Yes, you can smoke at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in the designated outdoor areas on the curbside of the main terminal building. These marked areas with ashtrays sit on both the upper departures level and the lower arrivals level, set back from the entrance doors. The terminal interior, the three midfield concourses, and the people mover are all smoke-free, with no indoor smoking rooms, cabins, or lounges anywhere in the facility.
How Southwest Florida Airport Is Laid Out
RSW has a unique split design. The main terminal building handles ticketing, TSA security screening, and baggage claim. After clearing security, passengers take an automated people mover (SkyConnect) to the midfield concourses where the gates are located. The three concourses are B, C, and D, and they sit in the middle of the airfield, completely separate from the main terminal.
This design is important for smokers because the concourses have no outdoor access and no smoking areas. If you want to smoke, you must ride the people mover back to the main terminal and exit the building, then re-clear security and ride the people mover back to your gate when you are done. This adds significant time compared to airports where the gates are inside the main terminal building.
Concourse B
Smoking areas: None. No outdoor areas or smoking rooms in the concourse. After security: No smoking anywhere in Concourse B.
Concourse B is one of the three midfield concourses accessed via the people mover. Like all the concourses, it is completely enclosed with no outdoor access. If your flight departs from Concourse B and you need to smoke, you must take the people mover back to the main terminal.
Concourse C
Smoking areas: None. Entirely smoke-free. After security: No smoking areas.
Concourse C is similar in layout to Concourse B. The people mover ride back to the main terminal takes a few minutes, and then you will need to exit the building.
Concourse D
Smoking areas: None. No outdoor access from the concourse. After security: No smoking areas.
Concourse D handles additional domestic flights and is the last of the three gate concourses at RSW. Same story here: no smoking anywhere in the concourse, and you will need the people mover to get back to the main terminal.
Outside the Terminal
The designated outdoor smoking areas at RSW are on the curbside of the main terminal building. You will find them on both the upper departures level and the lower arrivals level. The lower level near baggage claim and ground transportation tends to be a bit less hectic and is a good choice for a smoke break.
Fort Myers has a subtropical climate, meaning it is hot and humid for much of the year with afternoon thunderstorms common from June through September. Winters are mild and dry, which is why so many snowbirds fly into RSW during peak season. The smoking areas are not covered, so summer storms and afternoon heat are something to be prepared for.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
Vaping and e-cigarettes are treated identically to traditional smoking at RSW. They are banned indoors everywhere, including the main terminal, the people mover, and all concourses. You must use the outdoor designated smoking areas at the main terminal building. TSA allows e-cigarettes and vape devices in carry-on bags but prohibits them in checked luggage.
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Location Details |
|---|---|---|
| Main terminal (inside) | No | Entire building smoke-free |
| Concourses B, C, D | No | All midfield concourses are smoke-free |
| People mover / SkyConnect | No | No smoking on the shuttle system |
| Upper level curbside | Yes | Designated areas outside departures at main terminal |
| Lower level curbside | Yes | Designated areas near baggage claim at main terminal |
| Restaurants and lounges | No | All indoor dining is smoke-free |
For USA airport smoking rules, state vape rules, lighter rules at TSA, and other federal/state info, see our USA smoking guide.