Terri Adams
21/10/2024 • 3 min read
In the early days of commercial aviation, smoking was a standard part of air travel. From the 1930s to the 1980s, passengers freely lit cigarettes during flights and smoking was an accepted practice in the skies. However, growing health concerns and mounting evidence on the dangers of secondhand smoke began to shift public perception. By the late 1980s, smoking bans were gradually introduced, changing the in-flight experience forever.
For much of aviation history, smoking on planes was not only allowed, but it was also actively supported by airlines. Passengers were often given cigarettes as part of the in-flight service, and airlines had designated smoking sections, typically towards the rear of the plane. However, the effectiveness of these smoking areas was questionable. Poor air circulation meant that smoke often spread throughout the cabin, affecting non-smokers.
In the earlier decades of air travel, few were aware of the risks posed by secondhand smoke. It wasn’t until the 1970s and 1980s, when public awareness of smoking-related health issues grew, that people began calling for restrictions and demanding that smoking on planes stop altogether. The confined space of an aeroplane made the harmful effects of smoke impossible to escape, which eventually prompted governments to act.
The movement to ban smoking on planes gained momentum in the late 1980s. Countries started introducing legislation to protect passengers from secondhand smoke and improve overall air travel safety. Here’s a breakdown of when smoking was banned on flights in key regions:
By the late 1990s, the vast majority of airlines worldwide had adopted similar policies. The decision to make smoking on planes stop was rolled out globally, marking the end of an era in commercial aviation.
Several key factors contributed to the banning of smoking on planes:
While smoking traditional cigarettes on planes has been banned for decades, many wonder about the rules surrounding vaping. The same regulations that prohibit smoking apply to e-cigarettes and other vaping devices. Airlines and aviation authorities worldwide strictly forbid the use of vapes during flights due to health concerns, fire hazards, and the risk of disrupting fellow passengers. Unlike smoking, which produces visible smoke, vaping releases aerosols that can still be intrusive in an enclosed space.
Passengers who wish to travel with vapes must follow strict guidelines. E-cigarettes and vape pens must be carried in hand luggage rather than checked baggage, as lithium-ion batteries pose a fire risk. Additionally, e-liquids contained in hand luggage must comply with liquid restrictions imposed by airport security.
To learn more about the rules regarding carrying vapes when travelling, check out our guide on Can You Take Vapes on a Plane?
For those who rely on nicotine, long-haul flights and travel restrictions can be challenging. However, there are alternatives to smoking and vaping that can help manage cravings while flying. Nicotine alternatives such as nicotine pouches, gum, and strips are widely available and can provide a discreet and travel-friendly solution. These options offer a legal and smoke-free way to satisfy nicotine needs without violating airline regulations or inconveniencing fellow passengers.
The global effort to make smoking on planes stop has left a lasting impact. While it was once a ubiquitous part of air travel, the prohibition of smoking has made flights significantly safer and more comfortable for all passengers. Modern aircraft are designed with air filtration systems that ensure clean air, contributing to a healthier in-flight experience. Smoking bans on planes also paved the way for similar prohibitions in other public spaces, such as restaurants, bars, and public transport. This shift in societal norms has continued, with many countries embracing smoke-free environments to protect public health.
The introduction of smoking bans on planes in the 1990s marked a turning point in air travel. It was the result of a growing understanding of the dangers of smoking, both for smokers and for those around them. Today, air travel is safer, healthier, and more comfortable, thanks to these regulations. While even smoking on planes may be a relic of the past - let alone needing to make smoking on planes stop - the changes brought about by these bans continue to shape the future of air travel. As aviation technology advances, the focus remains on improving safety and comfort for both passengers and crew.
