Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA)

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is a smoke-free terminal, meaning you cannot smoke anywhere inside the building, either before or after security. Your only option is to step outside to designated outdoor areas near the terminal entrances before you go through the TSA checkpoint.

Before Security

Smoking is permitted outside the terminal building in designated areas. Based on the airport's FAQ, a small grass area with amenities is located outside Door 5 at the end of the terminal lobby (this is the same area used as a pet relief area, with Mutt Mitts and trashcans). Ashtrays are provided outside the entrances. You must stay at least 10 feet from any entrance door, in line with Virginia's Indoor Clean Air Act requirements.

• Head to the outdoor area near Door 5 at the far end of the terminal lobby for the most open outdoor space.

• Any exterior entrance with a designated ashtray is also a valid spot, provided you stay 10 feet or more from the doors.

After Security

There are no smoking facilities airside at ROA. Once you pass through the TSA checkpoint, there is no way to smoke without exiting the secure area entirely. ROA is a small single-terminal airport with no paid lounges offering smoking rooms or terraces, so there is no workaround for airside smokers.

Connecting Flights and Re-entry

If you have a connecting flight through ROA and need to smoke, you will have to exit the terminal, smoke outside, and then re-enter and clear security again. Given that ROA is a domestic-only airport, this is technically possible, but factor in TSA wait times before doing so, especially during peak morning departures (the checkpoint opens around 4:15 a.m.).

Vaping Rules

The sources do not specifically address vaping or e-cigarettes at ROA. Virginia's Indoor Clean Air Act governs the terminal, and it is safest to treat vaping the same as smoking: outside only, at least 10 feet from any entrance.

Bottom Line

Smoke before you go through security, outside the terminal near Door 5 or any designated entrance ashtray. Once airside, there are no options at all.