As a family that travels often, we’ve been through dozens of airports, both large and small. Each trip comes with its own set of challenges, especially when juggling kids, bags, flight schedules, and individual needs. One issue we consistently run into is finding an airport that provides thoughtful accommodation for smokers without compromising comfort for non-smokers. On our recent family vacation through Orlando International Airport, we were pleasantly surprised by how well the Orlando Airport Smoking Area was managed. In fact, it played a small but significant role in making our journey smoother and more relaxed.

Traveling with Kids and a Smoker in the Family

We were heading to New York after spending a magical week at the theme parks in Orlando. Between keeping our three children organized and navigating check-in procedures, there was a lot on our plate. My husband is a smoker, and one of his stress relievers before a long flight is stepping outside for a quick smoke. At many airports, this becomes a point of frustration, smoking areas are either non-existent or tucked away in inconvenient locations.

At Orlando International Airport, that wasn’t the case at all. The Orlando Airport was easy to find and just steps outside the terminal. This saved us a ton of time and prevented the usual scramble of trying to find a designated smoking zone before going through security.

Convenient Locations Outside Every Terminal

We flew out of Terminal A, but it was nice to know that each terminal-A, B, and the newer Terminal C offers a designated Orlando Airport on both the arrivals (Level 1) and departures (Level 3) levels. This meant that no matter where we were dropped off or picked up, a clean, accessible smoking space was nearby.

While my husband took a few moments in the smoking zone, I kept the kids entertained with some snacks just inside the terminal. These zones are located far enough away from the doors to avoid crowding but close enough that he didn’t feel like he was walking to a different zip code just for a cigarette.

Clean, Well-Marked, and Respectful Design

One of the best things about Orlando Airport is that it's clearly designed with consideration. The area was well-marked with signage, contained appropriate ash receptacles, and even had benches where travelers could sit and unwind. There was no mess, no lingering smoke wafting back into the terminal, and everything felt well-maintained. As parents, we were especially appreciative of the cleanliness and how the setup prevented any exposure to second-hand smoke for our children.

The space also offered a touch of shade, which is crucial under Florida’s bright sun. This attention to comfort and safety created a good balance—we didn’t feel like one family member had to be “inconvenienced” just for needing a smoke break.

A Valuable Amenity During Long Waits

Our flight was delayed by 90 minutes due to weather up north, so we found ourselves with more time at MCO than expected. Instead of being stuck in the terminal the entire time, my husband was able to step out a couple of times and use Orlando Airport without hassle.

Each time, he exited the terminal, had a relaxing break, and returned calm and ready to help wrangle our energetic kids. The kids and I waited near the food court or near our gate, and he always returned before boarding. It made a big difference in terms of his comfort, and by extension, the comfort of our whole family. Small details like this really matter when you’re managing multiple moving parts during travel.

Important to Know: No Smoking After Security

One important thing to note and something we appreciated MCO being clear about is that smoking is not allowed inside the terminal past the security checkpoint. That includes vaping and e-cigarettes. Once you’re through security, you’re in a completely smoke-free zone.

Luckily, thanks to the visible signage and the availability of Orlando Airport, we were able to plan accordingly. My husband took his final smoke break before we entered security, so there were no surprises or unnecessary stress. For families traveling with smokers, this is an essential detail to keep in mind. We highly recommend taking advantage of the smoking zones before going through TSA.

Safety and Consideration for All Passengers

It was clear to us that Orlando International Airport had put thought into the placement and upkeep of its smoking zones. Orlando Airport was far enough from the entrance to respect the comfort of non-smokers, yet conveniently close for easy access. That respectful middle ground is not something we’ve experienced at every airport. Often, smokers are shuffled off to inconvenient corners of a property, which can be frustrating and feel inconsiderate.

At MCO, the setup made sense. It didn’t feel like smokers were being hidden or punished, but rather that their needs were being met in a safe, sanitary, and socially responsible way.

Amenities Nearby

Another reason Orlando Airport stood out to us was its proximity to essential services. Whether we were near Terminal A or returning via Terminal C, we noticed that the smoking zones were within walking distance of:

1. Ground transportation pickup

2. Baggage claim areas

3. Information desks

4. Food vendors inside the terminal

5. Restrooms and vending machines

This meant that we never had to split up too far as a family, and everything we needed was within reach. That kind of thoughtful planning made a hectic day feel much more manageable.

Vaping Rules Are Clear and Unified

We also saw signage confirming that vaping is allowed only in the designated Orlando Airport. This unified policy reduces confusion and makes it easier for passengers using alternative nicotine products to follow the rules. Several other travelers in the smoking area were using vapes, and no one had issues.

MCO does a great job in keeping communication simple and rules consistent, something we really appreciated.

Final Thoughts: Family-Friendly and Practical

Traveling as a family, especially with young children and a smoker in the group, means having to think through every little step from airport arrivals to gate departures. The presence of a clean, accessible, and thoughtfully placed Orlando Airport may seem like a small perk, but it genuinely made a positive impact on our experience at MCO.

It helped keep our family comfortable, reduced stress for my husband, and made it easier to navigate the airport without unnecessary detours. We felt respected and accommodated, which isn’t always the case when it comes to smoking amenities in public places.

Would We Recommend MCO?

Absolutely. The Orlando Airport is one of those often-overlooked features that made MCO stand out to us as a traveler-friendly, family-conscious airport. We will gladly choose MCO for future trips, knowing that all our needs whether it’s good food, organized security, kid-friendly spaces, or designated smoking areas are thoughtfully taken care of.

For families traveling with smokers, MCO provides one of the best-balanced airport experiences we’ve had in the U.S. Clean, convenient, and respectful, just the way travel should be.