Orlando Airport Smoking Area +1-888-839-0502
Traveling as a family of five isn’t always smooth sailing, especially when navigating busy international airports. With three young kids and two adults, one of whom is a smoker, our travel logistics often involve a balance between comfort and practicality. During a recent trip through Orlando International Airport, we had the opportunity to truly appreciate one often-overlooked amenity: the Orlando Airport Smoking Area. What may seem like a small detail turned out to make a huge difference in our overall travel experience.
Smooth Arrival and First Impressions
We arrived at Orlando International Airport on a warm Florida morning, filled with both excitement and the usual touch of pre-flight nerves. The airport was bustling, yet impressively organized. Our check-in process was swift, and the staff were particularly helpful with our children. After sorting out our luggage and boarding passes, we took a few moments to regroup outside the terminal.
That’s when we first noticed Orlando Airport just outside the departure level of Terminal B. Clearly marked and clean, this space allowed my spouse to enjoy a quick smoke break while I grabbed snacks for the kids. The area had designated ashtrays, benches, and even some shaded spots to escape the sun, something we truly appreciated after a long drive to the airport.
Kid-Friendly and Non-Disruptive
One thing that stood out to us was how thoughtfully Orlando Airport is designed. It’s placed far enough from the main entrance to ensure non-smokers aren’t bothered, but close enough to remain convenient for travelers like us who need a brief pause. Our children didn’t feel overwhelmed by the smell or presence of smoke because the outdoor ventilation and spacing made it easy to avoid direct exposure.
There was also a trash bin nearby, which helped keep the area tidy. We even noticed an airport staff member doing a quick cleanup—ensuring the space stayed welcoming. The presence of seating allowed my spouse to rest while smoking, and since we had a little extra time before heading through security, we appreciated being able to wait in a relaxed setting instead of having to search for an obscure smoking spot.
A Game-Changer During Long Layovers
On our return trip, we had a longer layover at MCO before heading home, and once again,Orlando Airport came in handy. After hours in the air, it gave my spouse a much-needed moment to step outside and decompress, which in turn made our time inside the terminal much calmer for all of us. Traveling with children means being strategic with energy and patience, and a quick break outdoors made it easier for our entire family to reset before continuing the journey.
Even though the smoking areas are outside the terminal buildings, the signage made them easy to find. Terminal C, where we arrived that day, had a designated area near the ground transportation zone. We noticed other families and solo travelers using the same space, it clearly serves a wide range of people, all without disturbing others.
Security and Access Considerations
As frequent travelers, we understand the challenges of airport security rules. One thing we appreciated at Orlando International Airport was the clarity of rules around re-entry. The airport makes it known that Orlando Airport is only accessible before going through security. That allowed us to plan our time accordingly. Since smoking is not allowed once you're past TSA checkpoints, it’s important for smokers to take advantage of these areas beforehand.
We noticed many travelers managing their time just like us grabbing a final smoke break, refreshing with water, and heading into security calmly instead of rushing or feeling anxious. We always factor in time for a bathroom break, snack stop, and now, a smoke break before security, and Orlando Airport made that simple and predictable.
Clean, Safe, and Respectfully Maintained
In many airports, smoking areas can feel like an afterthought, cramped, poorly maintained, or hard to find. Not so at Orlando International. Orlando Airport feels intentional and thoughtfully integrated into the airport’s design. It was clean during each of our visits, and we saw ashtrays emptied regularly.
Even when the airport was crowded, the smoking areas remained relatively calm. We appreciated the effort MCO makes to keep all passengers, smokers and non-smokers alike, comfortable. Having the ability to step outside without judgment or inconvenience helped make our trip feel more seamless.
Services Nearby
One major plus of Orlando Airport is its proximity to essential airport services. Just steps away from the smoking zones, we found access to baggage claim, restrooms, shuttle pickup areas, and even vending machines or quick bites. That made our time at the airport feel efficient rather than stressful.
We never had to wander far from where we needed to be. This balance of convenience and accommodation is what truly made the airport feel family-friendly.
Vaping Allowed in the Same Spaces
Another feature we noticed is that vaping is also permitted in Orlando Airport. A fellow traveler asked about it, and airport signage confirmed that e-cigarettes are treated the same as tobacco products. This streamlined approach reduces confusion and makes it easier for travelers who use different forms of smoking.
It also keeps everything centralized, no need to search for another location or worry about violating airport policies unknowingly.
Travel Tips Based on Our Experience
For families planning to fly through MCO, here are a few takeaways from our experience:
- Plan time for the smoking area: If someone in your group smokes, allow for an extra 10–15 minutes before going through security.
- Use the Orlando Airport website or ask staff: Maps and staff can quickly direct you to the nearest Orlando Airport.
- Prepare to re-clear security if needed: Once you're past TSA, there’s no indoor or outdoor smoking option unless you exit the terminal.
- Combine with other tasks: The smoking area is near baggage claim, transportation, and snack stands, easy to multitask.
Final Thoughts: Why We Appreciate the Orlando Airport Smoking Area
Traveling with children always brings its share of challenges, and we’re constantly looking for ways to simplify our journey. At Orlando International Airport, we found that Orlando Airport did just that. It gave our family a chance to take a break in a clean, designated space that respected everyone’s needs, smokers and non-smokers alike.
In a world where smoking is becoming more restricted, it’s nice to see an airport strike a balance between public health, traveler convenience, and respectful accommodation. MCO gets it right. It’s thoughtful, well-maintained, and family-conscious.
We left with a positive impression of the entire airport, and the presence of such a well-organized smoking area contributed to that. The little things really do make a big difference in travel, and Orlando Airport proved to be a small but significant feature that elevated our journey. We’ll definitely consider MCO again for our future trips and recommend it to other families who want a practical, organized, and friendly airport experience.