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). Step out through the departures doors to the curbside drop-off lanes for a cigarette before you check a bag or clear security; the check-in hall itself is smoke-free, as every indoor public place in the state is under New York’s Clean Indoor Air Act. Stand clear of the doorways, away from the queue for the automatic doors.

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 lanes. 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 Avelo) to the right, and Concourse B (gates B1–B10, used by Delta, United and Allegiant) to the left. Both concourses are smoke-free throughout, with no indoor lounge and no post-security outdoor deck, so your smoking area from a gate is the curbside outside the terminal doors — exit, smoke, 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

AreaSmoking areaNotes
Upper level (Departures)Curbside outside check-in doorsLandside; stand clear of the entrances
Lower level (Arrivals)Curbside outside baggage-claim doorsMost convenient on arrival
Concourse A (A1–A11)None airsideExit and re-clear security to smoke
Concourse B (B1–B10)None airsideExit 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.

Last updated:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke at Rochester (NY) Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)?

Yes, smoking is available in designated outdoor areas on the curbside outside the single terminal building, on both the upper departures level and the lower arrivals level. The entire terminal interior, including Concourses A and B, is smoke-free.

Where are the smoking areas at Rochester (NY) Greater Rochester International Airport?

On the curbside outside the terminal doors. The most convenient spots are outside the upper-level departures entrances near the check-in hall and outside the lower-level arrivals doors by baggage claim. Stand a few steps clear of the doorways, where the marked areas are set back from the entrances.

Is there a smoking area after security at Rochester (NY) Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)?

All smoking at ROC is landside, at the curbside areas outside the terminal doors on both levels. Concourses A and B are smoke-free, so from a gate you exit the terminal, smoke at the curb, and re-clear the checkpoint to return airside. ROC is a compact two-concourse airport, so that round trip is short.

Can I vape at Rochester (NY) Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)?

Yes, vaping is treated the same as smoking at ROC, so use the designated outdoor curbside areas. E-cigarettes and vapes are not permitted anywhere inside the terminal.