The most smokers are so true to their habit that they cannot reject smoking even in those places where it is prohibited. This was the reason why smoking bans had to be introduced in nearly all airlines. For example, the smoking had to be prohibited on domestic US airliners since 1988.
Smoking can cause fire or other accidents onboard. Strict regulations had to be accepted to prevent such cases.
Smoking restrictions were firstly adopted by the United Airlines in 1971.
Smoking bans caused controversies between smokers and non-smokers while the rights of smokers were supported by tobacco manufacturers and even some airlines. For instance, the Civil Aeronautics Board firstly prohibited and then allowed smoking in 1984 while the Chairman, Mr. Dan McKinnon commented that the protests of non-smokers contradict to the real situations.
But however, the inflight smoking prohibition became effective since 1988 for domestic. Since 1990, the prohibition was adopted for all international and domestic flights. The ban was re-confirmed in 2000.
The prohibition of 1990 referred to the passengers and the aircraft cabin only. Pilots had a permission to consume tobacco. Later, this right was withdrawn.
The penalty for smoking passengers amounted to $5,000. Those who rejected to stop smoking could even be taken under custody after the plane landing. For example, a diplomat from Qatar was detained in the Denver International Airport for smoking in the plane lavatory on the United Airlines Flight 663 and threats as a reply to urging.
Well, the situation is really controversial. On one hand, smokers have a right to consume cigarettes. On the other hand, it can especially bother and threaten non-smokers in some places. A plane is a closed capacity where smokes can overspread anywhere, without being dispersed.
Of course, it will trouble non-smokers and lead to conflicts. Therefore, we can agree that such smokings bans are admissible.
Another thing is that non-smokers must not abuse smokers in other places. Smoking bans are relevant in special places, but not everywhere. Smokers must control themselves in order to protect non-smokers from negative follows of their addiction. Non-smokers must not permanently urge them to stop using tobacco.
Patience and tolerance must be leading principles of the relationship between smokers and non-smokers. Both groups of popuation can share the world, without troubling each other. It is a matter of respect, nothing more!