Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) maintains a policy that permits smoking in designated areas, catering to travelers both before and after passing through security checkpoints. This is a welcome provision for smokers, as many airports globally have moved towards stricter bans. The airport, primarily serving domestic flights but also some international routes to nearby regions, ensures that passengers have access to smoking facilities across its two terminals. Before security, travelers will find that smoking is exclusively allowed in clearly marked designated areas located outside the terminal buildings. These outdoor zones provide a space for passengers to smoke before checking in or after arriving, without violating indoor smoking regulations. It is crucial for travelers to adhere to these designated outdoor spots to avoid any potential issues. After security, Shanghai Hongqiao Airport offers several indoor smoking areas, primarily in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. In Terminal 1, recent updates confirm a smoking area airside near Gate T-03, as of April 2025. Additionally, a significant smoking facility is located on the 4th floor of the international departure section, accessible after security. This area, confirmed in March 2024, is particularly convenient as it provides fixed lighters for use. Older reports also indicated smoking areas within waiting halls such as A9, A10, B6, B8, and International B15, though the most current information points to the T-03 and 4th-floor locations as primary. For passengers departing from Terminal 2, smoking facilities are also available after security. Multiple traveler updates, including those from November 2025 and April 2024, confirm a smoking area situated near Gate 41/42. This location also features fixed lighters, removing the need for travelers to carry their own. Directions suggest following signs towards Gate 41 and then proceeding downstairs to find this facility. Another area, near Gate 51-54, was mentioned in earlier reports (March 2018, September 2020) as being open. It's worth noting that some previously listed smoking areas, such as those opposite Gate 23, Gate 28, Gate 29, Gate 47, Gate 19, Gate 57, and near Gate 49, Gate 50, Gate 72, Gate 73, and remote boarding halls, are now considered out of date according to the source. Travelers should rely on the most recent information and signage within the airport. While the policy on vaping is not explicitly detailed, the general expectation in Chinese airports is that vaping would be treated similarly to traditional smoking, restricted to designated areas. Always look for clear signage indicating "Smoking Area" (吸烟点) to ensure compliance with airport rules.