has designated outdoor smoking areas on the curbside outside its single terminal building, on both the upper departures level and the lower arrivals level.
Terminal Building – Upper Level (Departures)
ROC operates one passenger terminal. The upper level holds the airline check-in counters and the two TSA security checkpoints (one feeding each concourse). Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside this level, so step out through the departures doors to the curbside drop-off lanes for a cigarette before you check a bag or clear security. Keep clear of the doorways — New York State law requires smoking to be at least 25 feet from building entrances.
Terminal Building – Lower Level (Arrivals)
The lower level houses baggage claim and ground transportation. Arriving passengers will find the most convenient smoking spot just outside the arrivals doors on the curbside, by the passenger pickup zone. This is the first place to light up after you collect your bags and before you meet your ride.
Concourses A & B (After Security)
After the checkpoints the terminal splits into two concourses: Concourse A (gates A1–A11, used by Southwest, American, JetBlue and Spirit) to the right, and Concourse B (gates B1–B10, used by Delta, United and Allegiant) to the left. Both concourses are entirely smoke-free with no indoor lounge or post-security outdoor deck. If you need to smoke after passing security, you must exit to the curbside zones and re-clear the checkpoint to return airside. Rochester winters are cold and snowy, so dress for the weather on outdoor breaks and allow extra time to get back through security.
Smoking Areas at a Glance
| Area | Smoking area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Upper level (Departures) | Curbside outside check-in doors | Landside; stay 25 ft from entrances |
| Lower level (Arrivals) | Curbside outside baggage-claim doors | Most convenient on arrival |
| Concourse A (A1–A11) | None airside | Exit and re-clear security to smoke |
| Concourse B (B1–B10) | None airside | Exit and re-clear security to smoke |
Heading elsewhere in the region? See our guide to smoking at Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF).
For USA airport smoking rules, state vape rules, lighter rules at TSA, and other federal/state info, see our USA smoking guide.