Portland International Airport (PDX)

PDX is a fully smoke-free terminal indoors, with no smoking or vaping permitted anywhere inside the building. Your only option is to step outside to one of the designated outdoor areas before you clear security, which means if you're already airside, you'll need to exit, smoke, and go back through the security checkpoint.

Before Security

There are designated outdoor smoking zones on two levels of the terminal:

• Arrivals level (Level 1, baggage claim side): Two spots, one at each end of the load/drop-off zone outside the baggage claim exits. These are marked with "Smoking Area" signs and equipped with ashtrays. One well-known spot is outside Door 5 on the south side of the arrivals level.

• Upper deck (Level 2, departures/ticketing side): Two areas on the outdoor upper deck, one on the west side outside Alaska Airlines and one on the east side outside Delta. Both have pole-style ashtray trays and a bench. Travelers have also reported smoking without issue on the pickup platform on the second level, though this is not an official designated zone.

• A terminal map shows smoking pins near the Short-Term Garage P2 area and near the Rental Car Center, suggesting additional landside outdoor spots in that zone.

All of these areas are landside, meaning you must be outside the secure perimeter to use them.

After Security

There are no smoking facilities airside at PDX, full stop. No smoking rooms, no smoking lounges, and no paid lounge with a smoking option has been identified at this airport. Once you pass through security, your only choice is to exit the sterile area, smoke outside, and re-enter through a security checkpoint. Travelers report the security lines at PDX typically take around 10 to 12 minutes, so factor that into your timing if you have a connection.

Vaping Rules

E-cigarettes and vaping devices are banned throughout the terminal, including all indoor areas. Oregon state law also prohibits smoking and vaping within 10 feet of any terminal entrance, exit, window, or air intake, so you need to move well clear of the doors before lighting up.

Transit and Connecting Flights

If you're connecting through PDX on an international itinerary, you will need to clear U.S. customs and immigration, exit the terminal to reach a designated outdoor smoking area, and then go back through security for your onward flight. Plan accordingly, especially if your layover is short.

Bottom Line

Smoke before you go through security, using the outdoor zones on Level 1 or Level 2. Once airside, there is no way to smoke at PDX without exiting and re-clearing security.