Denver International Airport (DEN)

Denver International Airport operates under a strict smoke-free indoor policy. Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas outside the Jeppesen Terminal, all of which are landside (before security). There are no airside smoking options of any kind, and the last indoor smoking lounge closed in 2018. Vaping is also completely banned throughout the terminal.

Before Security

All smoking at DEN happens outside the Jeppesen Terminal building. The designated zones are spread across three levels on both the east and west sides of the terminal, plus the DEN Plaza area:

West Side of Jeppesen Terminal:

• Level 4: Doors 400 and 416

• Level 5: Doors 500 and 516

• Level 6: Door 600

East Side of Jeppesen Terminal:

• Level 4: Doors 401 and 417

• Level 5: Door 517

• Level 6: Doors 601 and 617

DEN Plaza:

• Located just outside the south center doors of the terminal, to the far right or left before the plaza entrance. Ash-receiving receptacles are placed at all of these spots.

Arriving passengers can also use the smoking zone near baggage claim on Level 4 outside the terminal doors. All areas are clearly marked with signage and equipped with cigarette disposal receptacles.

After Security

There are zero smoking options after you clear the TSA checkpoint. Concourses A, B, and C have no indoor smoking facilities and no outdoor access from within the secured zone. If you need to smoke during a layover, you must exit the secure area entirely, walk to one of the outdoor zones listed above, and then re-queue through TSA screening. During peak travel periods, this can easily add 30-60 minutes to your process, so plan accordingly.

A Brief History: The Lounges That No Longer Exist

DEN once had four indoor smoking lounges. Three closed in 2012 under Colorado public health law, and the last one, the Smokin' Bear Lodge in Concourse C (which charged a $3 cover applied to your first drink), closed on February 28, 2018. The former Jeppesen Terminal lounge became a Jamba Juice, the B Concourse lounge reopened as Aviator's Sports Bar, and the A Concourse Mesa Verde location was redesigned with expanded seating and a patio. None of these replacements offer smoking.

Vaping Rules

E-cigarettes and all vaping devices are treated identically to cigarettes under DEN policy. Vaping is prohibited everywhere inside the terminal, including gates, concourses, restrooms, and airline lounges. You must use the same outdoor designated zones.

Cannabis

Even though recreational marijuana is legal in Colorado, it is strictly prohibited on all airport property due to federal jurisdiction. This applies to the outdoor smoking zones as well. Do not attempt to smoke cannabis anywhere at DEN.

Transit and Layovers

If you have a connection and need to smoke, budget serious extra time. You will need to exit the secure area, find an outdoor zone, smoke, and then clear TSA again. Security wait times at DEN can be unpredictable, especially during morning and afternoon peaks. Nicotine gum or patches are a practical alternative if your layover is tight.

Bottom Line

Smoke before you enter security, because once you are airside at DEN there is no way to light up. No lounges, no smoking rooms, no exceptions.