At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), you can enjoy a smoke without leaving the Security checkpoint, provided you know which terminal you’re departing from. Instead of going outside, the Tom Bradley International Terminal boasts a discreet airside smoking patio that offers a much more appealing option.
LAX is among a few airports in the US that have designed special smoking areas for passengers and really hope other airports will follow suit.
Is there a smoking area at LAX Airport?
LAX Airport has a total of 7 designated smoking areas conveniently situated outside Terminals 1, 2, 5, 6, and B.
Enjoy the new spacious outdoor smoking area, discreetly tucked away in the main Northern concourse near Gate 130 and the food court. This beautiful patio beckons you with comfortable seating and a vibrant atmosphere. As you stroll past KFC and Umami Burger, keep an eye out for a prominent sign guiding you leftwards. Plus, there’s a bonus: the airport WiFi is working reasonably well outside.
It is important to note that the smoking area at LAX is on the International Terminal and may not be easily accessible if you are flying domestically. If you are flying internationally and using Gates 130 to 225, you can easily get to the smoking area. 
If you need exact directions of the smoking area at LAX, use this Google Maps link.
The outdoor patio is surrounded by tall glass walls, providing an excellent vantage point for planespotting enthusiasts to witness the graceful landings of aircraft. Despite the potential exposure to second-hand smoke, I briefly brought my son along to witness the arrival of our beloved Lufthansa A380.
Below is a map of B Terminal at LAX where you can smoke;
Note that the Tom Bradley International Terminal is separate from the rest of the terminals at LAX as shown in the map below;
Smoking Area at LAX Terminal 1:
LAX’s Terminal 1, below Gate 9, features a designated smoking area for passengers. There are even chairs for you to sit as you smoke.
Smoking Area at LAX Terminal 2:
Smoking is permitted in Terminal 2 at LAX. You’ll find the designated smoking area below Gate 24, where a spacious wooden bench awaits for your comfort while you enjoy your smoke.
Smoking Area at LAX Terminal 5:
You can smoke at LAX’s terminal 5 Below Gate 54B (Moat), where you will find a small smoking area with no seating.
Smoking Area at LAX Terminal 6:
Smoking is allowed in Terminal 6 at LAX. The designated smoking area is located below Gate 64B/66 (Moat).
Smoking Area at LAX Terminal B:
You can smoke at Tom Bradley International Terminal near Gate 131 & Gate 151 and on the mezzanine level
LAX Smoking in Terminals 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and 8:
As of this writing in 2023, there are no designated smoking areas in terminals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 as per the official airport website. You will have to go to the smoking area located at TBIT to smoke. Smoking is prohibited in all other areas of the airport.
I came across online sources suggesting that smoking is permitted at Terminal 7. The designated smoking area in Terminal 7 LAX is situated on the southern side, close to the exit leading to the parking garage.
According to another source, there are designated smoking areas available curbside at Terminals 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and B.
In the past, the airport featured outdoor patios in Terminal 2 and Terminal 6, along with patios offered in the airline lounges of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). However, these previous patios have now been transformed into pet relief areas, where smoking is strictly prohibited.
Getting to the LAX smoking areas:
Getting to TBIT from other terminals at LAX is a breeze, as all terminals are interconnected. Currently, terminals 4-8 and TBIT are connected on the secure side, after passing through security. Terminals 6-8 are linked by a convenient ground-level walkway, while underground tunnels connect Terminal 4, 5, and 6.
This means that if you’re traveling from any of these terminals, you can easily access the smoking area. If you’re departing from Terminal 7 or 8, it’s advisable to allow yourself at least 15 minutes in each direction to reach the smoking area. Alternatively, stepping outside to smoke and going through security again afterwards might be a more convenient option.
Smoking Laws in Los Angeles:
Starting from January 1, 1995, California implemented the Anti-Smoking Ordinance Enforcement, California Labor Code 6404.5. This regulation prohibits smoking in most workplaces, with the exception of tobacco shops and private residences. If you come across any violations, you can report them by calling the City of Los Angeles Anti-Smoking Ordinance Hotline at (213) 978-3568. Let’s work together to create a healthier and smoke-free environment!
See the notice on the City’s website below;
You can read more here or here
Since March 8, 2011, the City of Los Angeles has enforced Municipal Code 41.50 B 18 b, which prohibits smoking in outdoor dining areas. Furthermore, it is obligatory to prominently display “No Smoking” signs in these designated areas.
Completely Smoke-free Indoors:
The Los Angeles International Airport is a completely smoke-free indoor environment. This means that smoking is prohibited in all parts of the airport, including restaurants and lounge areas. To provide passengers with an alternative, there are designated outdoor smoking areas at each terminal building. As the air around these areas can be potentially hazardous, please ensure not to linger for too long and follow instructions from the airport staff.
Are e-cigarettes allowed?
E-cigarettes, also known as vape pens, are included in the airport’s no-smoking policy. Vaping is strictly prohibited inside all parts of LAX Airport and its premises. Please note that if any e-cigarette device emits an odor or vapor, it will be regarded as a violation of the no-smoking policy.
We understand that some passengers may prefer to vape or smoke for recreational purposes. For this reason, the airport provides designated outdoor smoking areas for guests who wish to do so. Please take into account that these areas are monitored closely and any violation of the no smoking policy will result in disciplinary action from LAX Airport staff.
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