New York, United StatesSmoking policy at New York, LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Warnings & Caveats
Smoking within 25 feet of any terminal entrance, exit, or ventilation intake is prohibited by New York State law. Fines of up to $1,000 may apply for violations. Vaping and e-cigarettes are subject to the same rules as cigarettes and are banned indoors. Re-clearing TSA after stepping out to smoke can take 15-20 minutes or more at peak times.
LaGuardia is a fully smoke-free airport indoors, across every terminal, concourse, gate area, restroom, lounge, and restaurant. The only place you can smoke is outside, at designated curbside zones set back at least 25 feet from any entrance, exit, or air intake. There are no indoor smoking rooms, no airside smoking lounges, and no exceptions for e-cigarettes or vaping devices.
Before Security
All three terminals have outdoor curbside smoking zones that are accessible before you clear security. These are your only realistic options:
Terminal A (Marine Air Terminal): Outdoors on the curbside in front of the building, near the drop-off and pickup lanes. Look for signage set back from the entrance. Terminal A is the smallest and oldest building at LGA, handling a limited flight schedule.
Terminal B: Curbside zones on both the arrivals (lower) level and the departures (upper) level, away from the doors. Terminal B is the large rebuilt main terminal serving American, United, Southwest, and others.
Terminal C (Delta): Outdoor curbside areas on both the arrivals and departures levels, set back from the entrances. Terminal C is Delta's dedicated facility, opened in 2022.
All zones are marked with "Smoking Area" signage and have ashtrays. None of the outdoor areas are covered, so be ready for New York weather, which can be cold, wet, and windy outside summer.
After Security
There are no smoking areas past security at any LaGuardia terminal. No indoor smoking rooms, no airside lounges with smoking terraces, nothing. If you need to smoke during a layover, you must exit through the nearest terminal doors to a curbside zone, then re-clear TSA security to return to your gate. Budget 15 to 20 minutes for re-screening, and more during peak travel hours. LGA is a compact airport, so the walk to the exit is shorter than at larger hubs, but the security queue is the variable.
Vaping Rules
Vaping and e-cigarettes are treated identically to cigarettes under both airport policy and New York State law. They are banned indoors throughout all terminals and are only permitted at the same outdoor curbside zones. There are no exceptions.
Fines and Penalties
Smoking within 25 feet of any terminal entrance, exit, or ventilation intake violates New York State law and can result in fines of up to $1,000 depending on the severity of the violation. Dispose of cigarette butts in the provided ashtrays.
Transit and Layovers
If you are connecting through LGA on a domestic itinerary, you will need to exit the secure area to smoke, then go back through TSA. There is no airside option. International connections are not common at LGA, but any passenger needing to smoke must clear the terminal and re-enter.
Bottom Line
Smoke before you enter security, because there is nothing airside. The curbside zones outside each terminal are your only option, and re-entry through TSA can eat into your time if the lines are long.
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