São Paulo, Brazil
Smoking policy at São Paulo, São Paulo–Congonhas Airport (CGH)
Warnings & Caveats
Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the terminal building, both before and after security. Violators may face fines in accordance with Brazilian anti-smoking laws. For connecting passengers, exiting the secure area to smoke outside requires re-entering security, which can be time-consuming. Plan accordingly to avoid missing your flight.
São Paulo–Congonhas Airport (CGH) maintains a strict smoking policy, aligning with Brazil's national anti-smoking regulations. For travelers passing through this busy domestic hub, it's crucial to understand that smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the terminal building, whether before or after security checkpoints. This means there are no dedicated smoking lounges, rooms, or facilities once you have passed through security. The airport's policy is clear: smoking is exclusively allowed in designated outdoor areas located outside the terminals. For passengers who wish to smoke, the only option is to utilize the clearly marked designated smoking zones situated outside the main terminal entrances and exits. These areas are accessible to the public before entering the security screening process. If you are a connecting passenger and find yourself airside (after security) with a desire to smoke, you will need to exit the secure area, proceed outside to a designated smoking zone, and then re-enter the terminal, going through security screening once more. This process requires ample time and a valid boarding pass for your onward journey. It's highly advisable to factor in significant extra time for this, as security lines at CGH can be unpredictable, especially during peak hours. Vaping, while often considered a less harmful alternative, typically falls under similar restrictions as traditional smoking in Brazilian public spaces, including airports. Although the provided information does not explicitly detail CGH's vaping policy, it is generally safe to assume that vaping is also prohibited inside the terminal and should only be done in the same designated outdoor smoking areas. Travelers should always look for specific signage regarding vaping, but err on the side of caution and treat it similarly to cigarette smoking to avoid any potential issues or fines. Brazil has comprehensive anti-smoking laws that prohibit smoking in all enclosed public places. Airports, as major public facilities, strictly adhere to these regulations. Therefore, attempting to smoke or vape in non-designated areas within the airport premises could lead to fines or other penalties. It is always recommended for smokers to plan their journey accordingly, perhaps considering nicotine replacement therapies for longer layovers or flights, rather than relying on the availability of smoking facilities inside the airport. Always be respectful of the rules and other passengers, and only smoke in the clearly marked outdoor zones.
