Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Phoenix Sky Harbor is a strictly smoke-free airport indoors. All smoking, vaping, and e-cigarette use is banned inside every terminal building, under Arizona's Smoke-Free Arizona Act (in effect since May 1, 2007). Your only option is to head outside to one of the designated outdoor areas before security, and then re-enter through TSA screening.

Before Security

There are 15 designated outdoor smoking zones spread across Terminals 3 and 4, all on the landside (pre-security) curb level. They are marked with signage and equipped with ashtrays. All zones must be at least 20 feet from any entrance.

Terminal 3 has four outdoor areas:

• East side of the terminal, ground level

• West side of the terminal, ground level

• North side of the terminal, ground level

• South side of the terminal, ground level

Terminal 4 has eleven outdoor areas:

• Four spots on the north side of ground level (Level 1), including near Door 1

• Three spots on the south side of ground level (Level 1), near Doors 2, 6, and 8

• Two spots on the north side of Level 2 (Ticketing)

• Two spots on the south side of Level 2 (Ticketing)

All of these zones are free to use and open to any traveler before they pass through security.

After Security

There are no airside smoking areas at PHX. Once you clear TSA, you cannot smoke anywhere inside the secure zone. No terminal concourse, gate area, lounge, restaurant, or bar permits smoking or vaping after security.

The major airline lounges at PHX, including the American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, and The Centurion Lounge, are all completely smoke-free. None of them offer a smoking room or outdoor terrace for smokers.

Vaping Rules

Vaping and e-cigarettes are treated identically to traditional cigarettes under the Smoke-Free Arizona Act. They are banned in all indoor areas and permitted only in the same designated outdoor zones as cigarettes.

Transit and Layovers

If you have a connecting flight and want to smoke during your layover, you must exit the secure area, walk to one of the outdoor zones, and then go back through TSA screening. Budget at least 15 to 30 minutes for re-entry during normal hours, and more during peak travel times. International passengers arriving at PHX must clear U.S. Customs before they can access the outdoor smoking areas, which adds significant time.

Bottom Line

Smoke before you go through security, because there is nothing available airside. Give yourself extra time to clear TSA again if you step out during a layover.