Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Chicago Midway International Airport enforces a complete indoor smoking ban across all terminal areas, concourses, gates, restrooms, baggage claim, and any other enclosed space on airport property. If you need to smoke, your only option is to head outside to one of the designated outdoor zones before going through security, or to exit the secure area and re-enter through TSA screening afterward.

Before Security

Designated outdoor smoking areas are located outside the terminal building, marked with ash urns and "Designated Smoking Area" signs. These spots are your only legal option for a smoke break at MDW.

• Look for the ash urns and posted signage near the terminal entrances.

• Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of any doorway, air intake vent, or window, so you will need to move a short distance from the entrance before lighting up.

• There is no indoor landside smoking area of any kind.

After Security

There are no smoking facilities airside at Midway. Once you have cleared TSA, you cannot smoke anywhere inside the terminal or in any concourse. If you need a cigarette after clearing security, you must exit the secure area entirely, use the outdoor designated zone, and then go back through the TSA checkpoint again. Factor in wait times at security before deciding whether this is worth it, especially during busy travel periods.

Vaping and E-Cigarettes

Vaping, e-cigarettes, and all similar devices are treated exactly the same as traditional cigarettes under Midway's policy. They are banned everywhere inside the terminal, including all gates, seating areas, restaurants, shops, and restrooms. There are no exceptions.

Transit and Connecting Flights

If you are connecting through Midway on an international itinerary, you will need to clear U.S. customs and immigration before you can access any part of the terminal. To smoke, you must then exit the building to the outdoor designated area and re-clear security before your connecting gate. This can be time-consuming, so plan accordingly if your layover is short.

Fines and Enforcement

The Chicago Department of Aviation actively enforces the smoking ban. Fines for violations are significant: sources cite a first offense at $100 (some sources report $250), a second offense at $200 to $500, and subsequent offenses up to $500 to $1,000. The discrepancy between sources likely reflects different versions of the municipal code over time, but the bottom line is that getting caught smoking inside will cost you real money.

Bottom Line

Smoke outside before you go through security, because there is absolutely nothing available airside. Budget extra time if you plan to exit and re-enter the secure area during a layover.