No, pilots are not allowed to smoke during flights or in the cockpit of an airliner. While some sources mention exceptions for single-entity charter operations or other specific circumstances, the overwhelming consensus and regulations across significant countries prohibit smoking on airline flights. This is enforced through national, industry, and airline regulations.
Smoking Restrictions for Pilots
- In-flight smoking: Completely prohibited on all US airliners during normal operations. This is a safety regulation designed to prevent fire hazards and ensure a safe environment for all passengers and crew.
- On airport grounds: Pilots are usually restricted to designated smoking areas, similar to other airport personnel. They cannot smoke near aircraft or on airport grounds where it might be considered a safety hazard.
- Before/After Flights: While there are no specific rules about smoking before or after flights, the significant health implications of smoking often lead to many pilots choosing not to smoke or quitting the habit. Heavy smoking can impact a pilot's medical certification.
Historical Context
Smoking was permitted on flights until the late 1980s. However, due to evolving health concerns and safety regulations, this practice is now universally banned.
Prevalence of Smoking Among Pilots
Although exact statistics are difficult to obtain, sources suggest that smoking among airline pilots is very rare in modern times. The vast majority of pilots either never smoked or have quit due to health regulations and industry expectations.
The Real World vs. Regulations
While regulations strictly prohibit smoking, some sources acknowledge that, like some passengers, some pilots might attempt to smoke outside of strictly regulated areas. However, this is against regulations and is not condoned by the industry.
