Looking for a place to smoke at Tampa International Airport? TPA stands out as one of the very few US airports offering post-security smoking access, with covered outdoor patios on every airside.
Post-Security Smoking Patios (Airside)
Tampa International is one of the rare US airports where you do NOT need to exit security to smoke. Each of the four airsides has a covered outdoor smoking patio:
| Airside | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airside A | Near Gate A18 | Covered outdoor patio |
| Airside C | Near Gate C30 | Covered outdoor patio |
| Airside E | Near Gate E62 | Covered outdoor patio |
| Airside F | Near Gate F88 | Covered outdoor patio |
These are outdoor areas with overhead cover, providing shelter from rain and sun. They are accessible after clearing TSA security without needing to leave the secure zone. Simply walk to the designated patio on your airside.
Main Terminal (Landside):
Additional outdoor smoking areas are located on the arrivals level (Level 1) near the curbside and ground transportation area.
Tampa International Airport Smoking Policy
Florida’s Clean Indoor Air Act prohibits smoking inside all public buildings. TPA enforces an indoor ban but takes advantage of its unique hub-and-spoke design — with four separate airside satellite buildings connected to the main terminal by automated people movers — to provide outdoor patios on each airside.
This makes TPA one of only a handful of US airports (along with Nashville BNA and Las Vegas LAS) where smokers have post-security access. You do not need to ride the people mover back, exit security, smoke outside, and re-clear TSA.
Tips for Smokers at Tampa International Airport
- Each airside has its own covered outdoor smoking patio — you do NOT need to leave the secure area
- Airside A near Gate A18, C near Gate C30, E near Gate E62, F near Gate F88
- The patios are covered, providing shelter from Tampa’s frequent afternoon rain
- Pre-security outdoor areas are also available on Level 1 of the main terminal
- Vaping and e-cigarettes are allowed on the outdoor patios