Smoking on Aircraft
Regulatory Requirements
Airline smoking policies are governed by international and local regulations, which require that passengers do not smoke:
- On board an aircraft during take-off, landing or whenever the “no smoking” sign is illuminated.
- In aircraft lavatories or any other “no-smoking” area.
Passengers must obey the cabin crew’s instructions regarding “no smoking” on the aircraft.
Crew Member Responsibilities
The Captain has overall responsibility for passenger safety on flights. He/she enforces an airline’s “no smoking” policy by keeping the “no smoking” sign illuminated on the ground and during flights.
Cabin crew members must advise passengers, during the safety briefing, that:
- Smoking is not permitted on the aircraft while on the ground and when the “no smoking” sign is illuminated.
- The flight is designated a “no smoking” flight.
- Civil aviation regulations require passengers’ compliance with illuminated “no smoking” signs, posted placards and cabin crew instructions.
- Smoking is prohibited in lavatories.
- Tampering with, destroying, or disabling smoke detectors is prohibited by law.
Passenger Responsibilities
Passengers need to:
- Be aware of international and local laws, penalties and fines for breaches of “no smoking” regulations on aircraft.
- Obey crew member instructions regarding no smoking on board the aircraft.