Can You Smoke on a Private Jet?

49 CFR Part 252 is the federal regulation that prohibits smoking on US-operated commercial aircraft. It applies to all US commercial air carriers, which includes Part 135 on-demand charter operators. The prohibition covers all phases of flight. 

It applies from the moment the aircraft door closes to when it opens at the destination. The regulation was extended to include electronic cigarettes and vaping devices in 2016. Any device that produces a vapour or aerosol for inhalation falls under the same prohibition.

Violating the prohibition is a civil offense. Passengers who smoke aboard a prohibited flight face fines. The Captain has authority to divert the aircraft. The incident may be reported to the FAA and law enforcement upon landing.

Cigar smoking on private jets is a frequently asked question and a persistent misconception. Some clients assume that a cigar charter on a private aircraft is a classic private aviation tradition. It is not a legal activity on US Part 135 charter aircraft. 49 CFR Part 252 explicitly covers cigars. 

An operator who permits cigar smoking on a Part 135 aircraft is in violation of federal law. Hogani Jets does not book charters where tobacco products are smoked in the cabin of a Part 135 aircraft.

A small number of Part 135 operators maintain aircraft configured for smoking under specific conditions. These are uncommon and require confirmation of the regulatory basis under which the operator permits smoking. 

Some operators obtain specific permissions that allow smoking in designated areas of larger cabin aircraft.

If smoking on board is a firm requirement, Hogani Jets will research available aircraft for the route and date. This is a minority of the operator's fleet, and availability is limited. Do not assume any charter aircraft permits smoking without explicit operator confirmation in writing before booking.

E-cigarettes and vaping devices are covered by the 49 CFR Part 252 prohibition since the 2016 regulatory update. Passengers sometimes assume vaping is exempt because it does not produce smoke. The regulation covers any device producing a vapour or aerosol for inhalation. E-cigarettes and vapes are not exempt.

The use restriction applies to active use in the cabin. Carrying e-cigarettes and vaping devices in personal luggage is generally permitted. Devices must be charged via USB rather than aircraft power outlets if charged during the flight.

Cannabis is federally illegal under the Controlled Substances Act. Aircraft and FBOs operate under federal jurisdiction regardless of the state laws of the departure or destination. 

Possession of cannabis aboard a Part 135 charter aircraft is a federal offense. This applies regardless of the legal status of cannabis in the departure state, the destination state, or both. No state-level cannabis legalization changes the federal status of possession aboard an aircraft.

Most FBOs have designated outdoor smoking areas on or near the facility. These are typically located away from the aircraft ramp for obvious reasons. If you require a smoke before departure, arrive with time to use the FBO outdoor smoking area before boarding. Hogani Jets advises on FBO facilities at the departure airport on request.

Some FBOs permit smoking in certain sections of the lounge or in dedicated indoor smoking rooms. This varies by facility. The key boundary is the aircraft. Once at the aircraft steps or on board, the Part 252 prohibition applies.

If smoking on board is a specific requirement for a charter, state this explicitly to Hogani Jets at inquiry. Hogani Jets will confirm whether any suitable aircraft with operator smoking permission exists for the route and date. If no suitable aircraft is available, Hogani Jets will outline practical alternatives. 

Options include using FBO smoking facilities before boarding or planning a fuel stop at a ground FBO. Aircraft with operator-permitted configurations may also be available. Hogani Jets will advise on realistic options for your itinerary.

On US-operated Part 135 aircraft flying internationally, US federal law applies from the moment the aircraft door closes. On the return journey, the US prohibition applies once the aircraft departs the foreign airport.

On non-US operated aircraft, the regulations of the aircraft's country of registry apply. Some European and international operators have more permissive smoking policies. Hogani Jets confirms the applicable rules for any non-US operated aircraft presented to clients.

Contact Hogani Jets at charter@hoganijets.com or +1-855-660-0573. All charters through US Part 135 operators are subject to the no-smoking requirements of 49 CFR Part 252.

All charters are facilitated through licensed Part 135 direct air carriers who hold full operational control and regulatory compliance for every flight.

Can you smoke on a private jet?

No, on virtually all private jet charter flights. 49 CFR Part 252 prohibits smoking on US Part 135 charter aircraft. Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices are all covered. A small number of operators have smoking-permitted aircraft.

Can you smoke a cigar on a private jet?

No. 49 CFR Part 252 explicitly covers cigars on US Part 135 charter aircraft. An operator permitting cigar smoking is in violation of federal law. Hogani Jets does not book charters where cigars are smoked in the cabin.

Can you vape on a private jet?

No. E-cigarettes and vaping devices were added to 49 CFR Part 252 in 2016. Any device producing a vapour or aerosol for inhalation is prohibited. Carrying a device is permitted. Active use in the cabin is not.

What is the penalty for smoking on a private jet?

Violating the 49 CFR Part 252 prohibition is a civil federal offense. Passengers may face civil penalties. The Captain has authority to divert the aircraft. The incident may be reported to the FAA and law enforcement upon landing.

Are there private jets where you can smoke?

A small number of Part 135 operators maintain smoking-permitted aircraft. These are uncommon and availability is limited. State this requirement to Hogani Jets at inquiry. Do not assume any aircraft permits smoking without written confirmation.

Can you smoke cannabis on a private jet?

No. Cannabis is federally illegal under the Controlled Substances Act. Aircraft operate under federal jurisdiction regardless of state cannabis laws. Possession of cannabis aboard a Part 135 charter is a federal offense regardless of departure or destination state laws.

Can you smoke at the FBO before the flight?

Most FBOs have outdoor smoking areas. Arrive with time to use them before boarding. Once at the aircraft steps or on board, the Part 252 prohibition applies. Some FBOs have indoor smoking rooms; availability varies by facility.

Does the no-smoking rule apply during takeoff and landing?

Yes. The prohibition applies from the moment the aircraft door closes to when it opens at the destination. It covers all phases of flight including taxi, takeoff, cruise, descent, and landing.

Do different rules apply on international private jet charters?

On US-operated Part 135 aircraft, US federal law applies for the entire flight. On non-US operated aircraft, the country of registry rules apply. These may be more permissive. Hogani Jets confirms the applicable rules for any non-US operated aircraft.

Can I carry e-cigarettes or vaping devices on a private jet?

Yes, in personal luggage. The prohibition covers active use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices in the cabin during flight. Carrying them is permitted. They must be charged via USB rather than aircraft power outlets if charged during the flight.