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San Francisco International Airport (SFO) follows local and state rules that ban smoking in most areas of the airport. This rule aligns with California’s smoke-free area workplace law and requests to protect passengers, employees, and visitors of SFO Airport from the negative effects of secondhand smoke.
The guide below provides clear directions to access the authorized smoking area at SFO Airport with the help of an interactive map.
Why is smoking prohibited at SFO Airport?
San Francisco Airport (SFO) does not allow smoking, so all workers and visitors can be healthier by reducing their exposure to secondhand smoke.
Smoking is strictly restricted in all terminals, baggage claim areas, bathrooms, and enclosed locations at the airport. However, people can smoke only in specified locations around 20 feet from airport terminal doors and exits.
These marked places are located outside the terminal building so that you can smoke or vape without disturbing other passengers. In the case of individuals smoking or using e-cigarettes in non-designed smoking zones, they face extreme penalties or additional effects.
Where do you find smoking areas at San Francisco Airport (SFO)?
These places are usually positioned outside and away from high-traffic areas to reduce the impact of smoke on nonsmokers. Consequently, follow the clear signs saying “Smoking Area” or “No Smoking Beyond This Point” to get the vaping areas easily at SFO Airport.
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and other vaping equipment are not permitted in locations where traditional smoking is restricted. Travelers who are exposed to these prohibitions might be charged fines or penalties under applicable laws and regulations.
The section below provides detailed information on the approved smoking places throughout the airport for a better experience. Here is the table that highlights the location of the assigned smoking places at San Francisco International Airport (SFO):
| Terminal | Smoking Area Location |
|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Arrival Level (Left to Exit) |
| Terminal 2 | Departures Level |
| Terminal 3 | Arrivals Level (Door 7) |
| International Terminal | Departures Level (Door 5) |
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Smoking Areas Map
A map of permitted smoking locations may be quite helpful for passengers going through the airport. It helps passengers locate the nearest vaping areas to use the e-cigarettes or tobacco at the airport.
This map shows the directions to help you navigate through the airport or find the authorized smoking area at SFO Airport. It shows the names and locations of the approved smoking sites outside the terminals.
The map shown below highlights the smoking or vaping zones at each terminal.
San Francisco International Airport’s smoking policy aims to create a healthy and secure environment for all travelers. As per rules, smoking is prohibited indoors and allowed in approved smoking areas outdoors. Following all smoking guidelines helps SFO Airport maintain a peaceful environment and ensures respecting local laws.
It doesn’t matter if you smoke or not—knowing SFO’s smoking rules can make your trip better.
FAQs
SFO is a non-smoking facility. However, there are designated smoking zones outside the terminal doors, situated 20 feet from the terminal entrances at SFO.
Yes, SFO Airport’s smoking areas are available 24/7 and at all hours to accommodate visitors with diverse schedules.
No, you cannot smoke after going through airport security at SFO.
Smoking or vaping is allowed only outdoors or outside the terminal building at San Francisco Airport. You can also find smoking areas near the departure and arrival levels of the airport.
No, e-cigarettes are not allowed after security at SFO Airport.
No, there are no facilities for smoking or vaping in SFO Airport’s lounge.
Yes, you can find a smoking place outside the terminal near the arrival level at door 7 of the SFO’s terminal 3. However, vaping is not permitted inside terminals.
Travelers can use electronic cigarettes and other vaping devices outdoors, 20 feet away from terminal gates at San Francisco Airport.
There is no smoking or vaping area inside the International Terminal. If you wish to vape, you must go to designated vaping sites near the departure level at door 5 at the international terminal of San Francisco Airport.
Breaking a law or vaping in non-authorized areas can result in a high penalty or fine at SFO. Additionally, anyone who smokes or vapes outside specified zones may be requested to leave the airport.
Yes, you can buy cigarettes and nicotine products from the duty-free shops at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Additionally, you can purchase tobacco-related products from newsstands and nearby convenience stores.