Delta Air Lines says it will ban smoking on all domestic flights next month, expanding the no-smoking rule enacted by Congress for all flights of six hours or less within the United States.
Beginning Feb. 25, smoking will be permitted only on Delta flights to Europe and Asia.A federal law took effect April 23, 1988, banning smoking on domestic flights of two hours or less. Last fall, Congress extended the law to include all domestic flights of six hours, effectively banning smoking on flights within the continental United States.
Northwest Airlines was the first carrier to ban smoking on all domestic flights in April 1988.
"In expanding the smoking ban we continue to respond to the wishes of our passengers," said Whit Hawkins, Delta's vice president, marketing.
"Over the years we have seen a dramatic decrease in the demand for designated smoking seats on our flights. At the same time, the two-hour smoking ban begun in 1988 has been very well-received by our passengers."