Why planes still have no smoking signs after 30 years

Planes still have this sign throughout the cabin even though a ban came into effect 30 years ago – and this is why.

A travel expert has revealed the real reason why planes still have no smoking signs – even when a ban came in 30 years ago.

At first glance it would seem to be obvious to everyone that passengers weren’t allowed to light up while on board, so having signs warning people not to smoke would be stating the obvious.

But there is a good reason why those signs remain.

Towards the end of last month, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) got rid of the off switch for no smoking signs.

Which means that for all American planes of every US airline, the no smoking signs stays lit throughout the entire time you’re on board.

That includes taxing, takeoff, cruising and landing.

No smoking signs remain on planes even though smoking was banned on board decades ago

The FAA made the decision after some American Airlines flights were delayed in February due to malfunctioning no smoking signs.

While it would seem that no smoking signs are nowadays redundant they are actually very much needed.

“While no smoking signs may seem like an old and outdated practice, they are still a necessity for a few different reasons,” RVshare travel expert Maddi Bourgerie told Thrillist.

Firstly, it’s down to public health and safety.

“There are aviation regulations in place that require airlines to maintain a no-smoking policy,” Ms Bourgerie said.

“Which is largely due to the flammability of materials in the cabin.”

Trying to have a sneaky puff on a plane will get you into some serious trouble.

Plus, she added, “the signs reinforce a smoke-free environment for all passengers and crew,” with second-hand smoke being dangerous to those around you in an enclosed space.

Having no smoking signs also protects airlines from potential law suits.

Ms Bourgerie said having the signs gives the airline some safety net if a smoking-related incident occurs on board.

In effect, the airline is warning you before anything does happen.

As well, while the vast majority of people know that puffing on a cigarette is definitely a no-no, not so familiar is the banning of other smoking equipment such as vapes and electronic cigarettes, which some might be tempted to try.

Having no smoking signs also protects airlines from potential law suits.

Ms Bourgerie also points to a less obvious reason for keeping the no smoking signs – nostalgia.

“Many procedures and protocols in aviation are maintained for consistency and familiarity,” she said.

“And the no smoking sign has become a standard part of the in-flight experience.”

While passengers may not be able to light up and puff away, you can still take your cigarettes, vapes and other smoking paraphernalia with you in your carry-on luggage.

But sparking up will get you into serious trouble.

Smoking a vape or e-cigarette on a plane was outlawed in October 2015, more than 25 years after the TSA banned cigarettes on planes.

In September 2019, a passenger was caught trying to board a flight while smoking a cigarette – as the plane was being filled with thousands of gallons of fuel.

The smoker, who was travelling with his family, was then banned from boarding the flight by the plane’s pilot and escorted away by ground crew.

Another passenger was caught smoking in the middle of a flight, when a fellow traveller frantically called cabin crew.

A flight attendant then stormed over and stopped him from smoking, and he was met by airport police after landing.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission