US Flight Attendants Secretly Vaping In-Flight While Enforcing Passenger Ban

Despite a longstanding federal ban on in-flight smoking, flight attendants working for major U.S. carriers, including those under the “Big Three” like American Airlines (AA), Delta Air Lines (DL), and United Airlines (UA), have reportedly admitted to secretly vaping during flights.

These revelations come amid continued enforcement of strict no-vaping rules against passengers, even as violations persist.

A 2019 study by Korean Air (KE) suggested that 34% of passengers who bring vape devices aboard aircraft, like those flying into Incheon International Airport (ICN), use them mid-flight, despite regulations.

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) prohibits smoking and vaping on all commercial flights, a rule that applies equally to passengers and crew members.

Photo: American Airlines (Representative Photo)

Flight Attendants’ Vaping Incidents

Reports from industry insiders, including active flight attendants, suggest that in-flight vaping among crew members may be more common than previously thought.

A Reddit post, allegedly from a crew member at one of the “Big Three” airlines, described seeing multiple colleagues vape during flights, often discreetly and without immediate consequences.

According to PYOK, various flight attendants confirmed the trend, some admitting to vaping in galleys or lavatories when out of passenger sight.

Responses to the Reddit post reflected a pattern of casual and sometimes open vaping behavior by the crew. One user stated that they had witnessed pilots using e-cigarettes in the cockpit, while another mentioned a senior flight attendant vaping pre-boarding without attempting to conceal it.

While not a daily occurrence, several respondents indicated that such behavior happens regularly enough to be a concern.

Some crew justified their actions by insisting it remains discreet and harmless, especially if no alarms are triggered.

Yet, aircraft lavatories are equipped with smoke detectors capable of sensing aerosol vapors from vape devices, making any use risky and potentially rule-breaking, even for crew members.

Representative Photo: United Airlines

Legal Ban

Smoking, including vaping, has been banned on US commercial aircraft since 2000. In 2011, this ban was clarified by then-US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to explicitly include e-cigarettes.

Foxx noted that the emissions from such devices could contain harmful chemicals, prompting a broader application of the ban to address public health and safety concerns.

In 2016, the DOT finalized a rule that reinforced this prohibition across all US airlines and foreign carriers operating within the US airspace. Despite these clear regulations, enforcement challenges persist not just with passengers, but now, reportedly, with crew.

Adding to the concern is the potential fire hazard posed by lithium-ion batteries within vaping devices. Since 2015, the FAA has prohibited these devices from being packed in checked baggage.

However, flight attendants like Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA), have called for even stricter rules, pushing for a complete in-flight ban, including carry-on possession.

Representative Photo: Delta Air Lines

Growing Use Among Passengers

The 2019 Korean Air study estimated that more than one-third of passengers who bring vape pens onboard eventually use them during flight.

That statistic may have grown in recent years, given the widespread adoption of vaping products and inconsistent in-flight enforcement. Passengers who are caught face hefty fines up to $25,000 and potential flight bans.

The irony is striking: while airlines publicly enforce zero-tolerance smoking policies, some crew members may be covertly violating the very same rules.

This contradiction could undermine both safety standards and passenger trust, especially in a tightly regulated environment like aviation.

Representative Photo: United

Future Outlook

As vaping continues to rise in popularity, airlines face increased pressure to monitor and enforce bans consistently not only among travelers but within their own ranks.

The discrepancy between passenger enforcement and internal compliance highlights a regulatory gap that may need more direct oversight.

While some crew justify vaping as a minor or hidden act, the safety risks and legal implications are far from negligible. With modern smoke detectors and rising public awareness, the aviation industry may soon be forced to confront this issue head-on through policy, enforcement, and accountability.

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.

Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News

The post US Flight Attendants Secretly Vaping In-Flight While Enforcing Passenger Ban appeared first on Aviation A2Z.