Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is a mostly smoke-free facility, but it does offer a small number of designated smoking spots for travelers. The most important thing to know is that smoking is banned inside all terminal buildings, but there are outdoor curbside areas landside and, notably, at least one airside option past security. This makes SFB slightly more accommodating than its larger neighbor MCO, which has no airside smoking at all.

Before Security

Landside smoking is available at designated curbside areas on both the first and second levels of the terminal, located across the street from the building. Look for ashtrays and signage marking these zones. These spots are open to anyone, including those who have not yet checked in or gone through security.

• Level 1 (Arrivals/Ground Transportation): Curbside designated smoking zone across from the terminal entrance.

• Level 2: Curbside designated smoking zone, also across the street from the terminal.

These are outdoor, open-air spots, so Florida's heat, humidity, and afternoon rain showers are worth factoring into your timing.

After Security

This is where SFB stands out from many Florida airports. According to airportsmokers.com, there are two airside smoking options past security:

1. An open deck: An outdoor smoking area accessible after clearing security. The exact gate proximity is not confirmed in available sources, but it is described as an open deck, meaning it is exposed to the elements.

2. A lounge: A second airside option described as being inside or associated with a lounge. Details on access requirements, pricing, or the lounge name are not available in the current sources, so check with airport staff on arrival to confirm whether it is freely accessible or requires a paid entry.

Both of these options are a meaningful benefit for smokers on connecting flights or those who have already cleared security and do not want to exit and re-clear.

Vaping Rules

Vaping and e-cigarettes follow the same rules as traditional smoking at SFB. Use is restricted to the designated outdoor and airside smoking areas only. Using any vaping device inside the terminal building is prohibited.

Transit and Layovers

If you are connecting through SFB and want to smoke landside, you will need to exit the secure area and re-clear security on your return, which adds time. Given SFB's smaller size, security lines are generally shorter than at major hubs, but you should still allow at least 30 minutes buffer. The airside deck and lounge options are the smarter choice for connecting passengers who do not want to deal with re-screening.

Bottom Line

SFB gives smokers more options than most Florida airports, with both curbside landside spots and two airside areas past security. Confirm the lounge access details with airport staff when you arrive, as specifics are not fully documented in public sources.