Smoking at San Diego International Airport – SAN

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By , Author, Air Travel Writer · Updated

Yes, San Diego International Airport (SAN) has designated outdoor smoking areas. You will find them on the curb outside the New Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 (East and West), set back from the entrances.

San Diego is smoke-free inside every building, with no enclosed smoking rooms or lounges airside — California law keeps public buildings smoke-free and requires smokers to stand at least 20 feet from the entrances. To smoke you step outside to a designated curbside spot and re-clear security to return to your gate. SAN is a compact two-terminal airport, so that round trip is short.

New Terminal 1

The New Terminal 1 opened its first phase on 23 September 2025 with 19 gates, replacing the original Terminal 1 that long served Southwest and other carriers; further gates follow in phases through 2028. Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the new building. Designated outdoor smoking spots sit on the curb away from the doors — most travelers use the arrivals (lower) level near baggage claim and ground transportation, or the departures curb. Step outside, move clear of the entrances, and look for the signed areas.

Terminal 2 (East and West)

Terminal 2 is split into Terminal 2 East and Terminal 2 West (the West expansion opened in 2013). Both are smoke-free inside. Outdoor smoking spots are on the curb at both the arrivals and departures levels, set back from the building entrances. Exit through the terminal doors or baggage claim and head to the designated curbside area away from the foot traffic. Terminal 2 East is next in line for rebuilding, and a new connector to Terminal 1 is being built alongside it, so expect curbside lanes and walking routes here to shift while the work runs.

Summary Table

TerminalSmoking areaNotes
New Terminal 1Outdoor curb, arrivals + departuresAway from doors; opened September 2025, smoke-free inside
Terminal 2 EastOutdoor curb, both levelsSet back from entrances
Terminal 2 WestOutdoor curb, both levelsSet back from entrances

Heading up the coast next? See our guide to smoking at San Francisco Airport (SFO).

For USA airport smoking rules, state vape rules, lighter rules at TSA, and other federal/state info, see our USA smoking guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke at San Diego International Airport (SAN)?

Yes, you can smoke at designated outdoor areas. SAN has curbside smoking spots outside the New Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 (East and West), set back from the entrances on the lower (arrivals) and departures curbs. You exit the building and re-clear security to return airside.

Where are the smoking areas at San Diego Airport?

Outside the terminal buildings on the curb, away from the doors. At the New Terminal 1 and at Terminal 2 East and West, look for designated smoking spots on the arrivals (lower) and departures curbs once you step outside baggage claim or the terminal exits.

Is there a smoking area after security at San Diego International Airport (SAN)?

Smoking at SAN is landside only — the designated outdoor areas are on the curb outside the terminals, so step out to a curbside area, smoke, and re-clear security to come back airside. The terminals are compact, so the walk back is short.

Can I vape at San Diego International Airport (SAN)?

Yes, vaping is allowed in the same designated outdoor areas as cigarettes at San Diego Airport. E-cigarettes follow the same rules indoors as tobacco, so use the curbside smoking spots outside the terminals.