Mexico City, Mexico
Smoking policy at Mexico City, Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX)
Warnings & Caveats
Vaping is banned nationwide in Mexico. Do not use e-cigarettes anywhere at MEX. Smoking outside designated areas is illegal under Mexican law and can result in an on-the-spot fine of approximately 250 pesos. Lounge prices have increased significantly since 2019. Budget for 250-300 pesos per entry as of late 2022. The T2 lounge has no prominent signage and can be difficult to locate without asking staff or using the elevator to the second floor.
MEX is one of the few major airports in the Americas where you can actually smoke airside, but you have to pay to do it at a dedicated Smoking Lounge in each terminal. Landside options are limited to outdoor designated areas outside the terminal buildings. Plan ahead, because once you clear security there is no free smoking spot anywhere inside.
Before Security
Smoking landside is only permitted in designated outdoor areas outside the terminal buildings. There are no indoor smoking rooms or zones on the public side of either terminal. If you want a last cigarette before checking in, step outside and find a marked smoking zone near the terminal entrances.
After Security
Both terminals have a paid Smoking Lounge operated under the "SMK" / Smoking Lounge brand. These are the only airside options.
Terminal 1, near Gate 19: The lounge sits opposite the Duty Free shops, in the corridor that also leads toward the Iberia, American Airlines, and United lounges. Airport staff may not always know it exists, so look for it yourself. Hours are reported as 7am to 11pm (some reports suggest it may extend toward 24/7 operation). Entry fee has risen over the years: it was 30 pesos at pre-opening in 2019, then 100 pesos, and by November 2022 the price was 250 pesos (roughly USD 12-13). Entry includes unlimited re-entry, complimentary coffee, water, and soft drinks. Beer is available for purchase separately (around 80 pesos). The lounge holds up to 40 people in 93 square meters, has HD screens, Wi-Fi, high-quality smoke extractors, and bar-height tables with stools.
Terminal 2, upper floor (second floor): Accessible by elevator. The T2 lounge is smaller at 43 square meters, capacity around 15 people. Pricing has also increased over time: 80 pesos in late 2019, 100 pesos in early 2020, 150 pesos by October 2021, and 300 pesos (approximately USD 14.50) as of February 2022. Entry includes one complimentary drink (coffee, beer, or cocktail). A ticket issued at entry is valid for 24 hours, allowing re-entry. Card payments (Visa) are accepted. The lounge overlooks the tax-free shopping corridor and can be hard to find as signage is minimal.
Vaping Rules
Mexico has a national vaping ban. E-cigarettes and vaping devices are prohibited throughout the country, including inside the airport. Do not attempt to vape anywhere at MEX.
Transit and Layovers
If you have a long layover, the 24-hour ticket validity at the T2 lounge makes it a reasonable option. The T1 lounge's re-entry policy also suits multi-hour connections. Keep in mind that prices have increased steadily year over year, so budget accordingly if your information is from an older source.
Bottom Line
Smoking airside at MEX means paying to enter the Smoking Lounge in whichever terminal you are departing from. Prices are now in the 250-300 peso range (roughly USD 12-15), but re-entry and complimentary drinks are included, making it a decent deal for a long wait.
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