Orlando Airport Smoking Area: Before and After Security Locations and Rules

Orlando Airport follows Florida’s Clean Indoor Air Act. Under this act, traditional cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and all electronic vaping devices across all indoor spaces, concourses, and airside gate areas are strictly prohibited. However, the designated Orlando Airport smoking area is located outside the terminal buildings on levels 1 and 3. A smoking break after security requires returning to the public terminal area and passing through another security check before reaching the gate. Florida Law also imposes fines for smoking or vaping in prohibited indoor workplaces.

Does Orlando Airport have A Smoking Area? 

Orlando International Airport provides designated outdoor smoking areas on the curbsides before security checkpoints. The exact location depends on the terminal and level.

Main Terminal

MCO Terminal A and Terminal B have outdoor smoking areas along the curbside outside the main terminal building. 

Note: There are no designated smoking areas on Level 2, MCO baggage claim areas, or anywhere inside the central atrium. 

Terminal C

Smoking is not allowed in the MCO Terminal C gate area. Outdoor MCO smoking areas are located along the curbside outside the main entrances on the primary public levels. 

Follow the MCO airport map and ashtray signs to access the nearest outdoor smoking area.

After Security Smoking Area Orlando Airport 

No designated smoking lounges are located inside the secure gate areas. Travelers who have already passed through TSA need to:

• Leave the secure gate area and return to the public terminal.  

• Follow the signs to a designated outdoor smoking area. 

• Finish smoking and return to the correct security checkpoint.

• Pass through TSA screening again.

• Allow enough time to reach the departure gate before boarding closes.

Security lanes and walking distances can increase boarding times. So check the MCO Airport wait times before leaving the secure area to access the smoking area.

Fines for Smoking in Prohibited Areas at MCO Airport

Under Florida’s Clean Air Act, smoking or vaping inside secure areas can result in fines.

• A first-time smoking violation may result in a fine of up to $100. 

• Each additional violation may result in a fine of up to $500.

• Airport security or police may issue warnings, ask violators to leave the building, or remove them from airport property.  

• Smoking on an airplane or tampering with a lavatory smoke detector can lead to separate FAA penalties, including large fines or criminal charges. 

Vaping at Orlando International Airport

E-cigarettes and vapes are subject to the same restrictions as traditional tobacco. Vaping inside terminals, lounges, or restrooms is strictly prohibited. To carry a vaping device through security:

• Keep e-cigarettes and vaping devices in hand luggage. Do not pack them in checked baggage. 

• Protect vaping devices from accidental heating or activation. 

• Carry spare batteries in the cabin and keep them away from metal objects. 

• Never recharge vaping devices or their batteries on the aircraft. 

• If the airline checks hand luggage at the gate, remove vaping devices and spare batteries and keep them in the cabin. 

• Check the airline's restrictions and the destination country's rules before travelling. 

• Pack e-liquid containers of no more than 100 ml (3.4 oz) in hand luggage and follow the airport's usual liquids-bag rules.  

Quick Tips for Smoking at MCO Airport

Here are a few quick tips for smoking safely:

• Use the outdoor smoking areas before entering.

• Follow signs to designated zones.

• Allow at least 30-45 minutes to leave security, smoke, and return through TSA. 

• Keep vape devices in the carry-on bag, following airline and TSA battery rules. 

• Put cigarette butts in the provided ashtrays or disposal bins. 

Summing Up!

There is no designated indoor smoking area, room, or lounge at MCO. However, dedicated Orlando Airport smoking areas are located on Levels 1 & 3, on the east and west sides of Terminals A and B. For connecting flights, smoke before clearing security or allow enough time to exit and go through screening again. Use the marked smoking areas to keep the airport clean and comfortable for everyone.