Man lights cigarette and starts smoking onboard flight in US

Airlines usually warn passengers against smoke in the toilets – because people don't usually light up in their seat

(ViralHog)

A passenger lit a cigarette and starting smoking on a flight in the US, despite the practice being banned for the past two decades.

The man, who had boarded a Spirit Airlines flight to Minneapolis, Minnesota, was filmed by a fellow traveller.

The passenger, dressed in a dark shirt and cargo shorts, was filmed by a passenger sitting in the window seat of the same row. The smoker was sitting in an aisle seat.

Oblivious to other passengers, he lights up and draws on the cigarette, before leaning back against his seat with his eyes shut.

In the footage, a passenger in the row opposite is seen looking around before pressing the call button to flag a flight attendant.

A cabin crew member comes over and taps the man, putting his cigarette out.

The smoker appears startled, saying “oh my God,” as the flight attendant informs him what he’s doing is illegal and demands to see a boarding pass.

The Independent has contacted Spirit Airlines for comment.

Smoking has been banned for passengers on all international flights since 2000. In January, China finally outlawed smoking in the cockpit on domestic flights.