Can flight attendants smoke? The short answer is no—at least not on duty or onboard. Airlines enforce strict no-smoking policies for passengers and crew, and breaking the rules can lead to serious consequences. But do airlines hire smokers? Can flight attendants smoke during layovers? Here’s everything you need to know about flight attendant smoking policies and how they affect your career.
Do Airlines Hire Smokers?
Yes, most airlines do hire smokers. They care more about your ability to follow their smoking restrictions than your personal habits. However, some airlines have zero tolerance policies.
Alaska Airlines has refused to hire smokers since 1985 and even requires nicotine testing for new hires. Qatar Airways has fired crew members caught smoking even on their days off. These cases are rare, but if you’re a smoker looking to become cabin crew, check the airline’s stance before applying.
Can Flight Attendants Smoke During Layovers?
This depends on the airline and location. Some airlines allow smoking during layovers only in designated areas. Others enforce a strict no-smoking policy at all times, even off duty.
Local laws also matter—some countries have widespread smoking bans, making it impossible to find a place to smoke legally. And even if an airline allows it, crew cannot smoke in uniform or in public view.
What Happens if a Flight Attendant Smokes on Duty?
Smoking on a plane is a fire hazard and a legal violation. If a flight attendant is caught smoking onboard, they will likely be fired immediately and could face legal fines.
Most airlines have zero tolerance for this. There are smoke detectors in every lavatory, and the smell of smoke lingers. It’s almost impossible to get away with. Even smoking on the ground while in uniform can lead to disciplinary action.
How Do Airlines Enforce These Rules?
Airlines use a mix of strict policies and active monitoring to ensure compliance:
- Onboard smoke detectors instantly alert crew to any cigarette use.
- Strict uniform policies prevent crew from smoking in view of passengers.
- Company monitoring (at some airlines) includes checking for smoking in crew housing or layover hotels.
Some airlines, like Qatar Airways, actively monitor crew behaviour off duty. They book non-smoking hotel rooms for layovers and conduct occasional checks. While extreme, this is their way of ensuring a smoke-free workforce.
Conclusion
If you’re a smoker, being a flight attendant is possible—but challenging. You need to be able to go long hours without smoking, and at some airlines, you may have to give it up completely. Before applying, check airline policies, because for some, smoking—even in your free time—could cost you your job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you become a flight attendant if you smoke?
Yes, most airlines hire smokers, but you must follow strict no-smoking rules while on duty. Some airlines, like Alaska Airlines, won’t hire smokers at all, and others, like Qatar Airways, prohibit smoking even off duty.
Do airlines test for nicotine?
A few do. Alaska Airlines has a no-smoker hiring policy and requires a nicotine test for new employees. Most airlines don’t test, but they expect crew to follow their smoking restrictions.
Can flight attendants vape instead of smoke?
No. Vaping is banned on aircraft just like cigarettes. Flight attendants cannot use e-cigarettes while on duty, in uniform, or onboard a plane.
Can flight attendants smoke on layovers?
It depends on the airline. Some allow it in designated smoking areas, but others have a strict no-smoking policy at all times. Local laws also play a role, as some layover destinations have smoking bans.
What happens if a flight attendant is caught smoking on duty?
They will likely be fired. Smoking on a plane is a serious safety violation, and most airlines have zero tolerance. Crew members caught smoking in uniform or in unauthorised areas may also face disciplinary action.
Do airlines monitor flight attendants to ensure they don’t smoke?
Some do. Qatar Airways, for example, strictly enforces its no-smoking policy by booking non-smoking hotel rooms and monitoring crew housing. Other airlines rely on trust and professional conduct.
Are flight attendants more likely to quit smoking?
Many do. The long hours without a cigarette, strict policies, and health demands of the job make quitting the easiest option for some crew members. Airlines often provide resources to help crew stop smoking.
Do you think flight attendants should be allowed to smoke?