In 1988, "The Federal Aviation Act," the first federal law banning smoking on flights, was signed by President Reagan. The Act made smoking illegal on all domestic flights lasting two hours or less. In 1990, all domestic flights under six hours became nonsmoking flights under federal law; a law prohibiting smoking on all flights to and from the United States passed in 1999.
As of June 4, 2000, the "The Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act" became effective and required that all flights traveling within the United States, or to and from the United States from international locations, be completely smoke free, according to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights. All airlines must comply with the federal regulation when flying to American cities.
As of April 2010, airline passengers who smoke on a plane may be charged up to $2,200 for smoking in the cabin. Persons caught smoking in the plane's restroom may be fined up to $3,300, according to "The Washington Post" reporter, Spencer Hsu.
