California - Are there designated smoking areas in SFO?

Are there designated smoking areas in SFO or does one have to go outside?
Thanks

Are there designated smoking areas in SFO or does one have to go outside?
Thanks

Last time i was there (less then a year ago) there were smoking areas by the gates - little glass enclosed rooms (that were VERY smokey)

Last time i was there (less then a year ago) there were smoking areas by the gates - little glass enclosed rooms (that were VERY smokey)

Those are gone. No smoking.

I've never noticed anything like this at SFO (of course, I don't smoke so it would be something I'd search for).

However, being that CA is non-smoking in public establishments, I'd be surprised to find this in any CA airport.

Actually, I believe LAX still has that outdoor garden area where people smoke.

Outside of the terminal only. You will see many people smoke outside of the terminal on the lower level (arrival), there are benches you can sit on and it is covered. Yes, we Californians are spoiled when it comes to non-smoking environment.

Actually, I believe LAX still has that outdoor garden area where people smoke.

Correct.

But because this is not UA-specific, am moving to the SFO forum. Thanks.

Chuck
aka cblaisd
Moderator, United

There are no smoking areas within the terminals. Outdoors, smoking is prohibited except in designated areas.

Here, I thought outdoors was a "designated smoking area," even in California. :p

In LAX T-3, there is a small outside courtyard where one can smoke. I last used it 2 years ago, don't know if it's still available.

SFO is outside. Period.

Are there designated smoking areas in SFO

Yes. They are in Nevada.

Note that when you are smoking outside the terminal (as explained above) you must be at least 20 feet from the door, per California state law.

Note that when you are smoking outside the terminal (as explained above) you must be at least 20 feet from the door, per California state law.


I've never seen the distance enforced though. Most of the time when I'm sitting on the benches near the doors, the smokers are sitting right beside me puffing away.

I've never seen the distance enforced though. Most of the time when I'm sitting on the benches near the doors, the smokers are sitting right beside me puffing away.

In their (our?) defense, the ashtrays are sometimes less than 20 feet from the door (particularly at SFO).

In their (our?) defense, the ashtrays are sometimes less than 20 feet from the door (particularly at SFO).
Ashtrays?? You mean smokers know about those? :p

Yes, outdoor smoking patios are available at a number of terminals at LAX. Always feel sorry for the smokers huddled together outside.

My experience has been that the best place for a smoke is in a bathroom stall. I kid you not - after the check-in, security, and other harassments, one can be forgiven for craving the odd cigar. And it's a place the odour can hardly be that offensive. I've never had a problem doing this, in fact, I never noticed any reaction at all, save some belated broadcasts in the red carpet lounge in LAX.